Head: It

**Introduction**
- Provide strategic IT leadership to support and lead the development, implementation, and management of the MMerge IT operating model, systems and infrastructure in order to support the business objectives. Contribute to the delivery of a range of IT services, sponsoring process / system improvements aimed at the efficient and effective provision of IT services.

**Disclaimer**
- As an applicant, please verify the legitimacy of this job advert on our company career page.

**Role Purpose**

**Knowledge**:

- Awareness of current and emerging technologies (e.g., cloud computing, artificial intelligence, IoT) and their potential impact on the organisation
- Understanding of digital transformation initiatives and how to integrate new technologies into existing business processes
- Familiarity with IT service management frameworks (e.g., ITIL) to optimise service delivery and support.
- Understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and regulations to protect organisational data and systems
- Proficient understanding of computer software packages
- Extensive knowledge of project management methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall
- Strong grasp of IT governance, risk management and compliance
- Proficiency in project management principles and tools to oversee IT initiatives from conception to completion

**Requirements**:
**Experience**8 - 10 years’ experience in IT Management (essential)At least 5 years’ experience managing a team (essential)Financial services industry experience, with a good understanding of the retail life insurance business (essential)Experience in an Agile, Digital or Data transformation environment (desirable)Experience in delivering a large-scale system migration (desirable)

**Qualifications**

Matric (Grade 12) (Essential)
- Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology/Computer Science/Software Engineering/Information Systems and or equivalent relevant qualification (Essential)
- Relevant post graduate qualification (Desirable)

**Duties & Responsibilities**

**Internal processes**:

- Provide direction into the MMerge IT strategy.
- Accountable for compliance to IT strategy, architectural frameworks and agreed technical principles for all solutions and platforms developed and maintained for the business.
- Define clear goals and objectives for the IT team that align with overall business goals and performance metrics.
- Create a comprehensive programme/project roadmap that supports the strategic objectives the business.
- Develop detailed business cases and funding proposals to support initiatives outlined in the project roadmap.
- Identify and implement innovative solutions that are either market-leading or adhere to established industry standards.
- Enforce adherence to technical planning and design protocols throughout all projects to ensure consistency and quality.
- Oversee the prioritisation, management and quality of system development.
- Maintain alignment with the Group IT strategy to ensure cohesive and strategic development across initiatives.
- Influence and collaborate with other MMerge technology specialists (e.g. IT Governance, Risk, Security and Solution and Data Architecture) to ensure MMerge builds solutions that meet Group standards.
- Utilise MMerge insights to influence and contribute requirements to Group IT forums to influence standards and approved technologies used by the Group.
- Support best practices in the domains of change management (Group CAB forums) and MMerge DevOps.
- In collaboration with Group IT, contribute to the identification of fit-for-purpose IT hardware and software that will enable optimal business performance.
- Establish and drive standards and procedures for solutions definition, development, testing, change management and operational controls.
- Promote solutions that reflect industry best practices, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
- The promotion of emerging technology awareness among staff and business management.
- Ensure all initiatives comply with the strategic choices of the Momentum Group platform.
- Conceptualise and test alternative architectural and technological approaches to enhance project outcomes.
- Organise and lead workshops focused on solution development and estimation to foster collaboration and insight among team members.
- Stay informed on industry trends and technological advancements to drive continuous improvement within the IT function.
- Advocate for the adoption of new technologies and innovative practices to drive organisational progress and enhance efficiency.
- Drive the improvement and quality of systems by implementing initiatives that optimise performance, staff productivity and service delivery.
- Build and maintain effective business relationships with all key stakeholders, including third-party vendors, by initiating and maintaining regular interactions.

**Client**:

- Build and maintain relationships with clients, internal and external stakeholders.
- Delive