Compliance Chief Information Officer at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• The Compliance Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a senior executive and member of the Compliance executive team responsible for overseeing the business unit’s information technology (IT) strategy, infrastructure, and operations.
• As technology evolves, the CIO plays a crucial role in ensuring the business unit’s technology systems are secure, efficient, and aligned with business goals.
• This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the financial services industry.

Job Description

Strategic Accountabilities:

• Digital Transformation: Drive digital transformation initiatives to modernize processes and improve customer experiences.
• Within this context Develop the bank's/business unit’s/functions overall technology roadmap aligned with its business goals.
• Collaborate with senior management on strategic planning to execute and deliver.
• Ensure that the architecture of the Compliance function is fit for purpose, balancing cost, technical debt, and strategic enablement.
• Digital Adoption: Deliberately seek opportunities to digitise, automate and implement solutions for customer primacy, innovation, and operational effectiveness.
• Utilise resources and encourage the use of new technology (software products, apps, websites, etc.) to their fullest potential, and derive maximum value from a digital process or solution.
• Leadership and Talent Development: Lead and mentor a team of Compliance Technology professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, achieving outperformance in outcomes and in Absa’s position as the home of top technology talent.
• Play an active role at a Compliance function executive level helping shape the strategic direction for the Compliance function leveraging experience and expertise.
• Engage in executive committee discussions and debates at a broad strategic level helping the Compliance function to achieve its overall strategic goals.
• Stakeholder Communication: Collaborate with other executives, board members, regulators, and external partners to communicate IT roadmap and progress.
• Value Management: Ensure that investments achieve the value commitment in terms of customer experience, cost efficiency and key financial metrics such as Run:Grow/Transform, Technology Intensity and Cost: Income Ratios
• Technology Innovation: Identify and leverage emerging technologies to enhance services and improve operational efficiency. Foster a culture of innovation and promoting a mindset of continuous improvement and agility.
• Data Value: Ensure that the Compliance function has the processes of data governance, and controls for data privacy and is exploiting the value from the use of data.

Operational Accountabilities:

• Security and Compliance: Ensure the Compliance function IT systems are secure, compliant with industry regulations, and protected against cyber threats. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and data protection laws governing the banking and / or insurance sector.
• Infrastructure Management: Oversee the maintenance and modernization of the Compliance function IT infrastructure, including cloud/data centres, networks, and hardware. Manage and oversee all IT operations and systems, ensuring their efficiency, security, and reliability.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with technology vendors and third-party service providers and ensuring the Compliance function has appropriate technological expertise and extract value from these relationships.
• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate technology-related risks that could impact the Compliance function operations or reputation.
• Budget Management: Manage the IT budget effectively, allocating resources for maximum impact and efficiency.
• Business Continuity: Develop and maintain robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

Preferred Experience:

• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in IT leadership roles, with at least 5 years in a senior management position within the banking or financial services industry.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing IT strategies and projects in a banking context.
• Strong understanding of banking regulations, compliance, and security protocols.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree: Information Technology

End Date: July 10, 2025