Head of IT at Malaikair

MalaikAir is not merely an airline; we are the wings of transformation, dedicated to connecting continents, bridging cultures, and creating a new era of travel. Our story began with a passion for connecting people, cultures, and places. Founded in 2019, with its base in Accra, Ghana, and transit hubs in Jamaica (Western Caribbean Hub) and Barbados (Eastern Hub), MalaikAir is an international, regional and customer-focused airline that has set a singular mission: to bring accessible, affordable, and convenient air travel to Africans, fostering connections between the African and Caribbean regions.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of IT

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary and Objectives

• As the Head of IT, you will oversee all aspects of information technology and digital strategies to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness.
• You will lead a dynamic team in implementing and managing cutting-edge technologies to enhance customer experiences, optimize operational processes, and ensure the security and integrity of our IT infrastructure.

The Head of IT shall:

• Maintain essential IT infrastructure, including operating systems, security tools, applications, servers, email systems, laptops, desktops, software, and hardware.
• Take responsibility for projects and solutions within the larger business initiative.
• Handle business-critical IT tasks and systems administration
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, hardware, and software
• Track and maintain hardware and software inventory
• Monitor cybersecurity initiatives and risks
• Liaise with website application developers to maintain and improve flight booking software.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute IT strategies aligned with the company's overall objectives.
• Provide visionary leadership in leveraging technology to drive business growth and transformation.
• Analyze departmental needs, identify vulnerabilities, and boost productivity, efficiency, and accuracy to inform business decisions.
• Ensure network components work together seamlessly to meet business needs, using their full range of capabilities, and stay informed about new features and competitor solutions, while constantly analyzing processes, technologies, and vendors to find areas for improvement.
• Prepare cost-benefit analyses when upgrades are necessary and monitor vendors to ensure they’re offering the best possible service and value for business needs, and train employees to use software and hardware, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical support when needed. Develop and execute disaster planning and maintain data backups.
• Technology Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends. Identify opportunities to innovate and implement new technologies to enhance business operations and customer experiences.
• IT Infrastructure Management: Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of robust IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and cloud systems. Ensure high availability, scalability, and security of IT systems.
• Digital Transformation: Lead initiatives to streamline processes, improve efficiencies, and enhance the digital customer journey. Drive the adoption of digital technologies across all business areas.
• Cybersecurity and Compliance: Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies to protect against internal and external threats. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards related to data privacy and security.
• Team Leadership: Build and develop a high-performing IT team. Provide mentorship, guidance, and support to team members to foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with IT vendors, consultants, service providers, and partners. Evaluate and select vendors, negotiate contracts, and ensure the delivery of high-quality services and solutions.
• Budget and Resource Management: Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation to support strategic initiatives and operational needs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal stakeholders across various departments to understand business requirements and priorities. Communicate IT plans, initiatives, and progress to executive leadership and board members.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in information technology, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in the aviation industry or related sectors is highly desirable.
• Strong strategic planning and execution skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proven track record of driving digital transformation and delivering innovative IT solutions.
• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex IT projects and budgets.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, ITIL, or PMP are a plus.
• Deep knowledge of programming languages and operating systems (ex: Microsoft Exchange, Active Directory), current equipment and technologies, enterprise backup and recovery procedures, and systems performance monitoring
• Expertise in implementing, configuring, and testing IT solutions
• Strong creative and analytical thinking.

Application Closing Date
15th July, 2024.