Deputy Director: Capability Operations

University of the Western Cape ICT Department IT Operations & Services

Type of Position: Permanent - Full Time

Closing Date: 1/6/2026

The University of the Western Cape is seeking an exceptional senior IT leader to join our Information and Communication Services Department as Deputy Director: Capability Operations. This is a pivotal leadership position that combines strategic vision with operational excellence, driving the digital transformation of our institution while ensuring the stability, efficiency, and security of our technology infrastructure.

As a key member of the Information and Communication Services senior leadership team, you will support the Director: ICT in shaping and executing the university's ICT strategy, engaging at executive level across the institution, and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver world class IT services that enable our academic and research mission.

• Assist the Director: ICT in formulating and executing the university's ICT strategic and institutional operating plans.
• Oversee and be accountable for all core infrastructure services including data centres, servers, networks, storage, backup, disaster recovery, information security, and cloud based systems.
• Drive adoption and adherence to ITIL and COBIT frameworks and ensure compliance with institutional, regulatory, and legal requirements.
• Develop and manage OPEX and CAPEX budgets, lead procurement processes, and manage vendor relationships.
• Lead and manage IT operations staff across infrastructure, networks, and support teams, including workforce planning and staff development.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through service excellence and implementation of change, incident, and problem management processes.
• Act as point of contact for faculties, departments, and administrative units regarding IT infrastructure operations.
• Investigate and propose adoption of new technologies to enhance service delivery and support the university's digital transformation.
• Relevant NQF 8 qualification in IT or related field with 8 years' experience in IT operations, with at least 3-5 years of management experience at a senior level.
• Relevant NQF 7 qualification in IT or related field with 10 years' experience in IT operations, with at least 5 years of management experience at a senior level.
• ITIL Foundation Certification or equivalent.
• Proven experience in managing complex IT infrastructure and services.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Executive level engagement and business relationship management experience.

• Postgraduate degree or ITIL Manager Certification.
• Exposure to academic environments.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Sound understanding of IT governance frameworks (ITIL, COBIT).
• Strategic thinking and analytical problem solving.
• Executive presence and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage change in a complex environment.
• High level of integrity, responsibility, and professionalism.

In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.