IT Planning and Development Unit Head 1

SMBC Group; Makati; On-site; PHP 3,500,000 - 6,500,000; Full time

Job summary

SMBC Group is seeking an IT Planning and Development Unit Head to lead the Branch's IT planning, governance, application development, and technology delivery functions. You will coordinate with Head Office, regional IT teams, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

You will drive the annual IT strategy, budget planning, and resource optimization while fostering a high‑performing team delivering stable, secure IT services for the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 8–10 years IT experience including PM, development, governance and regulatory knowledge.
• 5+ years of people management in banking/regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of SDLC, governance, risk, and cybersecurity principles.
• Experience with budget management, vendor negotiations, and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead IT planning, governance, and delivery of local, regional and HO initiatives.
• Act as liaison among branches, HO, regulators, vendors, and stakeholders.
• Oversee application development, lifecycle management, and technology delivery.
• Establish governance frameworks, standards, and change management.
• Monitor progress, risks, and milestones with regular updates.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and manage approvals for systems.
• Develop annual IT strategy, roadmap, and project portfolio for the Branch.
• Support budgeting, resource allocation, and capacity planning with IT Head.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting & financial planning

Vendor management

Regulatory & governance knowledge

Risk management

Communication & negotiation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, IT, IS, Engineering

Tools

PMP

PRINCE2

ITIL

Job description

As the IT Planning and Development Unit Head, you will be responsible for leading the Branch’s IT planning, project governance, application development, and technology delivery functions. You will oversee the successful implementation of local, regional, and Head Office-driven technology initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and the Bank’s strategic priorities. The role serves as the primary liaison between Branch Management, Head Office, Regional IT teams, vendors, regulators, and business stakeholders to drive effective collaboration and project execution. You will also support the Head of Information Technology in strategic planning, budget management, resource optimization, and governance activities while fostering a high-performing team and ensuring the delivery of stable, secure, and efficient IT services that contribute to the success of the Branch.

How You'll Make An Impact

• Lead the planning, governance, and delivery of Local, Regional, and Head Office application initiatives, ensuring projects are completed within approved scope, timeline, budget, and quality standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison among Branch Management, Head Office, Regional IT teams, regulators, vendors, and business stakeholders to facilitate effective communication and successful project execution.
• Oversee the planning, development, enhancement, implementation, and lifecycle management of locally supported applications and technology solutions.
• Establish and maintain project governance frameworks, methodologies, standards, policies, and procedures to support effective project delivery, system development, and change management.
• Monitor project progress, risks, dependencies, and milestones, providing regular updates and recommendations to local and regional management.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, internal policies, bank standards, and governance frameworks, including the coordination and processing of regulatory approvals for system implementations and enhancements.
• Develop and recommend the annual Branch IT application strategy, technology roadmap, and project portfolio in support of business, regulatory, and digital transformation objectives.
• Support the Head of IT in executing IT strategies, management reporting, budget planning, investment prioritization, resource allocation, and capacity planning.
• Manage IT project and operational budgets, including investment planning, expenditure monitoring, financial reconciliation, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Lead vendor and contract management activities, including procurement support, contract negotiation, service reviews, performance assessments, accreditation, and renewal of technology support agreements.
• Promote stable, secure, and resilient technology services through effective stakeholder engagement and collaboration with infrastructure, operations, security, and application support teams.
• Identify and recommend process improvements, technology enhancements, and operational efficiencies to strengthen the Branch’s IT environment.
• Ensure effective governance and management of technology-related risks, issues, and audit findings, driving timely resolution and compliance.
• Establish and maintain effective communication channels with executives, business units, and key stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment of technology initiatives.
• Provide leadership, coaching, performance management, succession planning, and career development for IT Planning and Development Unit personnel.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, innovation, and service excellence within the team.
• Provide management oversight and leadership continuity for the Branch IT function in the absence of the Head of IT.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned by Management, the Department Head, or the Head of Information Technology.

What Sets You Apart

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field
• At least 8–10 years of experience in information technology, including project management, application development, systems implementation, and IT governance
• At least 5 years of people management and leadership experience within a banking, financial services, or highly regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of IT project management methodologies, software development lifecycle (SDLC), system implementation, and change management practices
• Experience managing Local, Regional, and Head Office-driven technology projects and initiatives
• Solid understanding of IT governance, risk management, cybersecurity principles, regulatory compliance, and audit requirements
• Proven experience in budget management, investment planning, vendor management, and contract negotiations
• Strong knowledge of banking systems, digital transformation initiatives, and financial industry technology trends
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior management, regulators, vendors, and cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities
• Experience in regulatory technology initiatives and coordination with regulatory authorities is an advantage
• Relevant certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, ITIL, COBIT, Agile, Scrum, or equivalent are an advantage
• Ability to lead multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of quality, governance, and service delivery.