General Manager Information Technology - Head Office - Durban at Al Baraka Bank South Africa

MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

IT General Management

• Ensure the availability, performance, and security of IT systems and infrastructure.
• Manage the IT budget, including cost optimization and resource allocation.
• Implement IT Corporate governance frameworks, Charters and policies to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.
• Manage IT-related risks and ensure appropriate controls are in place including regular risk assessments.
• Oversee all IT-related functions, including software management, data management, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and tech support.
• Ensure efficient, effective, and best-practice aligned IT operations.
• Develop and implement policies, standards and procedures in line with recognised frameworks that ensure the security, integrity, and availability of the company's data and IT systems.
• Develop, maintain and implement Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans in consultation with business, IT and 3rd party stakeholders.
• Ensure regulatory compliance in respect of issued guidance notes and assessments.
• Overall responsibility for the performance, development and resourcing of IT staff within the division.

IT Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement IT strategies and roadmaps aligned with the overall organization's goals and industry best practices.
• Define and prioritize IT projects and initiatives to drive innovation and operational efficiency in accordance with Business needs.
• Monitor emerging technologies and trends to identify opportunities for improvement and to gain/maintain a competitive advantage.
• Project manage the implementation of Bank approved projects that require IT intervention from start to completion.

Security Management

• Develop and implement robust security - incorporating cybersecurity – strategies policies, and procedures to protect the Bank’s confidential and sensitive information, systems, and data.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of strong security controls, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, identity management, access controls, and encryption technologies.
• Work closely with service providers that render SOC (Security Operations Centre) and SIEM (Security Information & Event Management) services.
• Conduct regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing to identify and mitigate potential risks.
• Ensure audit and risk issues raised by internal/external Auditors and Risk are tracked, monitored and addressed within targeted timeframes and budget.  
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA).
• Stay abreast of the latest security threats, trends, and best practices in the banking industry sector and make recommendations to EXCO to enhance the security environment at the Bank.

Infrastructure Management

• Provide strategic guidance and leadership in planning, designing, implementing, and maintaining the Banks IT infrastructure.
• Ensure the availability, reliability, and scalability of critical network systems, servers, storage, and other infrastructure components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess infrastructure needs, including data centres, disaster recovery, business continuity and cloud services.
• Implement and execute regular disaster recovery testing to enable the Business to build sufficient understanding and experience related to disaster recovery.
• Monitor and optimize system performance, capacity, and availability, considering the high demands and regulatory requirements of the banking industry.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
•  Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in infrastructure management, evaluating their potential benefits and risks for the banking industry.

Operations Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the IT department, ensuring efficient service delivery and support to end-users within the Bank.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of IT services.
• Develop and implement IT service management processes and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Monitor IT performance metrics, analyze data, and present reports to assess departmental effectiveness and propose improvements.
• Manage IT budgets, resources, and vendor relationships effectively, considering the financial constraints and cost optimization measures within the Bank.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and reduce operational risks.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align IT operations with business goals, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Applications Management

• Develop and execute a strategic plan for applications management, considering the Banks needs and priorities.
• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of critical banking applications, such as core banking systems, online banking platforms, and mobile banking applications.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand their requirements and ensure the effective deployment and utilization of applications to enhance customer experience and drive business growth.
• Monitor application performance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with development teams for enhancements and bug fixes, with a focus on maintaining uptime and data integrity.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies in the banking industry and assess the potential for innovation and competitive advantage.

Administrative Support

• Provide leadership and direction to the IT administrative support team, ensuring smooth administrative operations within the Bank.
• Manage procurement processes for IT equipment, software licenses, and services, adhering to procurement policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage IT assets, including hardware, software, and licenses, ensuring proper inventory management and compliance with licensing agreements.
• Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, and documentation, aligning them with the banking industry's regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Manage relationships with external partners, vendors, and service providers, ensuring service level agreements are met and contracts are effectively managed.
• Ensure the management of accurate and timeous payments to service providers.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead a team of IT professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the IT department.
• Identify and address skills gaps through training, recruitment, and development initiatives.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with business leaders to understand their IT requirements and align IT solutions accordingly.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, ensuring service level agreements are met.
• Communicate IT strategies, initiatives, and achievements to key stakeholders including the Board and relevant Board Committees.

Additional Responsibilities

The responsibilities outlined in this job description are not intended to be exhaustive and may be amended from time to time to meet the evolving needs of the Bank.

The incumbent will be required to:

• Undertake any additional duties, projects, or responsibilities reasonably assigned by Executive Management, EXCO, Board Committees, or the Chief Executive Officer that are aligned to the scope and purpose of the role.
• Lead or participate in strategic, regulatory, digital transformation, operational, and business improvement initiatives as required.
• Assume responsibility for emerging technology, cybersecurity, risk, governance, data, and operational functions that may be incorporated into the Information Technology portfolio in future.
• Support organisational change initiatives and contribute to cross-functional projects and committees as required.
• Adapt to changes in business strategy, regulatory requirements, industry developments, and organisational structures.
• Perform such other duties as may reasonably be required to support the achievement of the Bank's strategic objectives.
• The Bank reserves the right to review, modify, expand, or reassign the duties and responsibilities associated with this position in line with business requirements, technological advancements, regulatory expectations, and organisational priorities. Such changes will be communicated to the incumbent and will remain commensurate with the seniority and purpose of the role

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as ITIL, PMP, CISSP, or CISM are preferred.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in the banking or financial services industry is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in successfully leading and delivering complex IT projects.
• Experience in Cloud environments would be advantageous.

 KNOWLEDGE

• In-depth understanding of IT systems, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
• Knowledge of IT governance frameworks, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with banking industry regulations, processes, and systems.