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.

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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.
• Deliver on service level agreements applicable to clients, internal and external stakeholders in order to ensure that client expectations are managed.
• Make recommendations to improve client service and fair treatment of clients within area of responsibility.
• Participate and contribute to a culture which builds rewarding relationships, facilitates feedback and provides exceptional client service.
• Drive client service delivery goal achievement in line with predefined standards in order to ensure that clients receive appropriate advice and service.
• Contribute to sustaining a competitive edge through external networking and benchmarking and representation on related forums.

People:

• Create a positive work climate and culture to energise employees, give meaning to work, minimise work disruption and maximise employee productivity.
• Develop, implement and manage a People Capability plan that ensures that the function has the human resources and skills required to deliver on the strategy for the short-, medium- and long-term.
• Identify, attract, appoint, grow, engage, reward and retain top talent to drive strategic execution.
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership behaviour, through personal involvement, commitment and dedication in support of organisational values.
• Drive a culture that guides and directs best practice, fostering an environment of continuous learning, improvement and cohesiveness.
• Identify employee growth and development needs and schedule interventions to enable ongoing development, training and personal growth.
• Effectively manage performance within the team in order to ensure business objectives are achieved.
• Ensure that employees are effectively recognised and rewarded in line with organisational practice and governance set by the REM committee.
• Encourage innovation, change agility and collaboration within the team.

Finance:

• Implement and compile budgets to minimise expenditure in alignment with tactical delivery plans.
• Control the budget for area, including the authorisation of expenditures and implementation of financial regulations.
• Manage high risk and problematic financial issues in area of accountability and contribute to the development of policy.
• Implement and manage financial risk methodologies, techniques and systems and use to monitor and report on financial activities.
• Implement and provide feedback on the effectiveness of financial policy, practice and procedures: preventing illegal, unethical or improper conduct.
• Implement risk management, governance and compliance policies in own practice area, to identify and manage governance and risk exposure liability.
• Investigate reported wilful acts of non-compliance to organisation policy and practice and report on findings.

Competencies Skills

Communication skills (written and verbal)

Negotiation skills

Agile project management skills

IT management skills

Leadership skills

Problem solving skills

Software development life cycle (SDLC) skills

Solution architecture skills

Organisational awareness skills