Director, Head of Information Technology

What You'll Do

In the role of Director, Head of Information Technology, you will take the lead in defining the technological strategy for our Malaysian operations. Your daily activities will involve working closely with senior executives to formulate innovative business strategies that integrate IT initiatives with the overall objectives of the organization. You will manage significant projects, including the rollout of new core banking systems, while prioritizing operational excellence through innovative processes. Establishing strong relationships with internal teams and external partners—including vendors and industry organizations—will be crucial to your success. Additionally, you will be pivotal in nurturing talent within your department, creating an inclusive culture that emphasizes growth opportunities for all staff members. Beyond spearheading digital transformation and optimizing resource utilization for peak efficiency, you will be responsible for implementing robust risk management measures by conducting audits, developing policies in line with evolving regulations, chairing essential committees, and maintaining thorough business continuity plans. Your capacity to combine strategic foresight with practical leadership will be essential in providing top-tier technology solutions that not only support current operations but also facilitate future expansion.

• Engage with executive leadership and board members to formulate annual operating plans and mid-term strategies that align with long-term IT and operational objectives.
• Steer the effective implementation of new core banking systems by managing project delivery, change management, and ensuring alignment with the organizational vision.
• Lead initiatives aimed at business transformation, emphasizing digitalization, process improvements, and the adoption of innovative methodologies from a systems perspective.
• Oversee budget planning, resource distribution, and cost optimization for all technology investments while fulfilling operational needs.
• Enhance operational processes by introducing innovative methods, capabilities, and technologies to achieve efficient, accurate, and seamless business operations.
• Forge strong connections with key stakeholders both within and outside the organization by representing the company at industry events and ensuring effective communication channels.
• Collaborate with regional offices, product teams, relationship managers, vendors, and various departments to ensure the successful delivery of IT solutions tailored to specific business requirements.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on software, hardware, network infrastructure, and banking operations for local senior management teams.
• Advocate for employee engagement by managing performance objectives, coaching team members, supporting career advancement, recognizing achievements, and fostering a diverse talent pipeline.
• Supervise risk management activities, including policy creation, audit coordination, incident investigation, business continuity planning, adherence to regulatory compliance, and participation in committees.

What You Bring

The ideal candidate for the Director Head of Information Technology position will possess extensive experience navigating intricate organizational structures within the financial services sector, combined with strong technical expertise. Your proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams will enable you to promote collaboration across functions while maintaining high-performance standards. You have successfully executed significant digital transformation projects, showcasing not only your technical skills but also your sensitivity to change management challenges inherent in such initiatives. Your interpersonal abilities allow you to build trust among colleagues, clients, regulators, auditors, and vendors, making you a valued advisor on matters ranging from infrastructure enhancements to compliance considerations. With your comprehensive knowledge of financial products, services, and processes, you are skilled at identifying opportunities for operational advancements while ensuring risk mitigation through vigilant oversight, robust policy frameworks, and proactive incident response measures. Most importantly, your commitment to fostering talent and building inclusive environments ensures sustainable success for both individuals and teams under your leadership.

• Hold a recognized degree in Business Administration, Finance, Information Technology, Accounting, Commerce, or a related field from an accredited university or higher education institution.
• Exhibit exceptional organizational skills paired with outstanding communication abilities, suitable for engaging at all levels within large organizations.
• Have a proven history of over 15 years in senior executive roles, managing significant teams within complex environments.
• Demonstrate the ability to cultivate dependable relationships internally across departments and externally with partners or industry representatives.
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of financial services operations, including deposit handling, trade finance (import/export), commodities trading, loan administration, money transfers, and treasury transactions.
• Show expertise in leading substantial digital transformation projects involving system upgrades or new technology implementations in regulated industries.
• Experience in managing technology investment budgets while ensuring cost optimization without compromising quality or compliance standards.
• Have a strong background in risk management practices, including policy development aligned with changing legislation or regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate the ability to mentor direct reports through objective setting, performance management, coaching, career development opportunities, reward decisions, and succession planning.
• Commit to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through talent development initiatives, succession planning, and robust pipelines for key roles.