General Manager: Business Technology & Information Services (Poultry)

JOB PURPOSE

To provide strategic leadership, governance and overall management of the Business Technology and Information Services function within the Poultry Division.

The incumbent is accountable for developing and implementing the divisional technology strategy, ensuring the effective management and optimisation of information systems, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, business intelligence and digital transformation initiatives.

The role ensures that technology investments and solutions are aligned with business objectives, enabling sustainable business growth, operational excellence, improved decision-making, innovation and effective risk management.

1 Technology Strategy and Governance

• Develop, implement and maintain the divisional technology strategy in alignment with the overall business strategy.
• Ensure technology initiatives support operational requirements and strategic business objectives.
• Establish and maintain appropriate IT governance frameworks, policies, standards and controls.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, legislative and corporate governance requirements.
• Identify, assess and manage technology-related risks, implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to divisional leadership on technology investments and opportunities.

2 Information Systems and Enterprise Applications

• Provide strategic oversight of all enterprise applications and information systems within the division.
• Ensure the stability, availability, performance, reliability and integrity of business systems.
• Oversee the implementation, integration, maintenance and upgrading of information systems.
• Drive continuous improvement and optimisation of business applications and systems.
• Ensure systems effectively support business processes and operational requirements.
• Promote standardisation and integration across the divisional technology environment.

3 IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity

• Oversee the management and performance of IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, hardware and related technology environments.
• Establish and maintain appropriate cybersecurity strategies, policies and controls.
• Ensure the protection of organisational information, systems and technology assets.
• Monitor cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities and technology-related risks.
• Ensure appropriate disaster recovery and business continuity plans are established, tested and maintained.
• Drive compliance with information security standards and internal control requirements.

4 Business Intelligence and Data Management

• Lead the development and implementation of business intelligence and management reporting capabilities.
• Ensure the availability, accuracy, integrity and accessibility of business information.
• Establish and maintain appropriate data governance frameworks, standards and controls.
• Drive the effective use of data analytics to support business planning and decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting capabilities, data integration and information management.
• Promote a data-driven culture throughout the division.

5 Digital Transformation and Innovation

• Develop and lead the divisional digital transformation strategy and initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for automation, digitisation and process optimisation.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and assess their potential business value.
• Drive the adoption of innovative technology solutions to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
• Partner with business stakeholders to identify technology-enabled improvements.
• Monitor the benefits and business value derived from digital transformation initiatives.

6 Project and Portfolio Management

• Establish and oversee the divisional technology project portfolio.
• Prioritise projects in accordance with strategic business requirements and available resources.
• Ensure technology projects are delivered within approved budgets, timelines and quality standards.
• Monitor project progress, risks, dependencies and deliverables.
• Ensure appropriate project governance and reporting structures are maintained.
• Monitor project benefits realisation and ensure investments deliver measurable business value.

7 Vendor and Contract Management

• Manage strategic relationships with technology vendors, service providers and external partners.
• Oversee the negotiation and management of technology contracts and service-level agreements.
• Ensure service providers deliver against agreed performance and service standards.
• Monitor vendor performance, contractual compliance and value for money.
• Identify opportunities to optimise technology expenditure and supplier arrangements.

8 Leadership and People Management

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Business Technology and Information Services management team.
• Lead, develop and manage the functional management team to achieve divisional objectives.
• Establish clear performance expectations, accountability and measurable objectives.
• Develop technical, managerial and leadership capabilities within the function.
• Drive succession planning, talent development and skills retention.
• Foster a culture of service excellence, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure appropriate organisational structures, resources and capabilities are in place to support business requirements.

9 Budget and Financial Management

• Develop, manage and control the divisional technology budget.
• Ensure the effective utilisation and allocation of technology resources.
• Monitor capital and operational expenditure against approved budgets.
• Evaluate technology investments and business cases to ensure financial sustainability and return on investment.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation and improved operational efficiency.
• Monitor technology performance metrics and service delivery standards.

Minimum requirements

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 7 in Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science or a related discipline.

Minimum Experience

• 8–10 years' relevant experience within an IT, information systems or business technology environment.
• At least 5 years' experience in a senior management or strategic leadership position.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing technology strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in managing enterprise systems, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity and information management.
• Experience in managing significant technology budgets, projects, vendors and service providers.
• Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams and managing organisational change.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

The incumbent must demonstrate sound knowledge and understanding of:

• IT strategy development and implementation.
• IT governance, risk management and internal controls.
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and business application environments.
• IT infrastructure, networking and cloud technologies.
• Cybersecurity and information security management.
• Business intelligence, data analytics and data governance.
• Digital transformation, automation and emerging technologies.
• Project and portfolio management methodologies.
• Technology financial management and budgeting.
• Vendor, contract and service-level management.
• Business continuity and disaster recovery management.

LEADERSHIP AND BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Strong leadership and people management.
• Decision-making and problem-solving.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Financial and commercial awareness.
• Change leadership and transformation management.
• Planning, organising and execution.
• Communication and influencing skills.
• Innovation and continuous improvement.
• Accountability and results orientation.
• Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork.

KEY INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

Internal stakeholders

• Divisional Managing Director and Executive Management.
• Divisional management teams.
• Finance and Human Resources.
• Operational management and production teams.
• Group IT and other relevant corporate functions.
• Business Information and Systems teams.

External stakeholders

• Technology vendors and service providers.
• IT consultants and implementation partners.
• Software and infrastructure providers.
• Cybersecurity and technology specialists.
• Relevant regulatory and compliance stakeholders.

It would be an advantage if you have:

• Postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 8 in Information Technology Management, Business Administration, Information Systems or a related field.
• MBA or equivalent management qualification.
• Relevant professional certifications in IT governance, cybersecurity, project management or technology management.