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BACB plc City Of London, England, United Kingdom

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About BACB

BACB is a UK bank that offers trade finance and complementary products to clients in specialist markets, especially Africa and the Middle East.

We have been helping businesses with trade finance and complementary products for over half a century, focusing on trade flows to and from Africa and the Middle East as well as real estate in the UK.

Our in-depth knowledge of the countries and practices where our clients operate ensures that we put them first.

Additional Info

• Hybrid Working: 3 days onsite, 2 from home
• Location: City of London
• Contract Type: Permanent

Job Summary

The Head of Information Technology is accountable for all IT activities, in particular, they are accountable for developing a forward-looking IT strategy working in partnership with the broader business leaders and Change Team to understand the Banks IT needs.

They will work to understand the Banks requirements and will provide insights, guidance, and suggestions on the future evolution of our technology strategy. They will lead on IT innovation, IT change management, and data strategy.

The Head of Information Technology will be responsible for working with EXCO and Head of Change in defining the strategic technological direction for the Bank, ensuring the delivery and maintenance of innovative technology solutions that align with our business objectives.

The areas central to the role of the Head of Information Technology include:

• Information Technology
• Cyber Security
• Business Continuity (provision of appropriate IT support)

Key Work Outputs and Accountabilities

• Help develop and execute a strategic IT roadmap aligned with the Bank’s overall business strategy and objectives.
• Identify opportunities for the application of new technologies and digital innovation to support and advance the Bank’s strategy.
• Lead and encourage a culture of innovation within the IT department. Identify and assess the potential of innovative technologies such as AI, blockchain, big data, and cybersecurity for their impact and relevance to the Bank’s operations and client offerings.
• Accountable for productionising the process of digital transformation and IT change initiatives. Responsible for the management of the risks associated with information and IT assets through appropriate standards and security policies. Work closely and in collaboration with change management on strategy to drive adoption of new technologies and systems.
• Accountable for the Bank’s data architecture, ensuring secure, efficient, and accessible data across the organisation. Develop and execute a data strategy that leverages the Bank’s data assets, enabling data-driven decision-making and providing actionable insights.
• Accountable for leading and developing the IT team, fostering a high-performance culture. Lead on training and development of the IT team, ensuring the right level and balance of skills to achieve departmental and the broader Bank’s objectives and targets.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment between IT initiatives and business objectives.
• Accountable for all technology operations and evaluating them according to established goals. Plan, organise, control and evaluate IT and electronic data operations.
• Continuously identify opportunities to leverage emerging technologies to the Banks advantage in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Accountable for the delivery of the IT budget, working within wider Bank governance structures to support the continued evolution of the IT department and infrastructure.
• Partner with the executive leadership team and other business and functional heads to leverage available knowledge and technology to improve business processes and support commercial and product strategies.
• Building strong and constructive relationships with external suppliers and vendors to ensure proper delivery of products and services.
• Accountable for ensuring the Bank has appropriate and relevant systems in place to support its business objectives across international trade, payment operations, lending administration, customer services, communications, treasury settlements and reporting.
• Accountable for the performance of all current systems including maintenance ensuring availability and resilience in accordance with agreed service levels
• Deliver quick and effective response to any problems or adverse trends, particularly around system reliability and data protection
• Accountable for implementing an IT governance framework for both ‘project’ and ‘standing’ governance using recognised methodologies and standards and develop a set of IT principles to reflect ‘best practice’ appropriate for the Bank’s culture and demand.
• Accountable for managing IT costs for people and technology across all Teams under Head of IT, ensuring appropriate cost management.
• Representing IT as a member of the Banks Operating Committee

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in IT, with at least 5 years in an executive or senior leadership role.
• Experience in the banking industry or other regulated industry is highly preferred
• Experience of working in frontier markets is desirable
• Proven ability to analyse, understand and resolve complex technology issues, queries and challenges in relation to the Bank’s products and markets
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proven experience of leading, developing and motivating teams, including on a project basis
• Extensive knowledge of data administration and management processes
• Strong understanding of project management principles
• Proven track record of IT strategy creation and implementation, managing technological change and promoting innovation
• Extensive understanding of emerging technologies, including AI, machine learning, big data, blockchain, cybersecurity, and how they can be applied in a banking context.
• Effective vendor and contract management skills, with strong negotiation skills and a solutions-led approach
• Experience in monitoring and improving client service standards to create competitive advantage

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology
• Industries
• Financial Services and Banking