Reporting to the CEO (SLS), the Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a new role. The incumbent of this role will collaborate with counterparts in each SLS business, as well as Sanlam FinTech (SFT) and Sanlam Group Technology (SGT) to design the SLS-wide technology architecture, aiming to achieve the objective of holistic client-centricity, and will also work with the SLS COO and CEOs of the various businesses to explore business solutions to IT problems. Achieving the business objectives will necessitate significantly enhanced coordination of IT among the businesses within SLS.

• Defining and owning the SLS (enterprise) IT architecture and roadmap in tight collaboration with stakeholders across the business.
• Drive efficiencies, harmonisation, consolidation and simplification of the SLS technology stack, to reduce the total cost of ownership of technology in SLS.
• Work closely with the SLS COO, Sanlam FinTech and Sanlam Group Technology to develop and implement the data architecture, supporting a Sanlam Group-wide journey to a single digital ID, and orchestration of our “Sanlam Glue” digital and ecosystem layer.
• Ensure the necessary competencies and capacity to implement the SLS IT strategy. This needs to cover the four businesses in SLS, but also SanlamConnect, enabling functions and shared services.
• Ensure expert IT participation in all business decisions by having IT representation at the SLS Exco table.
• Ensure that specific functions or IT systems within each SLS business adhere to predefined guidelines, while also anticipating an increase in shared functions and systems.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is usually required.
• A Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or a similar field will be preferred.

Skills, Knowledge And Experiences

• This is a hands-on role and will require innovative approaches to solving tech and business problems.
• Strategic vision and the ability to anticipate future technology trends and their potential impact on the organisation.
• Experience in developing and executing long-term IT roadmaps and plans to support business growth and competitiveness.
• Significant experience in IT leadership roles, preferably in a large financial services group or a related sector.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing IT strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Experience in working closely with senior executives and group technology COEs, to drive technology-driven business transformations.
• Proven experience in leading change management initiatives and driving cultural transformation within IT teams and across the organization. Ability to navigate and mitigate resistance to change while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.