IT Manager

The role is responsible for coordinating, planning, and leading all computer-related activities within the organisation. The role ensures the stability, security, scalability, and performance of the company's IT infrastructure and systems while aligning technology solutions with business objectives.

The IT Manager oversees cloud and on-premise environments, drives operational excellence, manages vendor relationships, and leads the IT team to deliver secure, reliable, and efficient technology services that support business continuity and growth.

(This role is based in Cape Town)

Key Responsibilities

IT Infrastructure & Operations

• Ensure all IT systems, platforms, and infrastructure operate effectively with high availability and minimal downtime.
• Oversee the maintenance, optimisation, and continuous improvement of IT systems and operational processes.
• Manage and support cloud and on-premise infrastructure environments, including migrations and integrations.
• Monitor system performance and implement enhancements to improve reliability, efficiency, and scalability.
• Ensure stable and reliable end-user computing environments across the organisation.

Security & Compliance

• Implement and maintain IT security policies, standards, and controls.
• Ensure systems, networks, and organisational data remain protected against internal and external threats.
• Oversee backup, disaster recovery, and redundancy strategies to support business continuity.
• Maintain compliance with relevant security frameworks and standards, including PCI DSS, POPIA, and NIST.
• Identify, assess, and proactively mitigate IT risks.

Vendor & Service Management

• Manage relationships with technology vendors, service providers, and external partners.
• Oversee contracts, licensing, renewals, and service delivery performance.
• Monitor and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and ensure timely issue resolution.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and solutions to improve performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and support the IT team to ensure high performance and alignment with business goals.
• Manage resource planning, workload allocation, and team performance across distributed teams and multiple regions.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
• Provide technical guidance and support for complex operational issues.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders to understand operational and strategic requirements.
• Translate technical concepts into clear business language for non-technical stakeholders.
• Ensure IT services effectively support business operations and growth objectives.
• Provide regular reporting and updates on IT performance, risks, and strategic initiatives.

Experience & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in IT infrastructure, systems administration, or IT management roles.
• Advanced experience working with networking, Linux environments, Google Workspace, Microsoft ecosystems, Microsoft 365, and SharePoint.
• Proven experience managing cloud platforms, migrations, and hybrid infrastructure environments.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, databases, storage systems, and telephony solutions.
• Demonstrated experience managing vendors, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.

Advantageous

• MCSE, MCITP, or equivalent certifications.
• Experience within the travel industry and understanding of airline terminology.

Key Competencies

Technical Competencies

• IT infrastructure management
• Cloud platforms and hybrid environments
• Cybersecurity and compliance
• Systems administration
• Networking and telephony
• Disaster recovery and business continuity
• Data governance and systems design
• Vendor and SLA management
• Project management
• Systems integration and migration

Behavioural Competencies

• Leadership and people management
• Strategic thinking
• Analytical and problem-solving ability
• Communication and stakeholder engagement
• Decision-making under pressure
• Adaptability and resilience
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Service orientation
• Planning and organisational skills

Success Measures

• Maintain secure, stable, and highly available IT environments.
• Minimise downtime and operational disruption.
• Ensure compliance with security and governance standards.
• Deliver efficient and scalable IT solutions that support business growth.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, vendors, and internal teams.
• Lead and develop a high-performing IT function.
• Improve service delivery and operational performance through continuous optimisation.

Working Relationships

Internal Stakeholders

• CTO
• Engineering and Product Teams
• Operations Teams
• Finance
• HR
• Customer Support Teams
• Regional Business Teams

External Stakeholders

• Technology vendors
• Service providers
• Security and compliance partners
• Telecommunications providers

About Travelstart

Travelstart is Africa's leading online travel agency (OTA) that helps today's business and leisure travellers search, compare and book the best flight, bus, hotel, car hire, holiday packages and activities all in one place.

With a huge focus on affordable travel and simplifying the travel booking experience for our customers, visit the Travelstart website or download the Travelstart app, to find some of the lowest fares around. Pay quickly and safely online with your preferred payment method, and you're off!

Travelstart is part of the TravelLab Group.