Head of I.T (Financial Services at Sheer Logic

About the Opportunity

• Our client, a rapidly growing financial services group, is seeking an accomplished candidate to lead its technology strategy, digital transformation agenda and enterprise-wide IT operations.
• This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a commercially minded technology professional who can build scalable technology platforms, strengthen cybersecurity and governance, and leverage digital solutions to accelerate business growth, improve operational efficiency and enhance customer experience.
• The successful candidate will work closely with executive leadership to shape the organisation’s technology roadmap, lead major systems implementations and establish a robust, secure and future-ready technology function.

Responsibilities

Technology Strategy and Digital Transformation

• Develop and implement the Group’s IT and digital strategy in alignment with business objectives and growth plans.
• Advise executive leadership on technology investments, architecture, digital innovation and build-versus-buy decisions.
• Identify opportunities to automate processes, improve service delivery and enhance customer reach through digital solutions.
• Lead technology initiatives that support business expansion, digital channels and operational scalability.

Core Systems and Digital Platforms

• Oversee the performance, integration and development of core banking, lending, loan management and other business-critical systems.
• Drive the implementation and enhancement of digital products, mobile platforms, agent networks and payment integrations.
• Lead major systems migrations, platform upgrades and digital transformation projects.
• Manage technology vendors, strategic partnerships and third-party service providers to ensure value for money and reliable service delivery.

IT Infrastructure and Service Delivery

• Ensure the availability, reliability and scalability of IT infrastructure, networks, cloud or data centre environments and end-user systems.
• Establish effective business continuity, disaster recovery, incident management and change management frameworks.
• Oversee IT service delivery across branches, offices and remote operations.

Cybersecurity, Risk and Regulatory Compliance

• Develop and implement robust information security policies, cybersecurity controls and fraud prevention measures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, data protection legislation and relevant industry standards.
• Oversee IT risk management, technology audits, remediation of audit findings and reporting to senior management.
• Promote a strong culture of information security, operational resilience and responsible data management.

Financial Management and Team Leadership

• Develop and manage the IT budget, technology investment business cases and vendor expenditure.
• Evaluate the financial and operational returns of technology investments.
• Build, develop and lead a high-performing technology team, establishing clear accountabilities, succession plans and continuous improvement practices.
• Collaborate with business leaders across the Group to align technology solutions with operational and commercial priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification in technology, business administration or a related discipline will be an added advantage.
• At least 10 years of progressive IT experience, including a minimum of five years in a senior technology leadership role within financial services, banking, microfinance, fintech or digital lending.
• Demonstrated experience implementing or transforming core banking, lending or other mission-critical financial services platforms.
• Proven experience building or scaling technology functions, integrating systems and delivering major technology transformation initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity, IT governance, information security, regulatory compliance and technology risk management.
• Experience managing technology budgets, vendor contracts, strategic investments and cross-functional teams.
• A recognised professional certification such as CISA, CISM, CISSP, ITIL, TOGAF, COBIT or PMP.
• Active membership of a relevant professional body, such as ISACA or the Computer Society of Kenya.