Technology Strategy & Governance Director

Job description / Role

Job Title: Technology Strategy & Governance Director
Location: Riyadh, KSA

This role is pivotal to the success and continued growth of the bank in the dynamic financial landscape of Saudi Arabia. The purpose of the role is to serve as a visionary leader, responsible for orchestrating the bank's technological evolution, ensuring robust governance, and catalyzing transformative initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Alignment:
• Collaborate with senior leadership to assist in the development of the overall Technology Strategy, ensuring it is closely aligned with the outcomes defined in the overall Business Strategy.
• Work as a strategic partner to align the Technology roadmap and the strategies of the technology organization with the critical business imperatives, fostering synergy between technology and business goals.

Financial Alignment:
• Ensure the operational demand within the technology department is harmoniously aligned with the annual investment plans and the overarching Technology Strategy.
• Play a pivotal role in optimizing resource allocation, ensuring that technology investments are in sync with the bank's strategic priorities.

Enterprise Architecture Governance:
• Define and meticulously maintain the overarching Enterprise Architecture (EA) governance framework for technology.
• This includes setting standards, practices, and policies that guide technology decisions and investments.

Technology Governance:
• Oversee technology governance frameworks, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with local and internal regulations.
• Work closely with regulatory authorities in Saudi Arabia to ensure the bank's technology practices meet all legal and compliance requirements.
• Kick off audits and risk assessments to identify and address potential compliance issues proactively.
• Take the Secretary responsibilities of the IT Steering Committee (ITSC).

Vendor and Supplier Collaboration:
• Foster strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, leveraging their expertise and insights to inform the new product development process within the organization.
• Integrate the perspectives and capabilities of vendors into the technology strategy and product development, driving innovation and efficiency.
• Escalate and resolve issues related to vendor invoices.

Performance Accountability:
• Assume accountability for the performance and control activities within the technology department.
• This includes setting performance metrics, monitoring progress, and implementing corrective actions as needed to optimize departmental operations.

Key Interactions:

Internal
• Assume accountability for the performance and control activities within the technology department.
• This includes setting performance metrics, monitoring progress, and implementing corrective actions as needed to optimize departmental operations.

External
• Engage with SAMA to ensure compliance with Saudi Arabian banking regulations. Manage relationships with technology vendors and external partners. Participate in industry forums and conferences to stay updated on trends.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience, with a significant portion in the financial sector in Saudi Arabia.
• Expertise in enterprise architecture principles and practices.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English.
• Additional languages will be desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of banking regulations and compliance requirements in Saudi Arabia.
• Knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies such as AI/ML, and core banking and payment systems.

Education:
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Informational Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Preferred certifications (e.g., TOGAF, CISM, CISSP).

About the Company

Building businesses, changing lives

At Tandem, we’ve built a vast network of top-tier professionals across the globe. We empower businesses to thrive by delivering unmatched talent solutions. With our global reach, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to excellence, we drive transformative growth and shape exceptional teams.

Who we are.

We are a team of industry experts, driven by a passion for innovation and excellence. We are dedicated to providing unique talent solutions and nurturing collaborative partnerships that redefine success.