Head of Information Systems

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head of Information Systems on behalf of our client, a well-established organisation within the financial services industry, based in Tyger Valley, Cape Town.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a strategic and technically strong IT professional who can drive technology strategy, oversee multidisciplinary IT functions and ensure that technology solutions support business objectives.

The successful candidate will provide strategic oversight across Business Analysis, Systems Analysis, Data Delivery, Helpdesk, Testing and Desktop Support, acting as a key link between business and technology.

IT Strategy And Business Alignment

• Develop, own and execute short- and long-term IT strategies aligned with business objectives.
  

• Align technology investments, architecture and delivery plans with organisational priorities.
  

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on technology opportunities, risks and investment decisions.
  

• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, customer experience, automation and data-driven decision-making.
  

Technology Delivery And Architecture

• Lead the design, implementation and continuous improvement of scalable, secure and efficient technology solutions.
  

• Oversee the software development lifecycle, systems integration and enterprise technology initiatives.
  

• Ensure technology solutions deliver measurable business value.
  

• Establish and maintain architecture, design and development standards.
  

Operational Technology Management

• Ensure the availability, stability, performance and resilience of critical business systems and infrastructure.
  

• Oversee incident management, service delivery and production support.
  

• Drive continuous improvement in system reliability, service quality and operational efficiency.
  

• Ensure technology services meet agreed service standards.
  

Data And Information Management

• Establish and maintain data governance frameworks, standards and controls.
  

• Oversee data architecture, data quality, reporting and information management.
  

• Support the effective use of data and analytics for business decision-making and regulatory reporting.
  

• Ensure appropriate controls protect the integrity, confidentiality and availability of information assets.
  

Cyber Security, Risk And Resilience

• Provide executive oversight of cybersecurity, information security and technology risk management.
  

• Ensure disaster recovery, backup and recovery capabilities remain effective.
  

• Lead technology-related risk assessments and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
  

• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, governance and security requirements.
  

Vendor And Financial Management

• Manage the IT budget and ensure effective utilisation of technology investments.
  

• Oversee technology vendors, service providers and outsourced partners.
  

• Negotiate and monitor service agreements to ensure quality, value and risk mitigation.
  

• Ensure third-party technology arrangements are appropriately governed.
  

Leadership And People Management

• Lead, develop and mentor the Information Technology team.
  

• Build organisational capability through succession planning, coaching and skills development.
  

• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
  

Governance And Executive Management

• Participate in senior management and executive-level strategic decision-making.
  

• Provide regular reporting on technology performance, key risks, project delivery and strategic initiatives.
  

• Establish and maintain effective IT governance structures, policies and standards.
  

• Ensure audit findings, risk actions and compliance obligations are effectively managed.
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems or a related field.
  
• Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a similar role.
  
• Experience managing complex technology environments, with a strong focus on automation and systems integrations.
  
• Demonstrated experience engaging and presenting at MANCO and EXCO level.
  
• Strong vendor and service provider management experience.
  

Advantageous Experience

• Experience managing technology vendors, outsourcing arrangements and service delivery agreements.
  
• Experience leading enterprise technology delivery and systems integration initiatives.
  
• Experience implementing and managing cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities.
  
• Experience establishing data governance, information management and reporting frameworks.
  
• Experience managing IT budgets, technology investments and cost optimisation initiatives.
  
• Experience within regulated financial services environments.
  
• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary technology teams.