Red Ember Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head of Information Systems on behalf of our client, a well-established organisation within the financial services industry, based in Tyger Valley, Cape Town.
IT Strategy And Business Alignment
- Develop, own and execute short- and long-term IT strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Align technology investments, architecture and delivery plans with organisational priorities.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on technology opportunities, risks and investment decisions.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, customer experience, automation and data-driven decision-making.
Technology Delivery And Architecture
- Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of scalable, secure and efficient technology solutions.
- Oversee the software development lifecycle, systems integration and enterprise technology initiatives.
- Ensure technology solutions deliver measurable business value.
- Establish and maintain architecture, design and development standards.
Operational Technology Management
- Ensure the availability, stability, performance and resilience of critical business systems and infrastructure.
- Oversee incident management, service delivery and production support.
- Drive continuous improvement in system reliability, service quality and operational efficiency.
- Ensure technology services meet agreed service standards.
Data And Information Management
- Establish and maintain data governance frameworks, standards and controls.
- Oversee data architecture, data quality, reporting and information management.
- Support the effective use of data and analytics for business decision-making and regulatory reporting.
- Ensure appropriate controls protect the integrity, confidentiality and availability of information assets.
Cyber Security, Risk And Resilience
- Provide executive oversight of cybersecurity, information security and technology risk management.
- Ensure disaster recovery, backup and recovery capabilities remain effective.
- Lead technology-related risk assessments and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, governance and security requirements.
Vendor And Financial Management
- Manage the IT budget and ensure effective utilisation of technology investments.
- Oversee technology vendors, service providers and outsourced partners.
- Negotiate and monitor service agreements to ensure quality, value and risk mitigation.
- Ensure third-party technology arrangements are appropriately governed.
Leadership And People Management
- Lead, develop and mentor the Information Technology team.
- Build organisational capability through succession planning, coaching and skills development.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Governance And Executive Management
- Participate in senior management and executive-level strategic decision-making.
- Provide regular reporting on technology performance, key risks, project delivery and strategic initiatives.
- Establish and maintain effective IT governance structures, policies and standards.
- Ensure audit findings, risk actions and compliance obligations are effectively managed.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Information Systems or a related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a similar role.
- Experience managing complex technology environments, with a strong focus on automation and systems integrations.
- Demonstrated experience engaging and presenting at MANCO and EXCO level.
- Strong vendor and service provider management experience.
- Advantageous Experience Experience managing technology vendors, outsourcing arrangements and service delivery agreements.
- Experience leading enterprise technology delivery and systems integration initiatives.
- Experience implementing and managing cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities.
- Experience establishing data governance, information management and reporting frameworks.
- Experience managing IT budgets, technology investments and cost optimisation initiatives.
- Experience within regulated financial services environments.
- Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary technology teams.