Job Description

M-Sure is a world leader in its field of specialization, offering a variety of financial products for motor vehicles. M-Sures mission is to creatively solve problems and add value to people by ensuring Mobility for Good. As part of the Motus Group, a leading JSE-listed company in the Automotive Industry, M-Sures performance is driven by three keystones: Leaders, Innovation, and Customer Champions.M-Sure seeks a highly skilled and experienced Executive Head: Software Applications to lead a critical transition in core operating software and optimize the broader technology environment, including software delivery, networks, and infrastructure, in collaboration with central IT teams.The successful candidate will report to the Managing Director and collaborate closely with executive leadership and key business units. If you are looking for an exciting and rewarding opportunity to influence the future of technology in a dynamic company, this role is your career-defining journey.
Position OverviewTo focus on both strategic and operational leadership in software development, driving innovation, and ensuring seamless integration with business processes.
Specific Role Responsibilities1. Software Development and Management

• Oversee the end-to-end software development lifecycle, ensuring that software solutions align with business objectives and meet regulatory and industry standards.
• Lead the design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of software applications, ensuring high performance, scalability, and security.
• Implement DevOps best practices, including agile project management, CI/CD, automation, monitoring, and rapid delivery of software services.
• Collaborate with central IT and infrastructure teams to maintain optimal system performance.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement in software development processes and technologies.

2. Vendor & Partnership Management

• Manage relationships with software vendors, ensuring they deliver high-quality solutions and meet service level agreements (SLAs).
• Evaluate and select vendors based on strategic goals, securing favorable terms in contract negotiations.
• Build strategic partnerships with technology providers to leverage new innovations and enhance the organizations technology stack.

3. Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for software applications that aligns with the companys business goals and objectives, collaborating with executive leadership for overall alignment.
• Lead the organizations digital transformation initiatives, identifying opportunities to leverage emerging technologies and software innovations.
• Ensure that software development efforts are in sync with business processes, aiming for seamless integration across systems.

4. Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-functional Collaboration

• Engage with key stakeholders across departments (e.g., Claims, Finance, Policy Admin, Customer Services, Product Office) to understand their needs and align software solutions accordingly.
• Provide regular updates to executive leadership on project status, risks, and issues.
• Drive a business-oriented approach to software development, ensuring software supports evolving business processes.

5. Compliance, Security & Risk Management

• Ensure that all software applications comply with relevant industry regulations and security standards (e.g., POPIA).
• Lead the implementation of robust security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with Motus Groups standards.
• Conduct IT audits to ensure software applications are secure and compliant with internal controls and policies.

6. Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and manage budgets for software applications and projects, ensuring alignment with the organizations financial goals.
• Monitor expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and report on budget performance to the MD and other key stakeholders.

7. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of software developers, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management, ensuring the development of high-performing teams.

8. Integration & Optimization

• Ensure seamless integration of software applications with existing business systems, continuously assessing and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of software solutions.
• Lead efforts to modernize legacy systems, ensuring they meet the organizations evolving needs.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelors degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MSc) preferred.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP, ITIL, TOGAF) are advantageous.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in a senior leadership role within software development, preferably in the software or IT services industry.
• Demonstrable experience in software application management, including overseeing major system transitions in the financial services or insurance industries.
• A solid track record of delivering complex transformation projects (e.g., ERP migrations or implementations, preferably with D365) on time and within budget.
• Extensive experience with vendor management, including contract negotiations, performance evaluation, and fostering strategic partnerships with technology providers.
• Knowledge of software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum) and best practices in software lifecycle management.
• Experience with Microsoft technologies such as Azure, .NET, and SQL Server.
• Familiarity with mobile app development and platforms (iOS, Android, React Native).
• Experience with DevOps practices, including continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD).

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration abilities, with experience working across various business functions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex technical challenges innovatively.
• Deep knowledge of industry trends, emerging technologies, and software innovation.

Motus