Job Purpose This position provides managerial and operational direction for a specialised team of Middleware analysts/developers and product specialists, who collectively implement, maintain and evolve the institution’s highly complex portfolio of Middleware solutions to support evolving business processes and reporting needs. The role also oversees Human Resources, Financial and Risk management. Responsibilities Manage Middleware Unit Establish strategic goals aligned with UP and ITS strategies, policies and procedures. Develop action plans and ensure strategic goals are met. Stay abreast of technological advancements and investigate new solutions. Ensure reliability, availability and usability of Middleware systems and solutions. Implement processes for timely patching and upgrading of Middleware software. Participate in and contribute to recovery processes. Optimise service delivery within the Middleware environment. Oversee monitoring and problem‑solving. Enforce standards and controls for deployment, migration and integrity of Middleware solutions and applications. Enforce change control procedures for deployment of changes. Ensure all operational Middleware‑related problems are resolved. Maintain support for Middleware solutions. Secure access to Middleware databases and applications. Supervise participation in UP and ITS project activities. Compile and manage reports. Respond to incidents, requests and problems on the Enterprise Service Management platform. Financial management Compile capital and operational budgets for the Enterprise Systems domain. Manage the portfolio of contracts and renewals for institutional software licenses and external vendors. Ensure financial management complies with university policies. Handle ad‑hoc financial requests for Middleware purchases. Human Resources management Provide Human Resource services to the Middleware Unit. Maintain a functional management system with clear duties and responsibilities. Manage performance system and provide learning and development opportunities. Initiate recruitment, manage employee relations and approve staff transactions. Administration and governance Contribute to the organisation’s strategic objectives. Oversee development and operations processes. Identify and manage risk in the Middleware environment. Implement security policies, standards and procedures. Ensure adherence to UP and ITS policies, procedures and standards. Stakeholder engagement Manage internal and external stakeholders for service delivery. Engage key stakeholders to translate business needs into IT solutions. Manage contractual relationships and financial aspects of external service providers. Provide input on proposed IT initiatives within Faculties and Professional Services departments. Maintain key relations and communication with stakeholders. Negotiate with vendors and manage vendor SLAs. Minimum Requirements An Honours degree in Information Systems or a relevant field and six years’ experience (including two years in management) in: Oracle Middleware systems development Java software development with focus on scalable enterprise solutions System integration development Service‑oriented architecture Human Resources and Financial management Strategy and roadmap development for solutions Solution architecture ITIL certification OR a relevant Bachelor’s degree and eight years’ experience (including three years in management) in the same areas. Required Competencies Knowledge competencies Data models, systems and database lifecycle management, project management, Oracle Fusion Middleware, system design principles, diagnostic and monitoring software, Windows, Linux and Unix operating systems, application and solution architecture principles. Technical competencies Troubleshooting within an IT software environment, computer literacy, technical documentation, service‑oriented architecture, identity and access management, Java‑related technologies. Behavioural competencies Review and study relevant information to develop new knowledge. Respect individual differences. Manage disappointment or rejection while working effectively. Be proactive and adhere to codes of conduct and ethical principles. Use interpersonal skills to reduce tension and resolve conflict. Communicate effectively with customers. Develop strategies using new technology for decision‑making. Accomplish tasks accurately and completely. Adjust to new work structures and cultures. Identify problems and actively resolve them. Participate as part of a team to achieve goals. Allocate resources, plan procurement and oversee budgets and contracts. Understand policies for recruiting, selecting, developing, counselling, disciplining and evaluating employees. Convey information clearly and concisely. Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients or customers. Provide guidance and feedback to improve employee performance. Follow instructions through a standard work process. Identify issues, obtain relevant information and compare data from different sources. Instruct and train employees, students, faculty and other clients in procedures and equipment operation. Motivate and engage employees through effective communication. Review work and evaluate performance of others. Redesign processes using best practices and technology. Develop plans to accomplish work operations and objectives. Understand the impact of decisions on the community and other departments. Added Advantages And Preferences Master’s degree in Information Systems or Technology. Experience in: Implementation of Oracle Fusion Middleware products Implementation of Identity and Access Management General management, system documentation, database lifecycle management, project management, business analysis, design and implementation of business processes, monitoring system solutions, application architecture, integration. Oracle Fusion Middleware expertise. Certifications in Java, TOGAF, Project Management, Business Analysis. Remuneration and Benefits The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium. EEO Statement The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under‑represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions. #J-18808-Ljbffr