German Swiss International School Hiring! Full Time Director of Technology in Hong Kong - Ricebowl

The German Swiss International School (GSIS) in Hong Kong is one of the city's leading international schools, offering high-quality, holistic education to a diverse student body of approximately 1,300 students, supported by 240 dedicated faculty and staff. Established as a non-profit organisation, GSIS operates under a unique governance model with affiliation to the German government, reflecting its commitment to educational excellence and international cooperation. The school is structured into two distinct Streams - German and English - providing pathways to the German International Abitur and the I/GCSE & IBDP qualifications, respectively.

GSIS is a value-driven institution that empowers its multicultural community through a positive, inclusive,

and academically rigorous environment. Rooted in both German and English educational traditions, the

school nurtures global citizens who are well-prepared to thrive in an interconnected world.

We are now inviting applications for the position of Director of Technology.

As part of our vision of operational excellence, we are seeking an expert to lead the development and execution of a technology and digital roadmap to modernise systems, streamline processes, improve user experience, and strengthen data-driven decision-making. Support for the educational and strategic goals of GSIS is a key measurement of success for this position.

GSIS currently operates approximately 100+ technology products, systems, platforms, subscriptions, and services, representing core school systems, infrastructure & cybersecurity, educational technology, and operational & productivity tools. The initial focus will be on guiding the transition from legacy systems and manual processes to a secure and integrated environment that enhances operational effectiveness and allows for scalability. As these foundations are established, the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the school's broader digital strategy, including the adoption of emerging technologies and AI.

A visible leadership role, working closely with senior leadership and stakeholders across the organisation, the Director of Technology reports to the Chief Administrative Officer. The role is empowered to lead school-wide technology-enabled process improvement initiatives and works in partnership with department leaders to drive sustainable organisational change, operational efficiency, and digital transformation.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Technology Leadership:

Lead the technology functions, including IT Operations, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Applications, Data Governance, Systems Integration, and User Support.

Serve as a member of the Administration leadership team, spearheading the technology strategy, digital transformation, cybersecurity and data governance.

Partner with academic and operational leaders to ensure technology supports teaching and learning, enhances user experience, and improves school-wide processes.

Oversee core enterprise platforms, including the HRIS, Recruitment System, Student Information System, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Finance systems, and other applications.

Lead enterprise systems integration, automation, identity management, and data governance initiatives to improve information flow, operational efficiency, and organisational effectiveness.

Lead the development and delivery of the technology and digital roadmap, including the modernisation of legacy systems and workflows.

Across the school, promote the effective use of technology, data, automation, and emerging technologies to strengthen operational efficiency and decision-making.

Provide executive oversight of cybersecurity, privacy, business continuity, disaster recovery, risk management, and regulatory compliance programmes to protect school information and technology assets.

Manage technology budgets, procurement, strategic technology investments, vendor relationships, contracts, and service partnerships to maximise value and support school priorities.

Ensure clear communication with staff, students, parents, and the wider community regarding technology services, digital initiatives, and cybersecurity awareness.

Serve as a trusted advisor to the Senior Leadership Team on technology strategy, digital transformation, emerging technologies, institutional risk, and future opportunities.

People Management:

Provide leadership to IT specialists (10 FTE). Foster a culture of cross-departmental collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence.

Oversee workforce planning, performance management, succession planning, and professional development across the function.

Support the development of the school's Educational Technology (EduTech) function. Following implementation, the Director of Technology will provide strategic leadership to the EduTech lead(s), while day-to-day supervision, instructional priorities, and operational management remain within the Faculty structure.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; postgraduate qualifications are an advantage.

Minimum 10 years' IT leadership experience.

Demonstrated experience developing and delivering technology and digital roadmaps.

Proven success leading digital transformation and legacy system modernisation initiatives.

Proven experience leading organisational change, process redesign, stakeholder engagement, and technology-enabled transformation initiatives across multiple functions.

Experience managing ERP and/or Best-of-Breed application environments.

Expertise in overseeing HRIS, SIS, LMS, finance, collaboration, and productivity platforms.

Experience leading enterprise systems implementation, integration, and optimisation projects, ensuring successful delivery within budget and timeline.

Knowledge of SaaS platforms, cloud technologies, APIs, and systems integration.

Experience establishing data governance frameworks, including data privacy, access controls, retention requirements and regulatory compliance.

Strong understanding of cybersecurity, privacy, risk management, business continuity and disaster recovery.

Background in managing technology budgets, procurement, contracts, and vendor relationships.

Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of professionals.

Excellent communication skills, with fluency in English and the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences without unnecessary jargon.

Data Protection Officer (DPO) experience is desirable. Strong data privacy, information governance, and regulatory compliance expertise is required.

GSIS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Full background checks including employment history and reference checks, criminal record checks and child protection screening will be conducted to safeguard all student at GSIS. The successful candidate will also be required to attend in-house child protection and safeguarding training and sign a Code of Conduct.

What we offer

GSIS offers benefits such as competitive salary, medical health insurance, 25 days' annual leave, relocation allowance, education benefits and 13th month salary payment. Staff bus transportation between Central and the Peak Campus (subject to availability), and meals at our in-house cafeteria, are offered at reduced prices.

Our employees work in a high trust environment where they are afforded responsibility without unnecessary micro-management. Professional development and continuous learning are actively encouraged and financially supported. We welcome candidates who show a commitment to continuous development and are willing to contribute to wider school activities.

You will be working with excellent students with outstanding academic results. You can see the impressive results on our website at *************

How to apply

If you are interested in joining our team, please apply via the GSIS online recruitment portal ************* Personal data collected will be used for recruitment purposes only.

Further information on the school, its facilities and programmes are available on the school's website ************* Applicants not invited for an interview after four weeks may consider their applications unsuccessful.