Senior Manager: System Development

Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation of Africa Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation Ltd. seeks a Senior Manager: System Development to steer CGIC's software development, business analysis, application modernisation and technology delivery capabilities.

The role leads teams across underwriting, claims, accounting, broker portals and API services to ensure stability, performance and strategic evolution of the technology landscape. The successful candidate will drive architecture oversight, governance, and delivery across complex portfolios,

Qualifications

• Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering or related field; postgraduate qualifications are advantageous.
• Proven leadership and project delivery experience in large-scale software environments.
• Experience with architecture, APIs, cloud platforms and SDLC governance is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide technology strategy and leadership to CGIC's software development and modernization initiatives.
• Lead multiple teams responsible for core systems, data services, and integration platforms.
• Drive agile delivery, governance, risk management and executive reporting.
• Oversee platform modernization, API enablement and external integrations.
• Develop roadmaps, manage resources and ensure delivery alignment with business goals.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Executive communication

Cloud platforms

Architecture

Agile leadership

Education

Degree in IT or related field

Job description

Let's Write Africa's Story Together! Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation (CGIC) seeks an experienced Senior Manager: System Development to lead the organisation's software development, business analysis, application modernisation and technology delivery capabilities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the stability, enhancement and strategic evolution of CGIC's technology landscape while leading multiple teams responsible for core business systems, integration platforms, customer-facing solutions, data services and strategic transformation initiatives. The role combines technology leadership, people management, delivery governance, architecture oversight, innovation and stakeholder engagement at executive level.

Technology Strategy & Leadership

Develop and execute CGIC's application development and modernisation strategy. Define technology roadmaps aligned to business objectives. Lead the transition from legacy platforms to modern cloud-enabled and API-driven architectures. Drive architecture, integration and digital transformation initiatives. Partner with EXCO and business leadership on strategic technology decisions. Ensure technology investments support business growth, operational efficiency and risk management.

Software Development Leadership

Lead multiple development teams responsible for:

• Underwriting systems
• Claims systems
• Reinsurance systems
• Accounting systems
• Broker and client portals
• Collections and workflow solutions
• API and integration services

Establish engineering standards, SDLC governance and quality controls. Manage application lifecycles from conception through deployment and support. Improve development productivity, release governance and delivery predictability. Drive agile delivery practices and continuous improvement.

Modernisation & Transformation

Lead strategic programmes focused on the modernisation of CGIC's legacy platforms. Drive API-first integration strategies. Guide migration and transformation initiatives involving legacy Software AG/Natural platforms and modern technologies. Develop and execute long-term technology transformation roadmaps. Reduce key-person dependency and improve organisational resilience.

Programme & Portfolio Delivery

Oversee the delivery of multiple concurrent projects and programmes. Ensure effective project governance, risk management and executive reporting. Manage project prioritisation and resource allocation. Establish delivery metrics and performance reporting. Ensure alignment between business priorities and development capacity.

• Platform modernisation
• Broker Management solutions
• Portal and customer-facing applications
• API enablement and external integrations
• Data and reporting initiatives
• Core insurance system

People Leadership

Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams including:

• Development Managers
• Software Developers
• Business Analysts
• Data Analysts
• Database Specialists
• Technical Leads

Responsibilities include:

• Workforce planning
• Coaching and mentoring
• Succession planning
• Performance management
• Talent acquisition
• Capability development
• Building high-performing delivery teams

Stakeholder Management

Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership. Build strong partnerships with business units and operational leaders. Manage relationships with strategic technology vendors and service providers. Present progress, risks and investment recommendations to executive governance forums. Facilitate decision-making across business and technology stakeholders.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure adherence to IT governance frameworks. Manage application and delivery risks. Establish change, release and environment governance disciplines. Support audit, compliance and regulatory requirements. Maintain business continuity and operational resilience.

Minimum Requirements

Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering or related field. Postgraduate qualification advantageous. Relevant leadership and project delivery certifications beneficial.

Experience

12+ years experience within software development and delivery environments. 7+ years in senior technology leadership roles. Proven experience leading large technical teams. Experience managing complex application portfolios. Experience leading enterprise transformation and modernisation initiatives. Experience interacting with executive leadership and boards.

Technical Knowledge

Strong knowledge of: application architecture, systems integration, APIs and microservices, cloud platforms, SDLC governance, agile delivery methodologies, data platforms and reporting solutions, legacy system modernisation, insurance and financial services environments (advantageous).

Critical Competencies

• Leadership
• Strategic thinking
• People leadership
• Executive presence
• Coaching and mentoring
• Change leadership
• Delivery
• Programme management
• Portfolio prioritisation
• Commercial awareness
• Vendor management
• Governance and risk management
• Technical Solution architecture
• Software engineering
• Technology modernisation
• Integration strategy
• Data and analytics understanding

Success Measures

The successful candidate will be measured on:

• Delivery of strategic transformation initiatives.
• Stability and availability of critical business systems.
• Development team effectiveness and productivity.
• Quality, security and governance compliance.
• Technology roadmap execution.
• Reduction of legacy platform risk.
• Business stakeholder satisfaction.
• Talent retention and succession readiness.

6 – 8 years of experience in Information Technology, Information/Cyber Security, IT Auditing, IT or Operational Risk, IT Compliance, or IT Governance. 2 – 4 years managerial / leadership experience. Strong understanding of IT Governance frameworks, methodologies, and related standards.

At least two relevant industry certifications: ISO27001/27002, COBIT 5/2019, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, CGRC etc. Cloud Certifications an advantage: AWS Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Security – Specialty or related. Agile training and knowledge of Agile Frameworks. Strong analytical & problem-solving skills and facilitation, negotiation, conflict resolution skills. Excellent written & oral communication and networking skills. A motivated self-starter, capable of working on own initiative with a high level of integrity. A resourceful, proactive, and confident communicator ensuring adequate quality and timely deliverables. Ability to work professionally and constructively as a leader and team member providing advice and consultancy.

Proficient in MS Suite (Excel, Word, Visio and PowerPoint) A background in audit, assurance within financial services. Makes increased contributions by broadening individual skills Skills Action Planning, Adaptive Thinking, Business Requirements Analysis, Cultural Awareness, Database Administration, Data Compilation, Data Controls, Data Management, Evaluating Information, Executing Plans, Expertise Management System, IT Architecture, Policies & Procedures, User Requirements Documentation, Wireless Network Management Competencies Communicates Effectively Courage Cultivates Innovation Decision Quality Ensures Accountability Manages Complexity Nimble Learning Optimizes Work Processes Education NQF Level 9 – Masters

The Old Mutual Story!

Closing Date 19 October 2026 , 23:59 The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

Old Mutual is a premium African financial services organisation that offers a broad spectrum of financial solutions to retail and corporate customers across key market segments in 14 countries. The lines of business include Life and Savings, Property and Casualty, Asset Management and Banking and Lending. We are rooted in our purpose of Championing Mutually Positive Futures Every Day and believe that a great customer experience is anchored in a great employee experience.