Chief Information Officer (Swellendam, Western Cape)

Sentraal-Suid Co; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Sentraal-Suid Co-operative Ltd (SSK) in Swellendam (Western Cape) is seeking an accomplished Chief Information Officer to steer technology, digital transformation and information governance across the group. Reporting to the CEO, the CIO will set strategy, deliver secure and resilient technology platforms and enable sustainable growth.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in senior IT leadership, strong governance and enterprise architecture experience, and a proven track record in managing complex

Qualifications

• Relevant degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business or related discipline; postgraduate qualification advantageous.
• 10+ years’ relevant experience in Corporate Services Management (Legal-, Governance-, Risk- and Compliance Administration).
• Significant senior leadership experience in IT, digital transformation or technology management.
• Proven experience developing and implementing enterprise technology strategies.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity, data governance, IT risk and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing complex technology environments, budgets, suppliers and transformation programmes.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing multidisciplinary technology teams.
• Relevant professional certifications are advantageous.
• Must be bilingual in English and Afrikaans.

Responsibilities

• Lead technology strategy, digital transformation and IT operations.
• Oversee cybersecurity, data governance and enterprise architecture.
• Drive governance, risk and compliance frameworks at board level.
• Advise Executives and Board on technology opportunities and risks.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Digital transformation

Cybersecurity

IT governance

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Bilingual English/Afrikaans

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/CS

Postgraduate qualification advantageous

Job description

Sentraal-Suid Co-operative Ltd (SSK), with its head office located in Swellendam, was founded in 1931 and has been serving its loyal members as a co-operative for the past 95 years. The business currently operates in the Eastern, Western and Southern Cape as well as in the Garden Route, Langkloof and Karoo. SSK strives to ensure the prosperity and survival of the organisation and its members by continuously promoting and pursuing growth and diversification, whilst maintaining stability.

SSK provides financing of agricultural production costs and farming-related equipment at highly competitive terms and has a team of agricultural specialists delivering agricultural services by means of a team of experts who provide, among other things, agricultural, veterinary and financial advice to members. SSK’s involvement with its subsidiaries and associates is the result of a continued focus on setting up businesses in the region-based agricultural value chain. To achieve diversification, investments outside the primary agriculture industry are considered on an ongoing basis.

Signium Africa has been exclusively retained to advise on appointing a results-driven, commercially astute, and visionary leader to the following key position:

Chief Information Officer - Located in Swellendam (Western Cape)

SSK is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the organisation’s technology, digital and information management agenda. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will be accountable for the development and execution of technology strategies that support business objectives, enhance operational efficiency, strengthen governance and enable sustainable organisational growth.

The role requires an experienced executive to provide leadership across technology strategy, digital transformation, IT operations, cybersecurity, data governance and enterprise architecture. The incumbent will oversee the organisation’s technology landscape, drive innovation and modernisation initiatives, ensure the security, resilience and integrity of critical systems and information, and establish robust governance, risk and compliance frameworks that support strategic priorities.

The CIO will also serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive team and Board on technology trends, opportunities and risks, while leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams, managing strategic technology investments and partnerships, and fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement across the organisation.

SSK welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates; however, preference will be given to previously disadvantaged South Africans. SSK is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and employment equity.

Minimum Requirements:

• Relevant degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business or a related discipline; postgraduate qualification advantageous.
• 10+ years’ relevant experience in Corporate Services Management (Legal-, Governance-, Risk- and Compliance Administration).
• Significant senior leadership experience in IT, digital transformation or technology management.
• Proven experience developing and implementing enterprise technology strategies.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity, data governance, IT risk and regulatory requirements.
• Experience managing complex technology environments, budgets, suppliers and transformation programmes.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing multidisciplinary technology teams.
• Relevant professional certifications are advantageous.
• Must be bilingual in English and Afrikaans.

Personal profile:

The role requires a strategically focused and business-oriented technology leader with the ability to align technology, digital innovation and information management with organisational objectives. The successful candidate should demonstrate strong commercial awareness, sound judgement and the ability to analyse complex business and technology challenges to deliver sustainable value. A proven track record in digital transformation, technology enablement, cybersecurity, governance and operational improvement is essential, together with the ability to balance innovation with risk management, regulatory compliance and organisational priorities.

The role calls for exceptional leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to influence and advise Executive and Board-level stakeholders on technology opportunities, risks and strategic initiatives. High levels of integrity, professionalism and accountability are critical, along with the ability to build, develop and lead high-performing multidisciplinary teams. The successful candidate will be collaborative, adaptable and solutions-driven, with a strong commitment to governance, continuous improvement and customer-centric service delivery, ensuring technology remains a key enabler of organisational performance and long‑term success.