Director of Information Technology

IT DirectorJob Title IT DirectorIndustry Hospitality (Hotels, Resorts & Leisure)Location ZambiaDepartment Information TechnologyEmployment Type Full-TimeJob SummaryWe are seeking an experienced and strategic IT Director to lead the technology function across a portfolio of hospitality properties in Zambia. The IT Director will be responsible for the overall IT strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital guest experience technology across hotels, resorts, and related hospitality operations. This role requires a strong blend of technical leadership, hospitality industry knowledge, vendor management, and team leadership skills to ensure seamless, secure, and innovative technology operations that enhance guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute the organization's IT strategy and roadmap in alignment with overall business and hospitality operational goals. Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and support of Property Management Systems (PMS such as Opera/Oracle Hospitality), Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, Central Reservation Systems (CRS), and Channel Management platforms. Lead IT operations across multiple properties, ensuring standardized systems, network infrastructure, and service levels throughout the portfolio. Manage and safeguard guest-facing technology including in-room entertainment, Wi-Fi/internet services, mobile check-in/checkout, keyless entry, and guest experience applications. Design and enforce robust cybersecurity policies, data protection practices, and PCI-DSS compliance to protect guest and business data. Own IT infrastructure planning including networks, servers, cloud services, telephony (PABX), CCTV/security systems integration, and disaster recovery/business continuity planning. Manage the IT budget, capital expenditure planning, and cost optimization across properties, ensuring value for money on technology investments. Lead vendor management and negotiations with technology partners, system integrators, telecom providers, and software vendors. Drive digital transformation initiatives, including automation, self-service technology, data analytics, and integration of emerging hospitality technologies (IoT, AI-driven guest services, etc.). Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing IT team across properties, including on-site IT managers/engineers and helpdesk support staff. Ensure compliance with local Zambian regulations, data privacy laws, and corporate governance requirements related to IT and information security. Partner with operations, finance, sales & marketing, and revenue management teams to identify technology solutions that improve efficiency and guest experience. Manage IT support SLAs, incident response, and system uptime to minimize disruption to hotel operations and guest services. Evaluate and lead new property IT set-ups, pre-opening technology planning, and system migrations/upgrades.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; a Master's degree or relevant certifications (PMP, ITIL, CISSP, CISM) is an advantage. Minimum 10-12 years of progressive IT experience, including at least 5 years in a senior IT leadership role within the hospitality, hotel, or resort industry. Proven hands-on experience with hospitality-specific systems such as Opera PMS, Micros/Simphony POS, CRS, and channel management/distribution platforms. Strong knowledge of network infrastructure, cloud computing, virtualization, cybersecurity frameworks, and disaster recovery planning. Prior experience managing IT operations across multiple hotel properties or a multi-site hospitality group is highly preferred. Solid understanding of PCI-DSS compliance and data privacy requirements relevant to the hospitality sector. Experience managing IT budgets, vendor contracts, and capital projects. Experience working in Zambia or the wider Southern/East African hospitality market is strongly preferred; familiarity with the local regulatory and telecom landscape is a plus.Skills & CompetenciesStrong strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to translate business needs into technology solutions. Excellent leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Strong vendor negotiation and stakeholder management abilities. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technology strategy to senior leadership and ownership. High level of guest-centric thinking, understanding how technology impacts guest experience and hotel operations. Ability to manage multiple priorities across properties in a fast-paced, 24/7 hospitality environment. Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to risk management and system reliability.Working ConditionsBased in Zambia, with periodic travel to properties across the portfolio as required. Availability to respond to critical IT incidents outside standard business hours, given the 24/7 nature of hospitality operations.