Chief Information Officer: Group Corporate Functions

Sanlam Limited; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent financial services company is seeking a Chief Information Officer to enhance digital capabilities across Corporate Functions. This strategic leader will develop IT partnerships that support business objectives, drive cloud adoption, and foster innovation. The ideal candidate has a background in the Financial Services industry, strong leadership abilities, and a knack for emerging technologies.

Benefits

Opportunities for growth and development

Qualifications

• Grade 12 and relevant Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience in the Financial Services industry.
• Proven experience in digital transformation and cloud adoption.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic technology partner to Corporate Functions.
• Develop a transformation roadmap aligned with Corporate Functions priorities.
• Lead strategic portfolio management to ensure IT investments solve business problems.

Skills

Strategic Vision

Innovative & Tech-Savvy

Human-Centered Leadership

Agile & Resilient

Effective Communicator

Business Acumen

Education

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

Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)

Job description

Chief Information Officer: Group Corporate Functions

Date: 17 Sept 2025

Location: Bellville, Western Cape, ZA

Who are we?

Sanlam Group Technology is responsible for the provision of a digitally enabled technology service as a group COE, drive business and transformation and provide group-wide digital and data architecture. We operate the various technology platforms and shared services, ensure Cyber and Information Security resilience, and act as technology governance and riskorchestrator for technology across Sanlam.

Sanlam Group is seeking a forward-thinking, influential Chief Information Officer (CIO) for its Corporate Functions – a leader who partners strategically with business executives to deliver transformative technology capabilities. This role is central to elevating the digital maturity of Corporate Functions by optimizing the technology portfolio, reducing risk and technical debt, and embedding a culture of proactive leadership, operational excellence, and trust.

Purpose of the Role

As CIO for Corporate Functions, you will act as a strategic technology partner to leaders across core enabling areas including Finance, Human Capital, Risk, Compliance, Strategy, Company Secretariat, and Corporate Social Investment. You will shape and execute an integrated technology strategy that supports long-term business objectives, modernizes platforms, simplifies architecture, and strengthens operational performance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

• Serve as a strategic technology partner to Corporate Functions, shifting IT from a transactional, order-taking service to an embedded, strategic and value-generating capability.
• Develop and execute a transformation roadmap aligned with Corporate Functions priorities and the broader Sanlam Group Technology strategy and OKRs.
• Lead strategic portfolio management to ensure that IT investments solve real business problems, deliver measurable outcomes, and align with enterprise objectives.
• Champion the adoption of AI, automation, and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, employee experience and service delivery.
• Launch digital enablement initiatives that build digital literacy, support change management, and equip functional teams with modern tools and capabilities.
• Co-create innovative technology solutions in partnership with business leaders to eliminate inefficiencies and unlock new opportunities and insights.
• Evaluate and approve IT investments, budgets, and vendor engagements, ensuring cost-effective, value-driven decision-making.
• Lead the establishment of data product and insights capability to deliver commercial value and new insights

Cloud & Technology Architecture Oversight

• Shape and lead the Corporate Functions cloud migration and technology modernization portfolio in line with enterprise architecture and risk standards.
• Own the application landscape, including architecture, lifecycle management, system maintenance, and decommissioning of legacy systems.
• Drive harmonization, simplification, and consolidation of the technology stack to reduce complexity and lower the total cost of ownership.
• Oversee IT risk management across Corporate Functions, including cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, third-party risk, and business continuity.
• Ensure audit readiness and regulatory alignment across all technology domains, partnering closely with internal risk and compliance functions.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with Sanlam Group Technology, Corporate Function leaders, and external vendors to ensure seamless, aligned delivery.
• Establish transparent metrics, reporting, and accountability mechanisms to drive performance across all stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 and a relevant Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Engineering
• A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a related advanced qualification is recommended
• Experience in the Financial Services industry is required
• Proven experience in digital transformation, cloud adoption, enterprise architecture, and stakeholder engagement in a complex enterprise environment
• Strategic Vision: Ability to translate business needs into forward-thinking technology strategy and execution.
• Innovative & Tech-Savvy: Passion for emerging technologies and solving complex business challenges.
• Human-Centered Leadership: Builds trust, drives engagement, and fosters inclusive collaboration.
• Agile & Resilient: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and leading through change.
• Effective Communicator: Adept at influencing and aligning both executive and operational stakeholders, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Business Acumen: Good understanding of the organisation's industry, market, and competitive landscape is critical

Knowledge and Skills

IT Strategic Planning and implementation

Project Oversight

Client relationship management

Personal Attributes

Strategic mindset - Contributing strategically

Tech savvy - Contributing strategically

Builds networks - Contributing strategically

Balances stakeholders - Contributing strategically

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth.Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Being resilient - Contributing strategically

Collaborates - Contributing strategically

Cultivates innovation - Contributing strategically

Customer focus - Contributing strategically

Drives results - Contributing strategically

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.

Our commitment to transformation

The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.