Head: IT Operations at Postbank (SOC) Ltd

About the job

Purpose of the Job:

The IT Head of Operations works closely with the CIO in directing and overseeing IT Operations. This position is responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of all IT infrastructure used to support business process, services and end users across the bank. As a member of the IT senior leadership team, the role contributes to the development and execution of the enterprise wide IT strategy. This position oversees functional managers (Payments and Interbank, IT Projects, Core banking/applications).

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the overall enterprise-wide effectiveness and efficiency of all infrastructure systems, networks and end user support system and to ensure high levels of functionality, performance, and business alignment.
• Oversees, coordinates, and monitors all support, administration, and operational management activities. Responsible for high levels of infrastructure reliability, availability, performance, problem management / elimination, PCI compliance, and IT disaster recovery.
• In alignment with the architecture functions, the Head of IT Operations develops and implements standards, procedures, and operational IT processes. Systematically monitors for problem and opportunity areas and is proactive in assessing and making recommendations for improvement.
• Develops, deploys, and improves the full spectrum of IT operations processes.
• Ensures the infrastructure is designed and managed to achieve and maintain high levels of reliability and performance.
• Ensures all infrastructure systems configuration and operating procedures are fully documented and properly maintained.
• Interacts with and manage outside vendors, outsourcers, and service providers to procure and deliver technology products, services, and contracts. Ensures consistent quality and delivery of service across a tiered IT support model.
• Provides leadership and management in the planning and management of infrastructure operations, production support, systems and database administration, application development, and desktop support.
• Establishes, monitors, and analyses performance metrics and service level agreements to ensure business and customer needs are being properly met.
• Sets the mission and vision of the Infrastructure/ Operations team to foster a business-oriented culture and mind set driven by continual service improvement techniques.
• Leads the development of IT Operations service strategy and technical roadmap, and ensures its integration with the overall IT and enterprise strategic plans.
• Oversee the evaluation of work processes to eliminate waste; monitor for continuous improvement.
• Develop partnerships with stakeholders and senior management to remain abreast and assist in the resolution of current issues and challenges.
• Collaborate with Postbank Executive Leadership to ensure that communication and processes are seamless across division lines.
• Provide clear and open communication within Postbank, with users/clients, and senior leadership makers to ensure the transparency of Infrastructure and Operations activities and objectives.
• Produce timely and relevant status reports
• Works with HR and the IT leadership team to develop "talent strategy" that aligns with the current and future business and IT strategy.
• Perform functions typically associated with managing and leading others, including performance management, recruitment and selection, and compensation and policy administration.
• Set expectations, counsel, commend, and manage employee performance on an on-going basis and in relation to their performance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or a related field
• Relevant certifications and accreditations such as ITIL, ISO, PMI, etc. (Added advantage)
• Experience in strategic planning, organization design and development
• At least 6 years of IT technical infrastructure management experience
• 5 or more years of leadership responsibilities, managing groups and teams which included responsibility for hiring, disciplining, coaching, rewarding and terminating employees
• Demonstrated record of budget and cost management experience
• Experience leading IT transformational initiatives in complex and dynamic environments
• Valid driver's license
• Public sector experience / banking sector experience
• Ability to build and maintain relations with banking regulators (FIC, PASA, Bankserv)
• Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure

Skills:

• Business system thinking, Leadership and strategic thinking, Creative thinking and Business engagement - ability engage and communicate [talk] business

Attributes:

• Achievement driven (results driven), Action oriented, Assertiveness, Attention to detail, Coaches / Counsels / Mentor / Evaluates Staff, Business orientation, Command the ability to thrive in a climate of ambiguity, Commitment to Continuous Quality / Process Improvement, Customer orientation, Dependability / Attendance, Encourages Teamwork and Group Achievement, Flexibility / Adaptability to Change, Identifies areas for and Supports Employee Development Opportunities, Integrity