Head of IT Planning & Governance

Head of IT Planning & Governance – Drive Strategic Technology Leadership in a Dynamic Financial Landscape

As the **Head of IT Planning & Governance**, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the technological foundation of our organization within the rapidly evolving remittance and digital wallet sectors. This strategic position demands a visionary leader capable of aligning IT initiatives with business growth objectives while ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory frameworks. You will oversee the formulation and execution of a forward-thinking IT corporate strategy, ensuring seamless integration of technology solutions that drive innovation, efficiency, and scalability.

In this dynamic role, you will lead the charge in establishing a robust governance framework that harmonizes enterprise architecture, data management, and cybersecurity initiatives. Your expertise will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance, including adherence to SAMA (Saudi Central Bank), SNDP (National Data Management Office), and NCA (National Cybersecurity Authority) guidelines, while mitigating risks and optimizing IT investments.

Key Responsibilities:

Your responsibilities will encompass a broad spectrum of strategic and operational leadership areas:

• Strategic Alignment: Develop and execute a comprehensive IT roadmap that aligns with business expansion goals, ensuring technology solutions support the growth of remittance and digital wallet services.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all IT architectures, data practices, and governance frameworks strictly comply with SAMA, SNDP, and local cybersecurity frameworks, mitigating regulatory risks and fostering trust in our digital ecosystem.
• Enterprise Architecture Oversight: Govern the selection of technology stacks, application frameworks, and integration blueprints to eliminate architectural debt, enhance system agility, and future-proof our technological infrastructure.
• Data Governance & Management: Champion the establishment of a robust data governance framework, including the creation of data catalogs, definition of data lineage, and implementation of stringent data privacy and security protocols.
• IT Risk & Controls: Implement and monitor IT controls, manage technical risks, and address internal and external audit inquiries while conducting continuous compliance reviews to ensure operational resilience.
• Financial & Vendor Governance: Oversee IT CAPEX and OPEX planning, optimize the technology portfolio, and govern strategic vendor contracts to maximize value and minimize costs.

Qualifications & Experience:

To excel in this role, you will bring a blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and regulatory acumen:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• 10+ years of overall IT experience, with a minimum of 4 years in managing IT Governance, Enterprise Architecture, or Data Governance leadership roles.
• Proven experience working within the KSA banking, fintech, or financial services sector, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in these industries.
• Demonstrable experience successfully navigating SAMA IT or Cybersecurity audits, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks in high-regulatory environments.
• Experience in designing or implementing a Data Governance framework that aligns with NDMO/SNDP guidelines, ensuring data integrity, security, and regulatory adherence.
• Possession of at least one active professional certification in domains such as TOGAF, COBIT, CGEIT, or CDMP, validating your expertise in governance, architecture, or data management.

Behavioral Competencies:

Beyond technical and regulatory expertise, you will embody the following behavioral competencies to drive success:

• Driving Performance for Improvement: Continuously identify opportunities for operational excellence and technological innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Leadership: Inspire and guide cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives, fostering collaboration and accountability at all levels.
• Building Partnerships: Forge strong relationships with stakeholders across the organization, ensuring alignment between IT initiatives and broader business goals.
• Developing Satisfaction: Cultivate a positive and engaged workforce by recognizing contributions, addressing concerns, and promoting a supportive work environment.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for technology governance, regulatory compliance, and driving digital transformation in the financial sector, we invite you to join our team and shape the future of IT leadership in a dynamic and impactful way.