Head of IT

UNITED OVERSEAS INSURANCE LIMITED; Singapore; On-site; SGD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company is seeking a Head of IT to provide strategic leadership for its technology division. In this role, you will oversee all aspects of IT, including cybersecurity, infrastructure management, and digital transformation initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in technology leadership with at least 15 years of experience in the field. Superior strategic, operational, and team leadership skills will be crucial as you work towards aligning IT strategies with business goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in technology leadership roles, preferably in insurance or financial services.
• Proven experience leading large-scale digital transformation programs.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and AWS / Azure Cloud Architect Certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead the IT function in providing strategic directions and solutions.
• Oversee cybersecurity strategy and governance across the organization.
• Manage technology P&L with accountability for budgets exceeding USD $5 million.

Skills

Technology Strategy & Execution

Digital Transformation

Cybersecurity Strategy

Cloud Migration

Infrastructure Management

Executive Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field

Job description

About the Division/Dept

The Information Technology Division is an enabler for the Business Growth and strategy and has 3 pillars - Cybersecurity, Infrastructure and Application.

Job Purpose

As the Head of IT, you will lead the IT function in providing strategic directions, solutions and policies. You will put in place a secure, high-performing and future-ready technology environment that support UOI’s business goals. This role combines strategic leadership, disciplined delivery, and hands-on technical oversight to drive robust governance, cross-functional integration, and execution excellence across a complex, and rapidly evolving business landscape. The scope encompasses IT Infrastructure, cybersecurity, and technology applications and solutions.

Core Competencies

• Technology Strategy & Execution
• Digital Transformation & Cloud Migration
• Cybersecurity Strategy & Governance
• Core Systems Modernization
• API-Led Architecture & Microservices
• Infrastructure Management (Windows/Linux, Nutanix)
• Internal & External Audit Compliance
• AI & Data Governance Initiatives
• DevOps & RPA Enablement
• Vendor & Budget Management (P&L > $5M)
• Risk & Compliance Collaboration
• Executive Stakeholder Engagement

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

• Define and execute the enterprise technology roadmap aligned with UOI’s business strategy.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives including complex API ecosystem implementations.
• Drive AI and data-driven innovation across the organization.
• Lead the Technology Division which includes application, infrastructure and Cyber
• Chair and drive the Technology Steering Committee and other committees

Technology Operations

• Oversee the management of on-premises Windows and Linux server environments.
• Ensure high availability, performance, and security of all IT systems and infrastructure.
• Lead internal and external IT audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory and cybersecurity standards.
• Manage inventories such as laptops, servers, switches etc

Financial & Vendor Management

• Manage technology P&L with accountability for budgets exceeding USD $5 million.
• Oversee vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance management.

Solution Architecture

• Lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives across applications, infrastructure, and cloud migration.
• Architect and implement API-led systems, microservices layers, and DevOps capabilities.
• Drive the roadmap for Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and future-state automation.

Cybersecurity & Risk

• Develop and execute a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and roadmap.
• Collaborate closely with Risk and Compliance teams to ensure governance and regulatory alignment.

Collaboration & Governance

• Partner closely with business units to identify and implement technology solutions that drive operational efficiency and customer value.
• Collaborate with Risk and Compliance teams to ensure alignment with regulatory and governance frameworks.
• Lead data governance initiatives and ensure data quality, privacy, and compliance.

AI & Data Initiatives

• Lead enterprise AI initiatives to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Drive data governance, data quality, and analytics programs across the organization.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Mentor and lead a high-performing technology team across engineering, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data.
• Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement.
• Build and scale DevOps practices to support agile development and deployment.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with business leaders to identify and implement technology solutions that drive value.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive leadership on technology trends and opportunities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in technology leadership roles, preferably in insurance or financial services.
• Proven experience in:
  • Leading large-scale digital transformation programs.
  • Managing cross-functional teams and external vendors.
  • Implementing enterprise APIs and modernizing legacy systems.
  • Developing and executing cybersecurity strategies and roadmaps.
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • AWS / Azure Cloud Architect Certification