Head IT & Platform

Functional Strategy and PlansDevelop and implement Institute’s IT strategy and roadmap that ensures use of latest and best suited technologies for efficient functioning of the Institute across academics, research and other areas.People ManagementDirect and engage the IT team by overseeing their recruitment, training, development and performance management in order to ensure high levels of technical competenceand commitment to Jio Institute.Change ManagementContribute to the management of change through own team by providing inputs for and partaking in change initiatives, programs and projects considering international leading practices, changes in international standards and changes in theexternal environment which demands proactive action plans.IT Projects PortfolioLiaise with the representatives of the major areas of the institution to identify emerging IT needs and activity volumes to establish a baseline of IT requirements for the short-, medium- and long-term.Direct and guide the comprehensive translation of institute needs into an IT plan and assess IT initiatives based on objective criteria such as criticality for the institution, impact on teaching and research ability, risk of failure for the university etc. to identify the IT priorities.Develop an IT implementation plan with work streams, forecasted budgets, resources, timelines and performance indicators to steer IT efforts in a coordinated and efficient manner.IT SLAs and AuditsProvide overall direction to the IT Support Services function to ensure the effective development, implementation and maintenance of quality assurance processes and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure the provision of high-quality IT services to the university, in accordance with the agreed upon quality standards.Ensure the effective execution of internal and external IT audits and the collaborationof all relevant parties to achieve defined quality standards.IT Architecture and SystemsDirect the conceptualization, planning, development and testing of new IT solutions, systems and architecture in order to ensure the fulfilment of end-users’ requirements and the creation and maintenance of a fit-for-purpose university-wide IT infrastructure.Direct and guide the continuous improvement of the IT architecture, security, systemsand processes in order to ensure they are cost-efficient and fit-for-purpose.IT Support ServicesOversee the effective provision of internal IT support services to academic and non- academic functions, including IT and Audio-Visual set-up in classrooms and other spaces, hardware and software configuration etc. in order to ensure that all end-user IT needs are fulfilled in an efficient and timely manner.Direct the delivery of awareness sessions and end-user trainings in order to enhancetheir IT capabilities and reduce the number of basic IT work orders ,thus optimizing IT resources.Vendor RelationsDevelop an IT sourcing plan and establish effective relationships with suppliers to ensure effective vendor relationship management and sound IT sourcingchannels for the institution.Oversee end-to-end vendor lifecycle management, including selection, negotiation, performance monitoring, and contract compliance.Ensure vendors deliver high-quality, cost-effective, and timely IT products and services aligned with institutional needs and standards.Drive continuous improvement by evaluating vendor performance, identifying risks, and implementing corrective actions where required.Technological ImprovementConduct research and remain abreast of the latest developments in the IT areas within higher education institutions, including online teaching and learning instruments, knowledge sharing platforms etc. in order to ensure that the institution progressestowards the implementation of best practice IT frameworks and systems.Budgets and PlansRecommend the IT budget and continuously monitor financial performance versus the budget so that the institution is aware of anticipated costs, areas of unsatisfactory performance are identified and potential areas of cost reduction or performanceimprovement opportunities are capitalized upon.Policies, Procedures and ProcessesDevelop and oversee the implementation of the department policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of the department’s activity so that all relevant procedural requirements and standards are fulfilled while ensuring that Jio Institute delivers world-class services to all its stakeholders and constituencies.