IT Systems Business Partner

The Savills ME business is undergoing significant ERP focused digital change management programme, to align core business systems with the wider EME business. In addition, a variety of business specific tools and applications are being implemented or enhanced within the ME business, some of which are unique to the ME region.

The IT Business Partner will serve as a strategic liaison between the IT department, the real estate business units across the Middle East region and key regional stakeholders from the Finance and HR departments.

This role will support various service lines; including residential agency, commercial agency, property management, valuation and consultancy. Working in tandem with the ME and EME finance teams, working closely with the head of IT Business Partners EME and alongside a team of Finance business stakeholders and the central IT Function. An IT Business Partner is the interface between IT and the business on many levels to ensure that all solutions and systems are implemented to optimize business efficiency.

This role is ideal for someone with a passion for technology and a deep understanding of the real estate sector, who is ready to drive digital transformation in a dynamic and growing region. IT knowledge and skillset is as important as the ability to drive change through people and technology.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership

• Act as the primary point of contact between IT and key business units (residential, commercial, property management, valuation, consultancy) to align technology strategies with business goals.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders to ensure buy-in from the business on finance transformation initiatives, including establishing regular communication channels and quarterly finance systems forums.
  
  

Business Analysis

• Work with stakeholders to identify business challenges and opportunities, and recommend IT solutions that enhance operational efficiency, customer experience and service delivery.
  
  

Project Management

• Oversee the implementation of IT projects, from requirements gathering and vendor selection to system deployment, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
  
  

Technology Solutions

• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools that can support business processes across the real estate sector, including property management systems, CRM, ERP, and analytics platforms, as well as optimizing the use of current systems and technology.
  
  

Change Management

• Lead efforts to manage technology change, ensuring smooth adoption of new systems by business users through training and support.
  
  

Vendor Management

• Coordinate with external IT vendors and service providers, ensuring service quality and alignment with business needs. Negotiate optimal commercial terms with third-party vendors, collaborating with Savills EMEA and Global teams to seek economies of scale where relevant
  
  

Commercial Management

• Develop business case justifications to support investment recommendations and evaluate comparative solution over the medium to long term to demonstrate business value. Negotiate optimal commercial terms with third party vendors, collaborating with Savills EMEA and Global teams to seek economies of scale where relevant to do so.
  
  

Risk Management

• Identify potential IT risks within the region and develop strategies to mitigate those risks, including data security, system reliability and disaster recovery planning.
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Continuously assess and improve IT service delivery, focusing on improving the user experience, minimizing downtime and maximizing the value derived from technology investments.
  
  

Cross-Regional Collaboration

• Liaise with IT teams in other regions to ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to technology deployment across the Middle East.
  
  

Education

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
• An MBA or relevant certification (e.g., PMP, ITIL) is a plus.
  
  

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in IT of business Operational roles, including at least 3 years as a business partner or in a similar capacity within a real estate, property management, or consultancy environment.
• Proven experience managing IT projects across multiple business lines
• Strong understanding of real estate business operations, processes, and technology needs.
  
  

Technical Skills

• Proficient in use of Microsoft technologies, including Office, Teams, Sharepoint
• Familiarity with property management systems (Yardi, MRI, etc.), CRM solutions, ERP systems, and cloud-based platforms.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to translate business needs into IT solutions.
• MS Dynamics experience is beneficial
  
  

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence decision-makers and drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and a customer-focused mindset.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
• Strong leadership skills.
• Excellent strategic planning and organizational abilities
  
  

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel within the region as required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
  
  

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