IT Manager

CKL Africa Limited is seeking an experienced IT Manager to lead its technology agenda across the operating companies in Nairobi. Reporting to the Head of Shared Services, the role is responsible for translating business objectives into technology, systems, data and service capabilities while ensuring secure, reliable and compliant information systems.

Key Job Information

• Job Title: IT Manager
• Department: Shared Services
• Location: Nairobi
• Reports To: Head of Shared Services

About the Role

The IT Manager will set technology direction for the businesses and convert business strategy into an executable technology roadmap. The role combines strategic technology leadership with operational responsibility for reliable, secure and cost-effective IT services across manufacturing, laboratory, field sales and corporate sites.

The position will also advise management on emerging technology and digital trends and ensure technology investments are linked to measurable commercial, operational and regulatory outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

IT Strategy and Governance

• Define and maintain the IT strategy and roadmap in alignment with the corporate strategy.
• Determine capital investment parameters, priorities and risk appetite for IT initiatives to maximise return on investment.
• Advise management on emerging technologies, digital trends and the governance of artificial intelligence adoption.
• Maintain the IT policy framework and ensure it remains current with the regulatory environment.

Business Partnering and Digital Transformation

• Engage departmental and operating company leadership to understand business strategy and identify the technology capabilities required to execute it.
• Translate business requirements into functional and non-functional specifications for new or changed services.
• Lead process digitisation and automation opportunities across Finance, Supply Chain, Production, Sales, Quality and Laboratory functions.
• Link technology investment to commercial outcomes by ensuring initiatives have defined baselines, target benefits and named business owners.

Project and Portfolio Delivery

• Manage the technology project portfolio and sequence initiatives according to business priorities, resource availability and budget.
• Deliver multidisciplinary technology projects within agreed time, scope and budget constraints.
• Apply consistent project governance from project charter through to benefits realisation.
• Provide technology leadership and governance to business-led projects involving systems or data.

Information Security, Data Protection and Business Continuity

• Identify, classify, remediate and mitigate vulnerabilities across information systems.
• Maintain and test disaster recovery plans in accordance with the business continuity policy and document residual risks.
• Ensure information systems and data handling practices comply with the Kenya Data Protection Act 2019.
• Maintain readiness for regulatory engagement with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.
• Ensure system controls, access management, audit trails and electronic records meet applicable requirements.
• Deliver cybersecurity awareness training across the organisation.
• Manage security incidents through detection, containment, recovery and lessons learned.

IT Service Operations

• Ensure reliable, secure and cost-effective operation of infrastructure, applications, networks and end-user services.
• Approve and validate IT requests for software, hardware and service changes according to budget classification and delivery timeframe.
• Maintain systems and asset registers and manage the technology lifecycle.
• Report IT service performance to the management team monthly.

Data, Analytics and Reporting

• Develop and maintain data and analytics capabilities, including reporting platforms and data quality standards.
• Ensure management reporting is delivered accurately and on schedule.
• Identify and resolve data quality issues at source.
• Ensure business decision-makers have timely, accurate and accessible performance data.

Vendor, Contract and Financial Management

• Develop and implement IT service management agreements, operational level agreements and supporting contracts aligned with agreed service levels.
• Manage vendor performance, escalations and commercial relationships, with preference for suppliers demonstrating viability and support presence in East Africa.
• Develop and manage the ICT operating and capital budget.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related discipline.
• A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• At least 7 years’ experience leading IT operations in a large or multi-site environment.
• At least 5 years’ experience in project management.
• Demonstrated experience in ERP or business systems implementation.
• Working knowledge of the Kenya Data Protection Act 2019.
• Experience operating IT within a regulated manufacturing or laboratory environment.

Professional Certifications

Professional certification in one or more of the following areas is required:

• Information security, such as CISSP, CISM or CISA.
• Service management, such as ITIL v4.
• Project management, such as PMP or PRINCE2.
• Data protection.

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Operating Systems and Platforms: Windows Server 2016–2022, Windows 11 and Linux fundamentals.
• Identity and Productivity: Microsoft 365, Microsoft Entra ID and Exchange.
• Networking: Structured networking, wireless networking at CCNA level or equivalent, and enterprise firewall technologies.
• Databases and Reporting: SQL Server and Power BI.
• Business Systems: SYSPRO ERP, Odoo Enterprise, LIMS, field sales and distribution applications, HR information systems and KRA eTIMS.
• Security: Endpoint detection and response, SIEM and log monitoring, vulnerability management, backup and disaster recovery.
• Cloud and Telephony: Cloud infrastructure and services and cloud PBX.
• Governance: ITIL service management and PRINCE2 or PMP project management.

How to Apply

The supplied role profile does not provide an application deadline, application email address or application portal. Candidates should refer to the official CKL Africa Limited recruitment instructions for the application process.