Senior 1St Lod Risk Manager

Absa Group; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Absa Group is seeking a Risk Officer for Technology Infrastructure to lead risk management practices, ensuring compliance and resilience across technology platforms. The role involves strategic leadership, risk mitigation, and collaboration with IT teams to enhance security and operational capabilities within the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in risk management, with a preference for technology environments.
• Knowledge of Technology Infrastructure preferred.
• Proven experience managing risks in large-scale IT environments.

Responsibilities

• Identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor technology infrastructure risks.
• Oversee incident response and business continuity efforts.
• Define and implement risk management framework for cloud environments.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Risk management

Technical acumen in IT Infrastructure

Stakeholder management

Crisis and incident management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Master's degree or certifications (CISSP, CRISC, CISM, ITIL)

Job description

Empowering Africa's tomorrow, together… one story at a time. With over years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary: To develop tactical strategy and delivery plans, formulate associated practices, and ensure operational implementation and adoption across a single practice in terms of risk methodology, governance, and delivery objectives.

Job Description:

The Risk Officer for Technology Infrastructure is responsible for identifying, assessing, mitigating, and monitoring risks associated with technology infrastructure systems, services, and products.

This role is pivotal in ensuring the resilience, security, and compliance of the organization's technology platforms, aligning risk management practices with organizational and regulatory standards while enabling innovative and scalable operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Governance:
• Define and implement a comprehensive risk management framework tailored to infrastructure and cloud environments.
• Align risk strategies with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements.
• Review and evaluate compliance, technology policies, procedures, and tools to provide insights on reducing technology risk.
• Collaborate with infrastructure and architecture teams (Networks, Compute, Cloud, DBaaS, Mainframe, and End User) to manage specific infrastructure risk posture.
• Ensure governance processes adhere to standards (e.g., ISO, GDPR), enhancing compliance and quality assurance.

• Risk Management and Mitigation:
• Manage and monitor risk effectively. Identify, assess, and mitigate risks across technology platforms, including operational, cybersecurity, and compliance risks.
• Oversee incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity efforts to ensure resilience and rapid resolution.
• Monitor vulnerabilities such as system downtime, data breaches, and third-party dependencies, implementing controls to minimize impact.
• Coach users in risk identification and assessment.
• Provide accurate risk reports to stakeholders.
• Review technology and security risks to inform the 2nd line of defense.

• Change and Execution Leadership:
• Lead multidisciplinary teams to execute strategic Risk and Audit initiatives effectively.
• Manage change processes across infrastructure services for seamless implementation.
• Drive continuous improvement using iterative approaches to deliver value and minimize risks.

• Collaboration and Communication:
• Partner with IT, cybersecurity, and architecture teams to integrate risk management into planning and execution.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders within the bank, tailoring messages for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Serve as the primary liaison for risk discussions with vendors and external partners.
• Maintain datasets via strategic platforms, adhering to data governance policies, and guide business intelligence teams to ensure data trustworthiness.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum 7 years in risk management, consulting, or leadership, preferably in a technology environment.
• Knowledge of Technology Infrastructure preferred.
• Proven experience managing risks in large-scale IT environments, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Risk Management, or related field.
• Master's degree or certifications such as CISSP, CRISC, CISM, or ITIL are highly preferred.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic thinking and visionary leadership
• Technical and risk acumen in IT Infrastructure
• Stakeholder management and collaboration
• Crisis and incident management expertise
• Regulatory and compliance knowledge
• Innovative problem-solving
• Planning and organizing skills

Education:

Bachelor's Degrees and Advanced Diplomas in Business, Commerce, and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of , preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups to promote workforce diversity. Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the advertised position.