Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Placements24; Lorenziberg; Hybrid; EUR 135,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive compensation package

Health insurance

Relocation assistance

Professional development

Industry forums participation

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a strategic Chief Information Officer to lead the company’s IT strategy, digital transformation, and cybersecurity initiatives from its Queenstown, Eastern Cape operations. The role requires executive leadership over infrastructure, applications, and data governance to enable growth and resilience.

The ideal candidate has a track record of delivering scalable IT solutions, managing large teams, and aligning technology with business goals, while navigating regulatory

Qualifications

• 10+ years in IT leadership with at least 5 years as CIO/CTO/Senior IT Director in finance.
• Proven IT strategy development and digital transformation execution.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity, data privacy, and regulatory compliance (e.g., POPIA, FICA).
• Experience managing large IT budgets and leading sizable teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem solving, and decision making.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall IT strategy and roadmap.
• Oversee management of IT infrastructure, networks, servers, databases, and end-user computing.
• Lead digital transformation to enhance customer experience and efficiency.
• Ensure security and integrity of all company data with robust policies and technologies.
• Manage IT budget, investments, and cost-effective service delivery.
• Mentor IT department and foster high performance and innovation.
• Oversee IT governance, risk management, and compliance with financial regulations.
• Manage relationships with external IT vendors and providers.
• Stay updated on emerging tech and assess applicability.

Skills

IT leadership

Strategic planning

Cybersecurity

Budget management

Cloud computing

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in CS/IT

CISSP (certification)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a mid-sized financial services institution committed to innovation and client service, is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Chief Information Officer (CIO). This executive leadership role, based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, is responsible for overseeing the entire IT infrastructure, digital strategy, and information security of the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of financial services technology, cybersecurity best practices, and the ability to drive digital transformation initiatives. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the technological direction of the company, ensuring robust, secure, and scalable IT systems that support business growth and operational efficiency. This is a key leadership position with significant strategic impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the overall IT strategy and roadmap, aligning technology initiatives with business objectives.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of all IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, databases, and end-user computing.
• Lead the digital transformation efforts, identifying and implementing innovative technologies to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Ensure the security and integrity of all company data through robust cybersecurity policies, procedures, and technologies.
• Manage the IT budget, optimize technology investments, and ensure cost-effective delivery of IT services.
• Lead and mentor the IT department, fostering a culture of high performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee IT governance, risk management, and compliance with relevant financial regulations.
• Manage relationships with external IT vendors and service providers.
• Stay abreast of emerging technology trends and assess their potential impact and application for the organization.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in IT leadership roles, with at least 5 years as a CIO, CTO, or Senior IT Director, preferably within the financial services sector.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful IT strategies and digital transformation initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles, data privacy, and regulatory compliance (e.g., POPIA, FICA).
• Demonstrated experience managing significant IT budgets and leading large IT teams.
• Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM) are highly advantageous.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in a hybrid work environment, balancing strategic oversight with operational needs.
• Understanding of cloud computing, data analytics, and emerging technologies.

Benefits

• A highly competitive executive salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Executive-level health insurance, retirement fund, and other benefits.
• Relocation assistance for candidates relocating to Queenstown, Eastern Cape.
• Opportunities for professional development and participation in leading industry forums.
• The chance to drive technological innovation and shape the future of a growing financial services company.
• A challenging and rewarding executive leadership role in a key regional center.