Chief Information Officer: Group Corporate Functions

**Who are we?**

Sanlam Group Technology is responsible for the provision of a digitally enabled technology service as a group COE, drive business and transformation and provide group-wide digital and data architecture. We operate the various technology platforms and shared services, ensure Cyber and Information Security resilience, and act as technology governance and risk orchestrator for technology across Sanlam.

**Strategic Opportunity**
- Sanlam Group is seeking a forward-thinking, influential Chief Information Officer (CIO) for its Corporate Functions - a leader who partners strategically with business executives to deliver transformative technology capabilities. This role is central to elevating the digital maturity of Corporate Functions by optimizing the technology portfolio, reducing risk and technical debt, and embedding a culture of proactive leadership, operational excellence, and trust.

**Purpose of the Role**
- As CIO for Corporate Functions, you will act as a strategic technology partner to leaders across core enabling areas including Finance, Human Capital, Risk, Compliance, Strategy, Company Secretariat, and Corporate Social Investment. You will shape and execute an integrated technology strategy that supports long-term business objectives, modernizes platforms, simplifies architecture, and strengthens operational performance.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Strategic Leadership & Transformation**
- Serve as a strategic technology partner to Corporate Functions, shifting IT from a transactional, order-taking service to an embedded, strategic and value-generating capability.
- Develop and execute a transformation roadmap aligned with Corporate Functions priorities and the broader Sanlam Group Technology strategy and OKRs.
- Lead strategic portfolio management to ensure that IT investments solve real business problems, deliver measurable outcomes, and align with enterprise objectives.

**Innovation & Digital Enablement**
- Champion the adoption of AI, automation, and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, employee experience and service delivery.
- Launch digital enablement initiatives that build digital literacy, support change management, and equip functional teams with modern tools and capabilities.
- Co-create innovative technology solutions in partnership with business leaders to eliminate inefficiencies and unlock new opportunities and insights.
- Evaluate and approve IT investments, budgets, and vendor engagements, ensuring cost-effective, value-driven decision-making.
- Lead the establishment of data product and insights capability to deliver commercial value and new insights

**Cloud & Technology Architecture Oversight**
- Shape and lead the Corporate Functions cloud migration and technology modernization portfolio in line with enterprise architecture and risk standards.
- Drive harmonization, simplification, and consolidation of the technology stack to reduce complexity and lower the total cost of ownership.

**Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance**
- Oversee IT risk management across Corporate Functions, including cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, third-party risk, and business continuity.
- Ensure audit readiness and regulatory alignment across all technology domains, partnering closely with internal risk and compliance functions.

**Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement**
- Build strong, trust-based relationships with Sanlam Group Technology, Corporate Function leaders, and external vendors to ensure seamless, aligned delivery.
- Establish transparent metrics, reporting, and accountability mechanisms to drive performance across all stakeholders.

**Qualifications and Experience**
- Grade 12 and a relevant Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or Engineering
- A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a related advanced qualification is recommended
- Experience in the Financial Services industry is required
- Proven experience in digital transformation, cloud adoption, enterprise architecture, and stakeholder engagement in a complex enterprise environment

**Key Competencies**
- **Strategic Vision**:Ability to translate business needs into forward-thinking technology strategy and execution.
- **Innovative & Tech-Savvy**: Passion for emerging technologies and solving complex business challenges.
- **Human-Centered Leadership**:Builds trust, drives engagement, and fosters inclusive collaboration.
- **Agile & Resilient**: Comfortable navigating ambiguity and leading through change.
- **Effective Communicator**:Adept at influencing and aligning both executive and operational stakeholders, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- **Business Acumen**: Good understanding of the organisation's industry, market, and competitive landscape is critical

**Knowledge and Skills**
- IT Strategic Planning and implementation
- Information system delivery service
- Project Oversight
- Service Lev