Job Title: Head of Information Technology (IT) – Kenya
Industry: Banking
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Salary: Competitive Salary + Other Benefits
About the Opportunity
Our client, an established financial services institution in Kenya, is seeking an experienced and results-driven Head of Information Technology (IT) to provide strategic leadership across its technology operations, infrastructure, information security and digital transformation initiatives.
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing the institution's IT strategy, ensuring the reliability and security of critical systems, driving technology-enabled business improvements and maintaining compliance with applicable regulatory and governance requirements.
This position offers an opportunity for an accomplished technology professional to contribute to organisational performance, operational resilience and long-term strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
1. IT Strategy and Technology Leadership
- Develop, implement and oversee the institution's IT strategy in alignment with business objectives.
- Provide strategic direction on technology infrastructure, systems development and digital transformation initiatives.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend appropriate investments to improve efficiency, productivity and service delivery.
- Establish and maintain effective IT policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
2. IT Infrastructure and Systems Availability
- Ensure the continuous availability, reliability and performance of critical business applications, technology infrastructure and service delivery channels.
- Minimise unplanned system downtime and ensure timely restoration of services in accordance with established recovery time objectives.
- Oversee the management of servers, networks, storage systems and related technology infrastructure.
- Drive improvements in IT service management and incident resolution.
3. Cybersecurity, Risk Management and Compliance
- Provide oversight of information security, cybersecurity and technology risk management.
- Implement appropriate security controls, including access management, encryption, vulnerability assessments and periodic security reviews.
- Ensure effective disaster recovery and business continuity arrangements, including scheduled backups, recovery testing and restoration procedures.
- Coordinate the timely resolution of technology-related audit findings and identified risks.
- Ensure adherence to applicable regulatory requirements, internal policies and industry best practices.
4. Technology Projects and Change Management
- Lead the planning, implementation and delivery of strategic IT projects and technology initiatives.
- Ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets, agreed timelines and defined specifications.
- Oversee the successful integration and deployment of new systems and technology solutions.
- Collaborate with business stakeholders to ensure technology investments deliver measurable operational and strategic value.
5. Budgeting, Cost Optimisation and Vendor Management
- Develop and manage annual IT budgets aligned with organisational priorities.
- Monitor technology expenditure and identify opportunities for cost optimisation.
- Manage relationships with external technology partners, vendors and service providers.
- Negotiate commercial agreements and ensure effective vendor performance and service delivery.
6. People Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
- Lead, develop and motivate a high-performing IT team.
- Provide coaching, mentoring and professional development opportunities to strengthen technical capabilities.
- Foster collaboration between IT and other business functions.
- Communicate technology priorities, risks and performance effectively to senior management and relevant stakeholders.
Key Performance Expectations
Performance will be assessed against agreed objectives, including:
- Maintaining a minimum 99% service availability across critical systems and applications.
- Meeting agreed turnaround times for IT service requests and incident resolution.
- Ensuring timely closure of technology risk and audit findings.
- Completing scheduled disaster recovery tests and maintaining operational readiness.
- Delivering technology projects in accordance with agreed terms of reference, budgets and timelines.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 8 years' experience in a senior IT leadership role, preferably within banking or financial services.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing successful IT strategies.
- Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, storage and security systems.
- Sound knowledge of banking technology trends, information security best practices and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Professional certifications such as CISM, CISA or CISSP will be an added advantage.
Required Competencies
- Strategic Leadership: Ability to translate business objectives into effective technology strategies and operational priorities.
- Technical Expertise: Strong understanding of enterprise IT infrastructure, systems management, cybersecurity and technology governance.
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to evaluate complex technical challenges, identify risks and make sound, evidence-based decisions.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive and solutions-oriented approach to improving technology operations and service delivery.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- People Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, coach and develop multidisciplinary technology teams.
- Adaptability: Openness to innovation, emerging technologies and continuous improvement.
Application Process
Suitably qualified professionals are invited to submit their updated CV for confidential consideration.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.