Manager - IT Application
Position Overview
The University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM) is seeking an IT Application Manager to lead the implementation, integration and ongoing management of the University's enterprise applications, ensuring these systems reliably support academic and professional service operations.
A key responsibility of the role is to identify and lead enterprise application initiatives from business requirements through solution evaluation, implementation, integration, user adoption and continuous improvement.
The role holder will build and drive Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiatives that enhance the experience and productivity of students and staff, and will own IT governance, ensuring that policies, controls and compliance standards are established and followed across the University's technology ecosystem.
Reporting to the Chief Finance & Corporate Officer (CFCO), the manager acts as a key operational partner, translating strategic direction into delivered systems, sound governance and practical AI adoption.
Key Responsibilities
Enterprise Application Implementation and Management
Lead the identification and end-to-end implementation of enterprise applications, digital solutions and technology projects supporting University operations, including Student Information Systems, CRM, ERP, Finance and HRMS platforms.
Work closely with functional owners across Student Life, RAM, Teaching & Learning, Finance, People & Culture and other University functions to understand business requirements and translate them into effective system solutions.
Lead enterprise application projects from requirements gathering, business case development and solution evaluation through implementation, integration, testing, deployment and post-implementation review.
Develop and manage project plans, resources, risks, dependencies and stakeholder expectations to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed requirements.
Oversee the ongoing administration, configuration, enhancement and performance of live enterprise applications, ensuring data integrity, reliability and effective integration across platforms.
Drive user adoption and change management to support the successful implementation and utilisation of new systems.
Manage relationships with software vendors, solution providers and implementation partners, including contracts, service levels, support arrangements and escalations.
Plan and oversee system upgrades, patches and lifecycle/version management to minimise operational disruption and maintain system reliability.
Conduct post-implementation reviews and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, optimisation and better user experience.
AI Initiatives, Digital Innovation and User Experience
Identify, develop and drive practical AI initiatives that improve the experience, productivity and support available to students and staff.
Work with academic teams to identify appropriate AI-enabled opportunities in teaching and learning.
Identify opportunities to automate repetitive administrative processes using AI, automation and other emerging technologies.
Lead pilot projects for AI-enabled tools and solutions, evaluate outcomes and develop recommendations for scaling successful initiatives across the University.
Work with relevant stakeholders to assess the suitability, value, risks and implementation requirements of AI solutions.
Support the development of guidelines, awareness initiatives and training sessions to promote the responsible and effective use of AI tools across the University community.
Establish appropriate controls and governance arrangements for the responsible, ethical and secure use of AI.
Monitor developments in AI and educational technology relevant to higher education and recommend adoption where there is clear value to students, staff or University operations.
Promote a culture of practical digital innovation and continuous improvement across the University.
IT Governance, Risk and Compliance
Establish, maintain and monitor IT governance policies, standards, procedures and controls covering system access, data management, change control, vendor management and technology operations.
Ensure enterprise applications, technology projects and AI initiatives comply with relevant data protection, regulatory and University requirements.
Maintain appropriate system documentation, audit trails, controls and evidence to support internal and external audits.
Support risk assessments for new systems, technology projects and AI initiatives and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.
Monitor IT governance compliance and coordinate the remediation of identified gaps, audit findings or control weaknesses.
Work with relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate access controls, data integrity, security requirements and change management processes are maintained.
Provide regular reporting on IT governance, key risks, compliance status and outstanding actions to the CFCO and relevant stakeholders.
Team, Project and Stakeholder Management
Lead, mentor and develop the enterprise applications and governance team, building capability in system implementation, application management, project delivery and AI-enabled solutions.
Set clear priorities, allocate resources effectively and promote accountability, collaboration and continuous professional development within the team.
Act as a key liaison between IT and academic and professional services teams, ensuring technology solutions are aligned with operational requirements and user needs.
Build effective working relationships with senior leadership, academic and professional services teams and relevant University stakeholders.
Manage relationships with IT vendors, solution providers, implementation partners and other external technology stakeholders.
Provide regular updates to the line manager on project status, system performance, AI initiatives, key risks and IT governance matters.
Manage project and operational budgets relating to enterprise applications and associated technology initiatives.
Support effective prioritisation of IT initiatives based on business value, operational requirements, risk and available resources.
Strong inclination to use and apply artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools within daily work processes to enhance efficiency, service quality, data accuracy, and decision-making, in compliance with organisational policies, data protection requirements, and ethical standards.
Perform any other duties as allocated by the line manager in consultation with the post holder, including supporting institutional events and compliance with University procedures.
Key Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering or a related discipline.
Minimum 10 years of relevant IT experience, including substantial experience in enterprise applications and technology projects.
Demonstrated experience in at least two full-cycle implementations of major technology projects, such as ERP, CRM, Student Information Systems, HRMS or similar enterprise platforms.
Strong experience in managing technology projects from requirements gathering and solution evaluation through implementation, integration, testing, deployment and post-implementation support.
Good understanding of enterprise applications, system integration, data management and application lifecycle management.
Experience working with business stakeholders to translate operational requirements into practical technology solutions.
Experience in AI, automation, digital innovation or emerging technologies would be an advantage.
Good understanding of IT governance, risk management, data protection, compliance and technology controls.
Experience in higher education or a similarly complex, multi-stakeholder organisation would be an advantage.
Relevant professional certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2 or ITIL would be an advantage.
Strong project management, problem-solving, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Demonstrated leadership ability, with experience in managing and developing IT teams and a commitment to service quality, continuous improvement and responsible use of technology.
Willingness to work after office hours and occasional weekends to support University operations, system implementations, upgrades or urgent technology matters.
Application Submission
If you are an experienced IT professional who is passionate about enterprise applications, digital innovation, AI and technology governance, and enjoy working closely with both technical and business stakeholders to deliver practical solutions, we welcome your application.
Both internal and external candidates are encouraged to apply.
Please submit ONE (1) PDF document containing:
Cover Letter (addressing key responsibilities and requirements)
Updated CV
Applications must be submitted via the Jobstreet application portal or email to jobs.uosm@southampton.ac.uk
The University is committed to equality of opportunity, diversity, and inclusion.