Group Chief Digital and Technology Officer

Role Purpose

• Develop and implement a fit for purpose Digital, Data and Technology strategy, target operating model and processes that enable business growth and development.
• The focus is on the implementation of a robust, innovative and integrated digital, data and technology strategy that manages service delivery and governance in a manner that ensures the business has the best available digital, data and technology solutions to meet its objectives.

Requirements

• Post graduate degree in Business, Data, Digital Transformation, Information Technology, Computer Science, Digital Strategy or related field of study
• 15 years’ experience managing complex technology solutions, digital and process improvement
• 10 years’ experience within an insurance or financial services environment
• 15 years’ experience in managing and leading a digital and technology team
• Proven track record of leading and executing successful digital transformation projects
• Sound experience of data optimisation, agile methodology, technology architecture, integrating systems and providing technology services to multiple business partners
• Experience with migrations of large books of business
• Experience with implementing different Technology, Data and Digital operating models
• Experience in setting up start-ups in complex organizations are an added advantage.

Duties & Responsibilities

Responsibilities, work outputs and individual Contribution:

• Develop and oversee the digital, data and technology strategy for Guardrisk in line with digital transformation principles, data transformation principles, technology principles and business strategies to achieve the business objectives.
• Provide strategic direction to the business and the teams to drive the digital transformation agenda of the business, delivering fit-for-purpose and future-fit solutions.
• Identify new tools – AI, machine learning, digital, CRM, predictive analytics – that can support, enhance and improve solutions and products across the various business areas.
• Drive the implementation of the digital strategy, data strategy, technology architecture, technology service offering and related operating model that enables business growth and development aligned to the business strategy.
• Drive the effective realisation of data use cases with business, to ensure business strategy outcomes are delivered.
• Ensure effective decision-making on strategic digital, data and technology matters, by considering matters with the full value chain in mind, considering multiple perspectives and providing strategic guidance and solutions that direct the business in a way that does not compromise the integrity of the digital ecosystem.
• Drive the implementation of an integrated digital approach that supports the business’ long-term strategy.
• Identify opportunities to leverage digital technology enablers to optimise business performance and increase efficiencies.
• Measure ROI on digital initiatives, fine-tuning approaches as needed to ensure we’re investing in the right tools and resources.
• Accountable for the identification of new and emerging hardware, software and communication technologies, products, methods and techniques and the assessment of their relevance and potential value to the business.
• In collaboration with business leaders, determine and investigate fit-for-purpose technology hardware and software requirements that will enable optimal business performance.
• Accountable for the compliance to technology strategy, architectural frameworks and agreed technical principles for all solutions and platforms developed and maintained for the business.
• Oversee the prioritisation, management, and quality of system development.
• Fostering a digital, data and technology strategy that ensures data privacy rules and data security are at its core.
• Design customer-facing self-service solutions that bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern technologies.
• Lead the modernizing of legacy applications, through re-platforming, refactoring, or digital engagement including data migration, reduce technical debt and enhance system performance.
• Deploy and scale end-to-end cloud technology to accelerate digital projects with minimal impact on corporate operations.

CLIENT

• Build and maintain effective business relationships with all key stakeholders through regular interactions, fostering strong partnerships and collaboration across the organisation.
• Stay updated on trends, legislation, and best practices in the Digital space ensuring compliance with current and effective practices that support business needs.
• Assess Digital, Data & Technology service delivery through regular interactions with stakeholders, evaluating effectiveness, and identifying areas for improvement to enhance service delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and stakeholders that promote cross delivery practice solutions.
• Contribute to sustaining a competitive edge through external networking and benchmarking and representation on related forums.
• Provide authoritative, expertise and advice to clients and stakeholders.

PEOPLE

• Drive an enabling culture that fosters inclusivity, entrepreneurial thinking and prioritising the human experience for Guardrisk.
• Promote a culture that enables agile and embraces experimentation, learning, and innovation while promoting continuous improvement.
• Champion an enabling culture that focuses on the employee experience as the most promising competitive advantage the organisation can create, ensuring that all initiatives contribute to cultivating high engagement and performance to achieve the organisations’ purpose and strategy.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on technology, data and digital solutions to effectively support the business and manage risk, ensuring informed, compliant, and goal-aligned solutions.
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership behaviour, through personal involvement, commitment, and dedication in support of organisational values.
• Select and recruit suitably qualified talent in line with Employment Equity principles and Guardrisk behaviours
• Lead by example by being an advocate for change and highlighting its benefits for important stakeholders and employees.

FINANCE

• Effectively manage the Business area budget, aligning it with the business and Digital strategy to ensure optimal utilisation of resources and support strategic objectives.
• Optimally utilise the budget for area, including the authorisation of expenditures and implementation of financial regulations.
• Manage high risk and problematic financial issues in area of accountability and contribute to the development of policy.
• Identify solutions to enhance cost effectiveness and increase operational efficiency.
• Implement and manage financial risk methodologies, techniques and systems and use to monitor and report on financial activities.
• Enhance an technology and data financial management framework that ensures data and technology portfolio investments are in line with business goals and supports a regular communication of the value to the business.

Competencies

• Commercial thinking, Business Acumen and Data analytics mindset
• Client/ stakeholder management
• Drive for results
• Strategic thinking and developing strategy
• Decision making
• Leadership impact and influence
• Leading change and innovation

Closing Date

• 2026/02/05