IT Manager

Sparx* is looking for an IT Manager who will provide general oversight of the studio’s IT infrastructure, provisioning, planning, installation and operation. You will be responsible for researching and planning for implementation of the most recent technologies in the industry. Tasks include managing the system hardware, operating systems, software, and procedures that adhere to the firm’s values and goals.

This role will be in charge of a team of IT managers and manage the company’s technology operations and the implementation of new IT system and policies.

The overall role is to enable partners and staff to effectively work and minimize their time spent on IT.

IT Leadership & Strategy

• Define and execute the IT strategy, roadmap, and architecture in alignment with business objectives and Group IT strategy.
• Provide overall IT governance for the organization, ensuring technology initiatives support business growth and operational excellence.
• Establish and maintain IT policies, standards, processes, and best practices.

IT Operations & Service Delivery

• Plan, organize, direct, control, and evaluate all IT operations, infrastructure, systems, networks, and end-user services.
• Ensure IT service delivery meets agreed service levels (SLAs) and business requirements.
• Monitor, plan, and manage infrastructure growth, capacity, availability, and performance.
• Prioritize operational improvements, production issues, and service enhancements based on business impact.

Information Security & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Group IT security standards, client security requirements, and industry best practices.
• Lead information security governance, risk management, internal security audits, and remediation activities.
• Implement and maintain security controls across infrastructure, systems, devices, and applications.
• Ensure software and hardware licensing compliance and adherence to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Infrastructure & Architecture

• Establish and maintain infrastructure and architecture standards.
• Plan, implement, and monitor infrastructure changes and technology upgrades.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, system standards, and operational procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement through technology modernization and optimization initiatives.

Business Partnership & Project Management

• Partner with business stakeholders to identify technology opportunities and deliver business value.
• Evaluate, prioritize, and manage IT projects, business cases, and technology investments.
• Lead projects directly or assign appropriate project ownership within the IT team.
• Proactively identify operational challenges and propose technology-enabled solutions.

Business Continuity & Risk Management

• Ensure Disaster Recovery Plans (DRP) and Business Continuity Plans (BCP) are established, tested, and maintained.
• Minimize operational risks through proactive monitoring, planning, and controls.

Financial & Vendor Management

• Develop, manage, and control IT budgets, forecasts, and expenditures.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with hardware, software, cloud, and service vendors.
• Negotiate and manage contracts to ensure cost efficiency and service quality.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, develop, and evaluate the IT team to achieve organizational objectives.
• Manage recruitment, performance management, coaching, succession planning, and career development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Train employees on IT policies, security awareness, and relevant technology processes.

Executive Communication

• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to executive leadership regarding IT performance, risks, investments, cybersecurity, and technology initiatives.
• Act as the primary advisor to management on technology-related matters.

Other

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required to support business needs.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
• MBA or equivalent business qualification is an advantage.

Professional Experience

• 8+ years of progressive IT experience, including at least 3-5 years in an IT leadership or management role.
• Proven experience managing IT operations, infrastructure, service delivery, and technology projects.
• Experience working in multinational organizations and supporting geographically distributed teams.
• Proven experience in budget planning, vendor management, and contract negotiations.

Technical Knowledge

• Solid knowledge of business requirement gathering, analysis, and solution design.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, systems administration, network technologies, cloud services, and cybersecurity.
• Solid knowledge of IT service management (ITSM), project management, and IT governance frameworks.
• Experience in IT architecture, system integration, and technology lifecycle management.
• Good understanding of disaster recovery, business continuity, risk management, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in software and hardware asset management and license compliance.

Business & Leadership Skills

• Strong business acumen with the ability to align technology solutions with business objectives.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, develop, and motivate high-performing IT teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
• Customer-oriented mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a logical and structured approach.

Communication

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation and executive reporting capabilities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Professional working proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong decision-making capabilities.
• Results-driven, accountable, and highly adaptable.
• Collaborative team player with a positive and proactive attitude.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced and changing business environment.