CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - ICT

Company: Jospong ICT CLuster / Subah Holding

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role Title             Chief Operating Officer, ICT 

Role Purpose

Provide strategic and operational leadership to drive digital transformation, innovation and operational excellence in the ICT cluster to ensure the attainment of the cluster’s goals & objectives

Reports To: Apex Chief Operating Officer with a dotted line to the Advisory Board Chairman 

Direct Reports:   Subsidiary Heads, Group Functional Heads

Grade:  Executive II

Location: Accra

Internal Relationship     

• Executive Chairman
• Advisory Board Members
• Apex & Jospong Group Executives
• Group Functional Heads 
• Heads of Subsidiaries/ Departments
• All Staff

External Relationship    

• Regulatory Agencies
• Foreign Business Delegates & Partners
• Entrepreneurs
• Multi-National Organizations/Agencies
• External Auditors

KEY RESULTS AREAS

• Strategy Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• Financial Management
• Business Development 
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Relations & Management
• Team Leadership & Development

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

STRATEGY LEADERSHIP

• Develop and execute a long-term ICT strategy aligned with the cluster’s vision and business objectives.
• Set ambitious goals for digital transformation, innovation, and operational efficiency across all functional Groups and subsidiaries.
• Drive organizational transformation by integrating emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, big data analytics, and blockchain into the Group’s operations.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to maintain competitive advantage in the ICT landscape.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

• Oversee initiatives to optimize processes, enhance service delivery, and achieve cost efficiencies across the ICT cluster.
• Oversee the centralized management of resources, including budgeting, e-procurement, and technology deployment.
• Ensure the implementation of best practices in ICT operations, cybersecurity, and data management to achieve operational efficiency.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of ICT systems and processes, implementing improvements as needed.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Oversee the financial strategy and management of the cluster, ensuring sustainable profitability and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and manage budgets, financial forecasts, and investment plans for ICT projects and initiatives.
• Conduct financial analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and ensure optimal resource allocation.
• Mitigate financial risks by implementing robust financial controls and compliance measures.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Identify and pursue growth opportunities through the development of new ICT-driven products, services, and business lines.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with technology vendors, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders.
• Leverage ICT innovations to expand the cluster’s market share and revenue streams.
• Promote the cluster’s capabilities to external clients, positioning the cluster as a leader in digital transformation.

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Lead enterprise-wide risk management efforts to identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to ICT operations and cybersecurity.
• Ensure compliance with international standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in ICT and data protection.
• Develop and implement disaster recovery plans and business continuity strategies to safeguard the cluster’s digital assets.
• Monitor emerging risks in the ICT sector and proactively implement measures to protect the organization’s assets.

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including C-Suite executives, subsidiary heads, and technology partners.
• Communicate the value of ICT initiatives to stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the cluster’s strategic goals.
• Resolve conflicts and address stakeholder concerns to ensure satisfaction and support for ICT projects.
• Represent the ICT cluster in high-level meetings, negotiations, and industry forums.

TEAM LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

• Lead and develop a high-performing team.
• Create a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Promote a learning environment by encouraging training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Drive change management strategies to ensure organizational adoption of new technologies and processes.

JOB SPECIFICATION

Education

• A Master's degree in Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Computer Science or related field. 
• Must be a member of a recognized professional body in IT. 

Experience

• Not less than fifteen (15) years of experience in ICT leadership roles with at least in a senior management position.
• Proven track record in driving digital transformation and innovation in large, multi-sector organizations.
• Extensive experience in managing cross-functional ICT teams and delivering complex technology projects.

Required Competencies

• Visionary leader with a passion for innovation and technology.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Knowledge of industry 4.0 technologies and their application in business transformation.
• In-depth knowledge and appreciation of current developments in the field of AI, machine learning, big data analytics, IoT, and robotic process automation.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity, cloud computing, and database management systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, SQL).
• Proficiency in software development, including open-source platforms and proprietary software.
• Up-to-date knowledge of IT security trends, standards, and best practices.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and software development lifecycles.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to understand the workings of the public sector from a private sector perspective to derive the needed investment and project benefits from the public sector.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of Information Security, IT Risk Management, Governance and/or Compliance. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the principles of change management and change control in an IT systems environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation.
• Strong negotiation, networking and conflict management skills.
• Excellent people management skills, including team building, demanding accountability and the ability to explore team expertise to full business potential.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of business functions and systems including strategic development and planning, budgeting, business analysis, etc.
• Excellent leadership, managerial, coaching, mentoring and interpersonal skills in a team setting.