Head of I.T (Financial Services

About the Opportunity

Our client, a rapidly growing financial services group, is seeking an accomplished candidate to lead its technology strategy, digital transformation agenda and enterprise-wide IT operations.

This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a commercially minded technology professional who can build scalable technology platforms, strengthen cybersecurity and governance, and leverage digital solutions to accelerate business growth, improve operational efficiency and enhance customer experience.

The successful candidate will work closely with executive leadership to shape the organisation’s technology roadmap, lead major systems implementations and establish a robust, secure and future-ready technology function.

Responsibilities

Technology Strategy and Digital Transformation

Develop and implement the Group’s IT and digital strategy in alignment with business objectives and growth plans.

Advise executive leadership on technology investments, architecture, digital innovation and build-versus-buy decisions.

Identify opportunities to automate processes, improve service delivery and enhance customer reach through digital solutions.

Lead technology initiatives that support business expansion, digital channels and operational scalability.

Core Systems and Digital Platforms

Oversee the performance, integration and development of core banking, lending, loan management and other business-critical systems.

Drive the implementation and enhancement of digital products, mobile platforms, agent networks and payment integrations.

Lead major systems migrations, platform upgrades and digital transformation projects.

Manage technology vendors, strategic partnerships and third-party service providers to ensure value for money and reliable service delivery.

IT Infrastructure and Service Delivery

Ensure the availability, reliability and scalability of IT infrastructure, networks, cloud or data centre environments and end-user systems.

Establish effective business continuity, disaster recovery, incident management and change management frameworks.

Oversee IT service delivery across branches, offices and remote operations.

Cybersecurity, Risk and Regulatory Compliance

Develop and implement robust information security policies, cybersecurity controls and fraud prevention measures.

Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, data protection legislation and relevant industry standards.

Oversee IT risk management, technology audits, remediation of audit findings and reporting to senior management.

Promote a strong culture of information security, operational resilience and responsible data management.

Financial Management and Team Leadership

Develop and manage the IT budget, technology investment business cases and vendor expenditure.

Evaluate the financial and operational returns of technology investments.

Build, develop and lead a high-performing technology team, establishing clear accountabilities, succession plans and continuous improvement practices.

Collaborate with business leaders across the Group to align technology solutions with operational and commercial priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering or a related field.

A postgraduate qualification in technology, business administration or a related discipline will be an added advantage.

At least 10 years of progressive IT experience, including a minimum of five years in a senior technology leadership role within financial services, banking, microfinance, fintech or digital lending.

Demonstrated experience implementing or transforming core banking, lending or other mission-critical financial services platforms.

Proven experience building or scaling technology functions, integrating systems and delivering major technology transformation initiatives.

Strong knowledge of cybersecurity, IT governance, information security, regulatory compliance and technology risk management.

Experience managing technology budgets, vendor contracts, strategic investments and cross-functional teams.

A recognised professional certification such as CISA, CISM, CISSP, ITIL, TOGAF, COBIT or PMP.

Active membership of a relevant professional body, such as ISACA or the Computer Society of Kenya.