Head of Information Systems

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head of Information Systems on behalf of our client, a well-established organisation within the financial services industry, based in Tyger Valley, Cape Town.

IT Strategy And Business Alignment

• Develop, own and execute short- and long-term IT strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Align technology investments, architecture and delivery plans with organisational priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on technology opportunities, risks and investment decisions.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, customer experience, automation and data-driven decision-making.

Technology Delivery And Architecture

• Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of scalable, secure and efficient technology solutions.
• Oversee the software development lifecycle, systems integration and enterprise technology initiatives.
• Ensure technology solutions deliver measurable business value.
• Establish and maintain architecture, design and development standards.

Operational Technology Management

• Ensure the availability, stability, performance and resilience of critical business systems and infrastructure.
• Oversee incident management, service delivery and production support.
• Drive continuous improvement in system reliability, service quality and operational efficiency.
• Ensure technology services meet agreed service standards.

Data And Information Management

• Establish and maintain data governance frameworks, standards and controls.
• Oversee data architecture, data quality, reporting and information management.
• Support the effective use of data and analytics for business decision-making and regulatory reporting.
• Ensure appropriate controls protect the integrity, confidentiality and availability of information assets.

Cyber Security, Risk And Resilience

• Provide executive oversight of cybersecurity, information security and technology risk management.
• Ensure disaster recovery, backup and recovery capabilities remain effective.
• Lead technology-related risk assessments and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, governance and security requirements.

Vendor And Financial Management

• Manage the IT budget and ensure effective utilisation of technology investments.
• Oversee technology vendors, service providers and outsourced partners.
• Negotiate and monitor service agreements to ensure quality, value and risk mitigation.
• Ensure third-party technology arrangements are appropriately governed.

Leadership And People Management

• Lead, develop and mentor the Information Technology team.
• Build organisational capability through succession planning, coaching and skills development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Governance And Executive Management

• Participate in senior management and executive-level strategic decision-making.
• Provide regular reporting on technology performance, key risks, project delivery and strategic initiatives.
• Establish and maintain effective IT governance structures, policies and standards.
• Ensure audit findings, risk actions and compliance obligations are effectively managed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a similar role.
• Experience managing complex technology environments, with a strong focus on automation and systems integrations.
• Demonstrated experience engaging and presenting at MANCO and EXCO level.
• Strong vendor and service provider management experience.
• Advantageous Experience Experience managing technology vendors, outsourcing arrangements and service delivery agreements.
• Experience leading enterprise technology delivery and systems integration initiatives.
• Experience implementing and managing cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities.
• Experience establishing data governance, information management and reporting frameworks.
• Experience managing IT budgets, technology investments and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Experience within regulated financial services environments.
• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary technology teams.