Head: Front Office IT Platform

What will you do?

Job Purpose

The Head of Front Office IT Platform is instrumental in shaping our IT strategic roadmap and fostering continual improvement plans for our front office systems and digital capabilities. The individual in this role will be the go-to expert, possessing subject matter expertise and taking ownership of our digital technology capabilities. Collaborating closely with the Front Office IT Delivery Manager for Onboarding, the Front Office IT Delivery Manager for Maintenance & Servicing, and other key business stakeholders; the Head of Front Office IT Platform will be responsible for the creation of Front office systems and platform IT strategic roadmap. This will ensure that the IT plans are well-aligned with our business goals and deliver maximum value.

This role is critical in ensuring the seamless end-to-end delivery of IT Front Office systems and platform. From the early conceptual stages to market deployment and ongoing optimization, the Head of Front Office IT Platform will work hand-in-hand with IT internal stakeholders and business stakeholders. This cohesive approach guarantees that our systems are not only fit for business needs but also excel in non-functional elements of platform and systems implementation.

The Head of Front Office IT Platform will lead digital systems and platform engineering and solutioning within the Digital Platform and Systems Work Unit. By doing so, they will ensure that our implementations are effective and meet our high standards. The direct reports of Head of Front Office IT Platform will be the Front Office IT Delivery Manager for Onboarding, the Front Office IT Delivery Manager for Maintenance & Servicing. 

The target operating model of this role will undergo continuous review and may be adjusted in response to changes in business strategy, market dynamics, or other operational needs that may arise. This role is based in Cape Town.

Key Outcomes

• Define strategy and drive the delivery of the roadmap associated with the Front Office IT systems and platform.
• Provide leadership and guidance to IT delivery and business teams to ensure agreed availability, supportability, and operational capability for all digital and front office applications.
• Maintain an understanding of existing and potential digital platform capabilities.
• Proactively identify platform enhancements (including non-functional), lead the business case approval process, facilitate communication of roadmaps, and ensure stakeholder engagement.
• Work collaboratively with business stakeholders and operational teams to lead the prioritisation of changes and defect backlog prioritisation in the Digital Platform and Systems Work Unit.

..

• Build and maintain a relationship network with key stakeholders.
• Ensure system designs support the goal of “right first time,” reduce time to market, and minimise cost to deliver and support while meeting agreed business requirements.
• Define, drive, and adhere to the adoption of platform principles, standards, and governance.
• Maintain an understanding of the current and emerging company strategy, business plans, customer experience (CX), designs, and brand as they affect digital applications.
• Contribute to business case and return on investment (ROI) proposals in relation to platform enhancements.
• Review and approve estimation and impact assessment activities to support capacity and capability planning as well as key system documentation.

Management and Leadership

• Set direction and coach direct reports according to agreed goals and objectives.
• Motivate and inspire teams to enable a healthy working culture and maintain high levels of employee engagement.
• Empower others through fostering innovation.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders within Glacier and the rest of Sanlam.
• Act as point of escalation for Platform major Defects and Major Incidents
• Collaborate within SLS and Sanlam Group ensure simplification and consolidation of digital capabilities.
• Define target platform structure, drive transformation to reach the target and govern adherence

Qualifications and Experience

• B. Com/BSC in Computer Science degree or equivalent: A strong educational background in computer science or a related field is essential to understand the technical aspects of the role.
• Master of Business Administration or related senior business leadership qualification will be advantageous.
• At least 12 years’ experience working in the financial services IT sector will be advantageous: Extensive experience in the financial services IT sector is required to understand the industry's unique challenges and opportunities.
• Minimum of 8 years management experience and minimum 3 years in senior management role (manager of managers): Proven management experience is necessary to lead and inspire the IT team effectively
• Ability to understand and comprehend what it takes to deliver a solution in terms of development, architecture, testing/quality assurance capability, and best practices
• A qualification in business management or equivalent will be advantageous

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with cloud technologies and the latest technology stack used for front office digital platforms is highly desirable.
• Familiarity in terms what it takes and what is needed to build and maintain resilient IT infrastructure: The ability to collaborate with IT
• Infrastructure to implement high availability and eliminate single points of failure in IT infrastructure is a valuable asset.
• Knowledge of data management and governance frameworks, including data quality, privacy, and data standards, is beneficial.
• Understanding IT governance reporting, risk management, and internal audit responses is advantageous.

Competencies

• Client focus
• Cultivates innovation
• Collaborates
• Being resilient
• Drive results
• Leadership
• Influencing
• Communication
• Negotiation skills
• Problem-Solving
• Teamwork
• Attention to detail

Attributes

• You are able to juggle many tasks, agile and be flexible if priorities change.
• You engage with people easily.
• Ability to influence positively through assertiveness.
• You value honesty, integrity, respect and authenticity.

What will make you successful in this role?

Knowledge and Skills

Qualification and Experience

Personal Attributes

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping  our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. 

Our commitment to transformation