Head of IT - KSA

Head of IT – KSA: Driving Innovation and Operational Excellence in Banking Technology

We are seeking a visionary and results-driven Head of IT to lead the technological transformation and operational excellence of our banking systems across Saudi Arabia. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the strategic implementation of IT infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations, regulatory compliance, and cutting-edge technological advancements that align with the Bank’s growth objectives. This position demands a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of enterprise IT, banking systems, and the ability to drive cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-performance solutions.

As the Head of IT for KSA, you will play a critical role in shaping the future of our digital banking ecosystem. Your responsibilities will span strategic planning, team leadership, vendor management, and risk mitigation, ensuring that our IT infrastructure remains robust, secure, and aligned with evolving business needs and regulatory standards. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the technological foundation of a leading financial institution in the Kingdom.

Key Responsibilities

In this influential role, your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic IT Leadership: Develop and implement IT policies, procedures, and strategic plans for Saudi branches in close alignment with the Bank’s global IT strategy and Head Office directives. Ensure that all initiatives are executed within approved budgets and timelines, driving operational efficiency and technological innovation.
• Team Management and Development: Lead a high-performing IT team by setting clear objectives, monitoring performance, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Your leadership will be instrumental in cultivating a skilled workforce capable of delivering exceptional IT solutions.
• System and Infrastructure Oversight: Oversee the availability, performance, and continuity of core banking systems, payment platforms, databases, networks, and related infrastructure. Ensure seamless connectivity and data synchronization between primary data centers and disaster recovery sites, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational resilience.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Relations: Evaluate and select IT systems, hardware, and technology solutions by assessing technical and financial viability. Manage relationships with vendors and service providers, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and service-level agreements (SLAs).
• Risk Management and Compliance: Stay ahead of technological advancements while ensuring robust information security, data protection, and compliance with banking regulations, legal frameworks, and internal controls. Regularly review audit findings and implement corrective actions to mitigate risks and enhance operational integrity.
• Incident Management and Reporting: Monitor system performance and proactively address incidents by identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective measures. Prepare comprehensive reports on system incidents, performance metrics, and audit findings to drive continuous improvement.
• Budget and Resource Planning: Manage IT budgets with precision, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources while maximizing return on investment. Align IT expenditures with strategic goals and business priorities to support sustainable growth.

Why This Role Matters

In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, the Head of IT for KSA will be instrumental in positioning the Bank as a leader in digital innovation. Your expertise will not only enhance operational efficiency but also ensure that our technology infrastructure is resilient, secure, and future-ready. This is a chance to contribute to a legacy of excellence in banking technology while driving meaningful change in the Kingdom’s financial sector.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, you must possess:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in IT governance, cybersecurity, or banking technology are a significant advantage.
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive IT experience, with at least 3 years in a managerial or supervisory capacity. Prior experience in the banking or financial services sector is highly preferred, particularly in roles involving IT strategy, infrastructure management, or risk compliance.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of operating systems, network infrastructure, enterprise IT environments, and banking systems, including payment platforms and database management. Familiarity with programming languages and tools used in IT operations is essential.
• Regulatory Acumen: A strong understanding of banking regulations, compliance requirements, and legal frameworks governing financial technology operations in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
• Leadership and Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, drive strategic initiatives, and align IT objectives with broader business goals. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills are critical for success in this role.

Key Competencies

Success in this role requires a blend of technical expertise and leadership prowess. We are looking for individuals who:

• Exhibit strong leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve high performance.
• Possess analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address complex IT challenges and drive innovative solutions.
• Demonstrate strong planning and organizational skills to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, translating technical details into actionable insights for business leaders.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends, ensuring that the Bank remains at the forefront of digital transformation.
• Adhere to IT policies, governance frameworks, and best practices to maintain operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for technology and a commitment to driving operational excellence in banking, we invite you to join our team and shape the future of IT in KSA.