Head of Information Technology – Aviation MRO

Position Overview

The Head of IT will play a critical role in establishing and managing the IT function for a newly formed business unit. Reporting to the Group Director of IT, this role is responsible for building strong relationships with business stakeholders, understanding their needs, and translating these needs into effective technology solutions. The position requires close collaboration with the broader corporate IT team and external partners to design, implement, and manage IT initiatives that support strategic objectives and enable business growth.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Business Relationship Management (20%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across all departments.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, proactively identifying business needs and challenges.
• Translate business needs into clear and actionable IT requirements.
• Communicate IT capabilities, constraints, and solution options effectively to stakeholders.

2. IT Strategy & Planning (20%)

• Partner with business leadership and the Group Head of IT to develop an IT strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Participate in organizational planning processes to ensure IT solutions support business priorities.
• Identify and prioritize IT initiatives based on business needs and return on investment.

3. Solution Development & Implementation (20%)

• Collaborate with internal IT teams and external partners to design, develop, and deliver IT solutions.
• Manage timelines, resources, and budgets for IT projects.
• Ensure effective communication and alignment between the business and IT throughout the project lifecycle.

4. IT Operations & Support (20%)

• Partner with IT operations teams to ensure reliable performance of IT infrastructure and applications.
• Monitor IT service levels and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Advocate for the business unit’s requirements regarding IT service levels and support agreements.

5. Change Management (10%)

• Develop and execute communication plans for IT-related changes.
• Train and educate employees on new systems and processes.
• Facilitate user adoption and ensure smooth transitions to new technologies.

6. Reporting & Analytics (5%)

• Collect and analyze IT-related data to measure solution effectiveness and identify improvement areas.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate IT performance, progress, and value to leadership.

7. Other Duties (5%)

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the successful establishment and operation of the IT function.
• Assist in special projects and broader IT initiatives as needed.

Qualifications, Experience & Competencies

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in IT Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Relevant certifications preferred (e.g., TOGAF, CSM, PMI-ACP, Microsoft Data Analyst Associate, CISSP, ITIL Foundation, AWS Solutions Architect, SAP certifications, CBRM, Six Sigma, PMP, change management certifications).

Minimum Experience

• 10–15 years of progressive IT experience, with at least 5 years in a management role.
• Proven track record of delivering and implementing major IT programs and services.
• 3–5 years of experience in project management and team leadership, including risk management, stakeholder communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Job-Specific Competencies

1. IT Infrastructure & Architecture – Strong understanding of networks, server management, cloud environments, and enterprise architecture frameworks.
2. Application Development & Management – Knowledge of SDLC methodologies and experience with integration and middleware technologies.
3. Data Management & Analytics – Proficiency in data governance, quality management, analytics tools, and big data practices.
4. Cybersecurity – Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, compliance standards, and security tools/frameworks.
5. IT Service Management – Familiarity with ITIL and ITSM tools (e.g., ServiceNow, JIRA).
6. Cloud Services & Virtualization – Experience with major cloud platforms and virtualization technologies.
7. Business Systems & ERP – Experience with ERP systems and business process optimization.
8. Relationship Management & Communication – Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust across stakeholders and teams.
9. Analytical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Ability to assess complex challenges and deliver effective technology solutions.
10. Communication Skills – Strong written and verbal communication, including documentation and presentation abilities.
11. Teamwork & Collaboration – Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams and with partners.
12. Customer Service Orientation – Focus on understanding user needs and delivering high-quality IT services.
13. Project Management & Prioritization – Ability to manage competing priorities, lead projects, and deliver results on time and within scope.
14. Adaptability & Flexibility – Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, learn new technologies, and adjust to evolving business needs.