Job description

The Head of Information Technology role in a banking/financial services environment is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the full IT strategy, infrastructure, operations, and compliance framework of the branch. The role reports directly to the General Manager and is accountable for ensuring that all IT systems, infrastructure components, and operational technologies function reliably and securely while aligning with regulatory requirements, particularly SAMA regulations. This position requires managing mission-critical banking systems including SARIE and TANFEETH in coordination with regulatory authorities and third-party vendors to ensure uninterrupted financial operations. The role includes developing and implementing IT strategy, policies, procedures, and emergency preparedness drills to maintain operational resilience. It also involves identifying, analyzing, and mitigating IT risks while ensuring robust disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity planning frameworks are in place. The Head of IT oversees network infrastructure, servers, storage systems, and both production and office systems, ensuring optimal performance and availability. Additionally, the role requires troubleshooting complex system issues to prevent operational disruptions and maintain service continuity. Vendor and asset management are key responsibilities, including procurement of hardware and software, managing maintenance agreements, and overseeing IT budgets and lifecycle asset management. The position also acts as a central liaison between internal departments, external vendors, and regulatory bodies to ensure alignment and compliance across all IT operations. It involves approving local systems, managing procurement processes, and ensuring all IT equipment meets organizational and regulatory standards. The role further includes designing and executing emergency response drills to ensure preparedness for system failures or disruptions. Overall, this leadership position ensures the stability, security, compliance, and strategic advancement of IT operations within a highly regulated banking environment.