IT & DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION MANAGER

Network Finance; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking an IT Leadership professional to shape the organisation's technology strategy and governance. You will oversee infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives while aligning with regulatory requirements and business goals.

Lead cross-functional teams, manage vendor relationships, and drive value through technology investments and operational improvements. A background in regulated environments is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years' experience in an IT leadership role, preferably in regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of financial systems, regulatory reporting, cybersecurity, risk management.
• Proven ability to translate business strategy into practical technology solutions and operating outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a long-term IT strategy and technology roadmap aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain technology governance frameworks, policies, standards, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy, financial services, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with stakeholders to align technology initiatives with organisational goals and investments.
• Advise executive leadership on opportunities, risks, and strategic priorities in technology.
• Promote alignment between technology initiatives and broader organisational objectives.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, cloud services, networks, and enterprise applications for availability and performance.
• Drive modernization initiatives and automation to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Develop cybersecurity strategies and controls suitable for a regulated environment.
• Ensure data protection, backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity capabilities.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives from concept through implementation and adoption.
• Collaborate with vendors to deliver innovative solutions and processes improvements.
• Ensure project governance, testing, training, documentation, and change management.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Problem solving

Leadership

Digital transformation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in IT/CS/SE or related field

Job description

Key Responsibilities

1. IT Strategy, Architecture & Governance

• Develop and execute a long-term IT strategy and technology roadmap aligned with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Establish and maintain technology governance frameworks, policies, standards, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable data privacy, financial services, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with business, compliance, finance, operations, and commercial stakeholders to align technology initiatives with organisational goals.
• Advise executive leadership on technology opportunities, risks, investments, and strategic priorities.
• Promote alignment between technology initiatives and broader organisational objectives.

2. Infrastructure, Platforms & Systems Management

• Oversee the organisation's IT infrastructure, cloud services, networks, business systems, and end-user computing environments.
• Ensure the availability, resilience, security, and performance of critical business applications and platforms.
• Drive optimisation and enhancement of operational systems, reporting platforms, and enterprise applications.
• Manage integrations between internal systems and external technology partners.
• Lead technology modernisation initiatives and automation programmes that improve efficiency, scalability, and service delivery.

3. Cybersecurity, Risk & Business Resilience

• Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies and controls appropriate for a regulated business environment.
• Ensure effective data protection, backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity capabilities.
• Conduct technology risk assessments and oversee the management of security incidents, audits, and remediation activities.
• Collaborate with Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit teams to maintain a strong control environment and continuous compliance.

4. Digital Transformation, Innovation & Project Delivery

• Lead digital transformation initiatives from concept through implementation and operational adoption.
• Partner with business stakeholders and technology vendors to deliver innovative solutions and process improvements.
• Ensure effective project governance, testing, training, documentation, and change management practices.
• Explore and implement opportunities in automation, artificial intelligence, analytics, and customer experience enhancement.

5. Vendor & Technology Partner Management

• Manage relationships with technology vendors, service providers, and strategic partners.
• Oversee vendor performance, service delivery, contracts, and service level agreements.
• Mitigate operational and vendor-related risks through effective governance and oversight.
• Ensure technology partners deliver value while aligning with organisational standards and objectives.

6. Technology Financial Management

• Develop and manage technology budgets and expenditure.
• Ensure technology investments deliver measurable business value and return on investment.
• Drive cost optimisation initiatives and improve visibility into technology spending.
• Support internal and external audit requirements related to technology operations and controls.

7. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary IT and digital team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen internal capabilities and reduce dependency on external service providers where appropriate.
• Oversee IT support functions and ensure the delivery of high-quality technology services across the organisation.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Availability, stability, and performance of critical business systems and infrastructure.
• Successful delivery of digital transformation and technology improvement initiatives.
• Improved automation, efficiency, and operational scalability.
• Accuracy and integrity of regulatory and operational reporting.
• Strong cybersecurity posture and reduction of technology-related risks.
• Positive audit outcomes and compliance adherence.
• Effective management of technology budgets and optimisation of IT expenditure.
• Enhanced employee and customer technology experience.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong business and commercial acumen.
• Results-driven leader with excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communicator capable of engaging with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and digital transformation.
• Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and service excellence.

Additional Information

• Applications will be considered only from candidates who meet the minimum requirements of the role.
• Internal applicants may be required to discuss any potential transfer arrangements with their current manager.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no feedback is received within two weeks of the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.
• The organisation is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from people with disabilities.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5-7 years' experience in an IT leadership role, preferably within a regulated, financial services, fintech, or similarly governed environment.
• Strong understanding of financial systems, regulatory reporting requirements, cybersecurity, risk management, and vendor ecosystems.
• Demonstrated experience leading digital transformation initiatives, modernising technology environments, and managing third-party technology providers.
• Proven ability to translate business strategy into practical technology solutions and operational outcomes.