IT Manager @ Insurope

Tasks and responsibilities
In this role, you’ll directly impact the organisation by helping to deliver a mission-enabling, consistent and continuous IT user experience for all employees, members, clients  and stakeholders all over the world. Implementing improved digital initiatives with effective strategic planning, governance, IT policy analysis, data and information management, mission partner information sharing, IT industry research and knowledge of emerging technologies is crucial for the future. 

Moreover, your main responsibilities are 

• Develop and implement IT and data strategy and architecture aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
  • The IT Manager will play a key role in making strategic technical decisions and will be responsible for presenting and defending strategy/projects to the CEO and to the Board.
  • The IT Manager will solve uniquely complex problems and work on long-range programs and objectives and provide advice to the Network in area of expertise as well as play a role in overall functional strategic planning.
• Lead and manage the internal & external IT resources 
  • This will include coordinating between external support and the two internal Insurope employees who currently work part-time on IT projects. The IT Manager must be able to define the necessary resources and timelines in advance to meet commitments and deadlines.
• Lead and manage IT projects, from initial planning to execution, ensuring on-time delivery within budget.
  • Project and process management is currently underdeveloped, and this will be a key area of responsibility for the IT Manager, who will need to implement better structures and methodologies moving forward.
  • The IT Manager will support and assist operational departments (sales, finance, technical and compliance) recommending and implementing information technology solutions in support of business operations and assess multinational clients’ and network members’ requirements as well as proactively seek opportunities to apply technologies to business processes.
• Oversee IT infrastructure and ensure smooth operation of hardware, software, networks, and other systems across the main office but also remote offices and staff.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (internal and external) to identify technology needs and implement solutions that enhance business performance.More concretely, focusing on understanding of operational needs and translating these to IT projects/plans/enhancements. Being between the operations and IT developers.
• Manage external IT service providers and vendors, ensuring quality service and cost-effectiveness.
  • These include TrustTeam, responsible for overall infrastructure development and maintenance (including servers) and its subcontractors like Citrix, SoftHelp, and Active Professionals CRM; Orange Development, managing InsuropExchange and the Admin Database; and Karma, handling the hosting, development, and maintenance of the website. 
  • The IT Manager will also be expected to make recommendations on how to optimize these relationships and services.
• Monitor system performance and ensure the security, stability, and scalability of IT systems.
• Ensure compliance with data protection, privacy regulations, and cybersecurity standards (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, NY Part 500)
  • You will work closely with the Legal and Compliance Department, performing security control gap assessments against industry standards and security regulatory requirements to evaluate control design and operating effectiveness. You will define, draft and communicate potential security control improvement opportunities and paths to address based on requirements and industry experience as ell as participate in training and raising cybersecurity awareness amongst staff members.
• Conduct technology assessments and recommend improvements to keep systems current and efficient.
• Develop and manage the IT budget, tracking expenditures and optimizing resource allocation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to internal IT staff, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
  • You will perform research on IT policy and standards as well as define, analyze, and document functional requirements and business processes and conduct cost benefit analyses. You will translate research into policy and guidance statements and support relevant meetings, working groups, and briefings.
• Ensure disaster recovery and business continuity plans are in place and regularly tested.
• Report regularly to senior management on IT operations, strategy, and project progress.
• Follow up day-to-day IT needs and systems.

Objectives for the first 12 months
This role is highly important to the organisation, and expectations are clear. After 3 months, the IT Manager should have a solid understanding of the company and its IT systems, and by 6 months, be able to present a detailed implementation plan. By 12 months, significant progress on execution is expected.

Reporting 
The IT Manager will report directly to the CEO and will be working closely with various departments, offices and vendors but also with multinational clients and insurance companies implemented all over the world to provide research and analysis on a full range of IT and ICT activities, including strategic planning, governance, IT policy, data and information management, mission partner information sharing, IT industry research, and emerging technologies.

You will advise the CEO on functionality, costs, benefits, and implementation requirements of technology solutions and apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts to job assignments and contribute to the development of new ideas and principles. Once the proposed vision and projects are approved by the Board, the IT Manager will have "carte blanche" to execute the plan. 

Reason for the vacancy
The reason for this vacancy is to have dedicated in-house IT functions (since now there are only two colleagues working part time) who can define and manage the company's IT projects effectively. One of the main challenges will be understanding the company's needs and translating them into efficient IT systems and support structures because of increased use and IT needs.