Director of Technology

Astek Middle East; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Job summary

Astek Middle East seeks a Director of Technology in Riyadh to drive the technology strategy and digital transformation in collaboration with the CTO. The role demands extensive experience in Financial Services and senior leadership across architecture, cybersecurity, and operations.

The successful candidate will lead large technology programs, manage budgets, and mentor teams while ensuring regulatory compliance and data security across critical platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of senior technology management or leadership experience.
• Mandatory: significant leadership in Financial Services/Banking sector.
• Strong knowledge of banking tech, financial services tech, and regulated environments.
• Experience delivering large-scale technology transformation and digital initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Support the CTO in developing and executing overall technology strategy.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies for business impact.
• Partner with executives to deliver technology-enabled business initiatives.
• Lead and develop high-performing technology teams; foster collaboration and innovation.
• Oversee technology budgets, architecture, security, and risk management.
• Ensure scalable, secure architectures and compliance with data privacy standards.
• Drive digital transformation and cloud adoption across the organization.
• Establish disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

Skills

Leadership

Banking/Financial services

Cloud technologies

Cybersecurity

Software development

IT infrastructure

Data management

Systems architecture

Vendor management

Digital transformation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering

Tools

AWS

CISSP

ITIL

PMP

Job description

Relocation: Required for candidates currently outside KSA

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Director of Technology to join our leadership team in Riyadh. The successful candidate will work closely with the CTO to execute the organization’s technology strategy, drive digital transformation, and lead the development and delivery of scalable, secure, and efficient technology solutions.

The ideal candidate must have strong experience within the Financial Services and Banking sector, combined with senior-level technology leadership experience.

This is a senior technology leadership position with responsibility across technology strategy, architecture, infrastructure, software development, cybersecurity, technology operations, digital transformation, vendor management, and technology teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the CTO in developing and executing the overall technology strategy in alignment with business objectives and growth plans.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and assess their potential business and strategic impact.
• Partner with executive leadership, business units, and key stakeholders to understand technology requirements and deliver technology-enabled business initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing technology teams while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Drive digital transformation and technology innovation initiatives across the organization.
• Develop and manage technology budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation and cost optimization.
• Oversee the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and robust technology architectures.
• Ensure technology solutions align with business requirements, security standards, and industry best practices.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, networks, systems, data management, software development, and technology operations.
• Ensure high availability, performance, reliability, and data integrity across technology platforms.
• Establish and maintain effective cybersecurity, data protection, and technology risk management practices.
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.
• Identify and mitigate technology-related risks and ensure compliance with applicable data privacy, security, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors, partners, and service providers.
• Evaluate and select technology solutions and services that support business requirements.
• Stay up to date with emerging technologies and provide strategic recommendations to maintain the organization’s technology advantage.
• Lead large-scale technology programmes and initiatives, ensuring delivery within agreed timelines and budgets.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in senior technology management or a similar senior technology leadership position.
• Mandatory: Significant technology leadership experience within the Financial Services and/or Banking sector.
• Strong understanding of banking technology, financial services technology, and regulated environments.
• Proven experience leading technology strategy, IT infrastructure, software development, and systems architecture.
• Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale technology transformation and digital transformation initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Cloud technologies
• Software development and delivery methodologies
• IT infrastructure and operations
• Systems architecture
• Service management
• Cybersecurity and information security
• Data management
• Proven experience managing technology budgets and resources.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate business objectives into practical technology strategies.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing technology teams.
• Proven track record of delivering complex technology initiatives on time and within budget.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications such as ITIL, PMP, AWS, CISSP, or equivalent.
• Experience with Agile and DevOps methodologies.
• Strong understanding of technology risk management, data security, and digital asset protection.
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks relevant to financial services and banking.
• Experience working closely with C-suite executives and senior business stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate complex technology environments and align technology initiatives with broader business objectives.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a senior technology leader from the Banking or Financial Services sector who combines strong technical expertise with strategic business leadership.

The ideal candidate should have experience working with complex banking/financial technology environments, leading large technology teams, managing significant technology budgets, and driving digital transformation, cloud adoption, technology modernization, cybersecurity, and enterprise technology initiatives.

Important

Financial Services / Banking experience is mandatory for this position.

Candidates currently outside Saudi Arabia must be willing to relocate to Riyadh.