Job Description

Our Client is a fully licensed commercial bank, regulated by the Bank of Uganda under the Financial Institutions Act 2004 with a goal to offer digitally integrated banking that seamlessly fits into a person's daily life and expectations. They are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of ICT & Business Technology to provide leadership and strategic direction for the bank's IT department and drive the implementation of a robust digital strategy. They will be part of their Leadership Team, sitting within the Executive Committee.This is a very important role and the selected candidate will get to shape the strategy and direction of the IT and Business Technology landscape for our client. The ideal candidate should have prior experience working in a regulated environment and demonstrable skills, knowledge and experience to occupy such an important role. They should also be based in Uganda, however, our client is willing to consider candidates from nearby locations who will be willing to travel to the bank's location as needed.If you think this might be you or want to know more, please submit a CV/Rxc3xa9sumxc3xa9, along with your required compensation and notice period, and we will be in touch.Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the IT department, ensuring alignment with the company's vision and goals.
• Oversee the development and implementation of technology strategies and product roadmaps.
• Execute a comprehensive digital strategy aligned with the bank's overall business objectives.
• Identify market trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation and continuous improvement of digital banking services.
• Collaborate with senior management and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective integration of digital initiatives across the organization.
• Oversee the management and maintenance of the bank's IT infrastructure and systems, ensuring reliability, scalability, and security.
• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions and platforms that support the bank's digital transformation goals.
• Develop and enforce IT policies, procedures, and standards to ensure effective governance and compliance.
• Lead the development and enhancement of digital banking channels, including agency banking, internet banking, mobile banking, and other digital payment solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and deliver customer-centric digital products and services that improve customer experience and drive customer engagement.
• Manage and mitigate IT-related risks through the implementation of robust security measures and controls.
• Stay up to date with cybersecurity certifications, threats and industry best practices to ensure the protection of customer data and the bank's IT systems and to drive continuous improvement and competitive advantage.
• Develop and implement disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in case of incidents or disruptions.
• Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and guidance to the IT team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Define and monitor performance metrics and goals for the team to ensure optimal performance and delivery of IT services.
• Manage relationships with external partners, vendors, and service providers to ensure the quality and cost-effectiveness of IT solutions and services.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as business units, risk management, and compliance, to align digital initiatives with organizational objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare regular reports on IT performance, progress, and key metrics for management and stakeholders.
• Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring proper allocation of resources to support the implementation of the digital strategy.
• Establishing partnerships with hardware and software providers.
• Building and maintaining a network of Tech & Product Specialists who can offer support and advice on specific issues.
• Owning and overseeing IT projects and upgrades and analysing the costs and relative merits of new systems or upgrades to existing systems.
• Identifying areas where technology could improve efficiency and profitability.
• Perform any other duties as assigned from time to time.

Requirements

• Proven experience as Head of IT/ICT and Business Technology or in a similar senior technology leadership role, preferably within the banking, fintech or financial services industry. (Extra points if you have prior experience from Uganda and/or the Pan-African region)
• 7-10 years of progressive experience in IT systems, infrastructure management, and business technology solutions
• Ability to develop and implement a technology roadmap and strategic plans that support the bank's growth and innovation goals.
• Deep understanding of financial technologies, systems, and software applications.
• Strong knowledge of core banking systems, payment processing platforms, cybersecurity solutions, data analytics tools, and digital banking technologies.
• Expertise in overseeing complex projects, ensuring timely delivery, and managing risks and resources effectively.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal capabilities to build, mentor, and manage high-performing technology teams, with the ability to inspire and motivate geo-dispersed teams.
• Ability to develop and execute long-term technology strategies aligned with the bank's mission and goals.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Skills in leading and managing organizational change to adapt to evolving market conditions and technological advancements.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and risk management in the financial technology sector and demonstrable familiarity with regulatory and security standards governing financial services operations.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and overseeing technology projects from initiation to completion.
• Advanced level of communication, negotiation, and the ability to influence and motivate at all levels.
• Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams and communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in managing budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation to optimize cost efficiency and drive business growth.
• Skills in conducting market research, analysing industry trends, and identifying opportunities for innovation and expansion.
• Commitment to enhancing customer experience through technology and product innovations.
• Ability to manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and ensure the best value and performance from third-party providers.
• Extensive knowledge in a variety of disciplines such as product, technology, compliance, legal and finance.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a lets-get-things-done-and-delivered mindset.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, global team environment.
• Highly developed organisational and time management skills.
• Ability and willingness to be fully hands-on.
• Relevant certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), ITIL Foundation, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) are highly desirable.
• Bachelors or Masters degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Information Technology, or a related field.

Business Skills

• Leadership.
• Strategic planning, organisation and project management.
• Change management.
• Negotiation and vendor management.
• Regulatory compliance.
• Stakeholder management.
• Financial acumen, numeracy and data analysis.
• Advanced listening, questioning and negotiation.
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Business writing and presentations including excellent drafting capabilities.
• Team and individual management practice.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package (Base Salary + discretionary Bonus).
• Flexible working
• Opportunity to work with talented professionals in a dynamic and growing industry.
• Role autonomy and opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Playing a key role in leadership and the direction/future of our Client.

Please provide your compensation requirements in numbers.

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