Project Director (Strategic Infrastructure Initiatives)

About the Job

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Project Director to lead the transformation of the University's IT infrastructure and processes, delivering efficient, robust, scalable, sustainable, and secure enterprise infrastructure services that support teaching, learning, research, administration, and the University's strategic objectives.

Working closely with the Chief IT Officer and the Head of Infrastructure, the Project Director will be responsible for reviewing, planning, and driving the implementation of high-impact strategic IT infrastructure initiatives. This includes leading infrastructure consolidation and automation efforts, strengthening service management and provisioning capabilities, enhancing policies and operational processes, and improving lifecycle, governance, risk, and compliance management across the University's IT landscape.

The role will oversee initiatives spanning network infrastructure, on-premises and cloud computing environments, storage, databases, messaging platforms, helpdesk services, end-user computing, and emerging smart campus technologies. The Project Director will also collaborate with key stakeholders across the University to ensure projects are aligned with business needs, delivered effectively, and contribute to the University's long-term digital transformation agenda.

What You Will Be Doing

Key Responsibilities:

Program And Project Leadership

Provide strategic direction and guidance to Project Managers, while effectively managing key stakeholders' expectations, particularly at Project Steering Committee meetings, to maximise project success. This includes ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, aligned with project objectives, meet the required quality standards, and achieve stakeholder satisfaction.

Program And Project Management

Oversee the implementation, management, and administration of programmes and projects, including reviewing and approving project change requests, managing escalated project issues, budgeting, procurement, recruitment, audits, and vendor management, to ensure compliance, effective governance, and smooth project execution.

Solution Sourcing And Planning

Strategise, source, recommend, and plan the technology roadmap and infrastructure improvements, taking into consideration the current and future needs of the campus, to deliver efficient, robust, scalable, sustainable, and secure infrastructure services that support teaching, learning, research, and administrative operations. 

Staff And Team Development

Coach, mentor, and develop Project Managers and project team members to strengthen their competencies, enhance professional growth, and improve the quality and effectiveness of project delivery and roll-out.

Job Requirements

• Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CITPM, ITIL, TOGAF, or COBIT will be an added advantage.
• At least 15 years of relevant working experience, including a minimum of 2 years in team management and 5 years in project management.
• Proven experience in infrastructure strategic planning, governance, implementation, operations, and service management.
• Strong strategic and tactical planning capabilities, with the ability to conceptualise ideas, develop roadmaps, and translate them into actionable execution plans.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to present and advocate ideas, influence decisions, secure buy-in, and build strong networks within and across institutions.
• Strong management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities, oversee multiple concurrent projects, and manage the needs of various stakeholders and departments.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, with a track record of motivating, developing, and leading teams to achieve organisational goals.
• Good understanding of IT technologies, methodologies, architectures, governance frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Knowledge of emerging digital workplace and smart campus technologies.
• Experience in programme and project management, including governance, risk management, and delivery oversight.
• Sound appreciation of cybersecurity principles, best practices, and risk management considerations.