Head of IT - Britam Life Assurance (k) Ltd at Britam

Job Purpose:

Ensures that the organization delivers the capability to develop innovative strategies, products, services and processes and that in the end enhance customer satisfaction and internal organizational efficiencies.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an IT strategy roadmap for the Life Business unit that is aligned to the Group IT strategy and Life Business Strategy.
• Liaise with the rest of the IT Leaderships to develop and maintain the Britam Group Enterprise Architecture.
• Be the strategic advisor on all IT matters to the leadership of the Life Business Unit.
• Champion the digital transformation initiatives within the Life Business unit.
• Lead the initiation, planning, implementation, monitoring and closure of IT projects within the Life Business Unit.
• Prepare and manage IT project budgets for the Life Business Unit.
• Lead the development of Technology innovation plans which ensure that new and existing technology are utilized in order to create operational efficiencies and enable the achievement of Business goals.
• Implement Britam Group IT Governances standards, policies and procedures within the Life Business Unit.
• Lead IT risk management processes within the Life Business Unit.
• Liaise with Group IT functions to ensure adherence to the Life Business Unit SLA.
• Assesses the effectiveness of existing IT systems in order to plan for growth and future changes within the organization.
• Develops and maintains third-party vendor relationships to develop strengthen and support Information Systems and enterprise architecture.
• Lead, coach and supervise assigned staff and resources .
• Delegated Authority: As per the approved Delegated Authority Matrix.

Key Performance Measures

As described in the Personal Score Card.

Knowledge, experience and qualifications required

• Bachelors in Computer Science/ Information Technology
• Masters in Computer Science/Information Technology/Business Management is an added advantage
• 7-10 years’ experience in IT Service delivery, Project management and System Development, 3-4 years of which should be in a management position
• ITIL Foundation
• Relevant IT professional qualifications such as
  • Certified Business Analyst Professional - CBAP
  • TOGAF Certified Enterprise Architect
  • Oracle Certified Master - Java EE
  •  Project Management Professional (PMP)
• 5 years’ experience in design, build and operation of system critical applications in the telecommunication, banking or insurance industry.

Core Competencies

• Change Leaders in Britam need to:
• Strategically lead a function to service customers from a sustainable and growing customer base whilst increasing profit;
• Continuously configure and adapt the functional area to most effectively suite the future view of the business;
• Introduce new concepts so that they are adopted appropriately at the right time (manage the rate of change);
• Be in touch with the changing industry, customer needs and international best practice;
• Improve the efficiency of the function by appropriately challenging managers about operational and tactical issues;
• Ensure the function has the most appropriate people capability through effective inspirational leadership, people development, and optimized succession planning;
• Ensure clarity of expectations for individuals in the function and other stakeholders across the Business;
• Facilitate functional integration;
• Ensure the development and establishment of appropriate behavior and values (culture) within the function that aligns with the strategic direction and values of the business;
• Co-ordinate between functions and divisions to ensure optimization of the value chain and resources;
• Ensure alignment of strategy, objectives and deliverables within the function;
• Develop innovative partnerships and distribution channels to increase Britam’s market penetration;
• Ensure a seamless experience for clients;
• Appropriately allocate funds and capital to maximize shareholder value;
• Adequately manage operational risk;
• Increase operational efficiency;
• Provide access to accurate and consistent information and services across all channels;
• Improve quality and speed of decision making across the business.

Technical/ Functional competencies

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of and high regard for emerging mobile, web technologies and Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) as well as project management processes and execution
• Have expert knowledge of Mobile infrastructure, internet technologies, ecommerce and e-payment technologies
• A sound understanding of portfolio, programme and project management and a track record of delivering and enabling large-scale complex change programmes
• Exceptional inter-personal skills
• Leadership skills
• Ability to set and manage priorities judiciously.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills