What We’re Looking For:
The Snr Director Business Systems is responsible for supplying the Short Course business with technology or business processes to enable the Short Course business stakeholders effective and efficient delivery of the Short Course product suite. This includes all technology, customer facing and back office business systems.
Due to the seniority of this role, the incumbent will be responsible for managing a large portfolio within the technology division, as well as business systems analysis practice and budget.
The Senior Director, Business Systems will report into the VP of Technology (who reports into the Global CTO).
Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To:
Strategic Vision
- Alignment - Assisting and influencing business stakeholders at all levels in defining technical roadmaps based on business priorities. Ability to take business direction, work through ambiguity and drive execution.
- Setting and maintaining direction for the business systems team.
Direction for the team is derived from alignment, collaboration and influence achieved with business stakeholders’ priorities.
- Maintain direction. Ensure the team is aligned at all times on changes associated with business priorities in order to meet performance expectations.
- Set direction of business systems implemented in the business
Team Management
- Support, mentor, guide direct reports.
- Continuously manage performance and behaviour of direct reports by:
- Conducting frequent 1:1 meetings on priorities/responsibilities.
- Conducting bi-annual performance reviews.
- Ensuring timelines are achieved as per agreed upon business requirements.
- Regularly measure customer satisfaction levels and identify & implement steps to improve satisfaction levels.
- Continuously support the creation of an inclusive and engaging work environment.
- Mentor and coach managers in the team to establish their own leadership style.
- Define and implement business processes, procedures and policies for the team.
- Recognise high performance and reward accomplishments.
- Define and implement strategies to strengthen team engagement and morale.
- Identify retention strategies with the Talent team.
- Identify and manage future growth of the team as per business needs.
Ownership
- System Integrity. Responsible for the integrity of the business domain products within the role ambit.
- Manage budget. Effective and efficient planning and execution of a complex budget for all systems and associated integrations which fall within the ambit of this team. This includes collaboration with US teams and driving cost optimisations.
- Commitment: Drive successful delivery and implementation of the agreed upon technical roadmaps within agreed upon timelines and resourcing. Influencing business stakeholders will be required to reach agreement.
- Integration: Manage key stakeholders for all business system integrations between Cape Town and HQ. Influence implementation of business systems at Cape Town.
- Efficiency. Drive a culture of efficient execution and continuous improvement of work done.
Impact
- Business Architecture. The Senior Director Business Systems is the business architect from a technology perspective, addressing the delta between business processes and technology. This is achieved by either business process modeling or technology solutions. This includes, but are not limited to:
- Ideation
- Conceptualisation.
- specification.
- Implementation.
- Maintenance of all business systems at 2U Short Course Business.
- Solutions Implemented. The solutions implemented has long term impact on the business from a technology usage and process perspective. It should thus be done deliberately, with care and consideration of the long term impact from an efficiency, effectiveness and cost perspective.
Personal Development
- Skills to be developed for career progression.
- Strategic thinking skills.
- Postgraduate studies in management/related.
Things That Should Be In Your Background:
- 15 Years Information Systems Experience:
- Systems Development.
- Systems Architecture.
- Database Modeling.
- Project Management.
- Systems Implementation.
- Business Systems Analysis.
- Management of complex technical projects.
- Degree in Engineering / Computer Science or related.
- Professional Certifications (ITIL, Cobit, BRM, Togaf or related ).
- Proven track record in managing complex projects.
- Proven track record in building and managing technical teams.
- Proven track record in managing complex budgets.
- Experience in hire forecasting for teams.
- Ability to deal with high levels of ambiguity.
- Ability to architect high level technical solutions.
- Ability to influence.
Other Attributes That Will Help You In This Role:
Working conditions
- This is a full-time position in a high stress, fast-paced environment. Typical hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Irregular work schedule is required to accommodate meetings across different time zones or due to operational requirements.
Management Responsibilities
Direct reports
- Portfolio direct reports.
Indirect reports
- Managers within the portfolio.
- Influencing other Portfolio Managers.
Working Conditions:
This is a full-time position in a high stress, fast-paced environment. Typical hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Irregular work schedule is required to accommodate meetings across different time zones or due to operational requirements.
About 2U Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)
2U is comprised of 3 lines of business: Graduate Degree Programs, Short Course, and Boot Camps. Going beyond traditional learning management systems, we use tech, people, and data to help top universities and enterprise organizations transform in the digital era—and eliminate the back row in higher ed. We support lifelong learning which means thinking beyond a single degree. It means finding ways for students to gain the skills they need to change careers, evolve their expertise, and meet the challenges of the changing world head-on. We help our partners fill those needs—developing new digital education technologies and offerings capable of supporting students at different points in their lives. Whether they need a simple refresher, to learn something new, or to change their career trajectories completely, our partners are there to help them succeed. Together with our partners, 2U has positively transformed the lives of more than 275,000 students and lifelong learners.
2U Diversity and Inclusion Statement
2U is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Applicants from the previously disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities will be given preference.
Why It’s Great to Work at 2U
2U Cape Town offers a high-energy work environment that’s both challenging and fun. We work hard, but our offices are casual and social places. We wear jeans to work and fuel brainstorming sessions with coffee from our in-house barista. We have other in-house perks like subsidised healthy meals, a gym with free yoga sessions and social events all year round. We celebrate special milestones like birthdays and workaversaries, truly showing that #RelationshipsMatter.
Benefits
2U Cape Town offers a comprehensive benefits package:
- 2 complimentary Getsmarter short courses per year
- Subsidised medical aid with Discovery
- 4% 2U contribution towards Discovery Life Pension Fund and Group Risk Benefit
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Generous leave policy including time off to volunteer for non-profit organizations
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
2U is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against applicants or employees and ensures equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship, military or veterans’ status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. 2U’s equal opportunity policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, job benefits and pay.
