Chief Information Officer (SLS)

Who Are We?

Our purpose in Sanlam Life & Savings (SLS) is aligned to that of the Group – empowering generations to be financially confident, secure and prosperous. There are four businesses in SLS, being Glacier, Sanlam Risk and Savings (SRS), Sanlam Corporate (SC), and Sanlam Retail Mass (SRM). Our focus on consolidating, optimising and expanding our data architecture and service models will require significant technology development. The creation of the new CIO (SLS) role stems from this reason. While SLS businesses will retain responsibility for their respective technology these functions will operate within the framework of a SLS-wide IT architecture and roadmap, as well as a SLS service model.

Role Overview

Reporting to the CEO (SLS), the Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a new role. The incumbent of this role will collaborate with counterparts in each SLS business, as well as Sanlam FinTech (SFT) and Sanlam Group Technology (SGT) to design the SLS-wide technology architecture, aiming to achieve the objective of holistic client-centricity, and will also work with the SLS COO and CEOs of the various businesses to explore business solutions to IT problems. Achieving the business objectives will necessitate significantly enhanced coordination of IT among the businesses within SLS.

Key Responsibilites

• Defining and owning the SLS (enterprise) IT architecture and roadmap in tight collaboration with stakeholders across the business.
• Drive efficiencies, harmonisation, consolidation and simplification of the SLS technology stack, to reduce the total cost of ownership of technology in SLS.
• Work closely with the SLS COO, Sanlam FinTech and Sanlam Group Technology to develop and implement the data architecture, supporting a Sanlam Group-wide journey to a single digital ID, and orchestration of our “Sanlam Glue” digital and ecosystem layer.
• Ensure the necessary competencies and capacity to implement the SLS IT strategy. This needs to cover the four businesses in SLS, but also SanlamConnect, enabling functions and shared services.
• Ensure expert IT participation in all business decisions by having IT representation at the SLS Exco table.
• Ensure that specific functions or IT systems within each SLS business adhere to predefined guidelines, while also anticipating an increase in shared functions and systems.

Qualifications

• A bachelors degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is usually required.
• A Masters degree in business administration (MBA) or a similar field will be preferred.

Skills, Knowledge and Experiences

• This is a hands-on role and will require innovative approaches to solving tech and business problems.
• Strategic vision and the ability to anticipate future technology trends and their potential impact on the organisation.
• Experience in developing and executing long-term IT roadmaps and plans to support business growth and competitiveness.
• Significant experience in IT leadership roles, preferably in a large financial services group or a related sector.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing IT strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Experience in working closely with senior executives and group technology COEs, to drive technology-driven business transformations.
• Proven experience in leading change management initiatives and driving cultural transformation within IT teams and across the organization. Ability to navigate and mitigate resistance to change while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Competencies

Digital leadership

• Tech savvy
• Cultivates innovation.
• Strategic mindset

Agile leadership

• Manages ambiguity.
• Manages complexity.
• Drives Results

Human centered leadership

• Instils trust.
• Build effective teams.
• Drives engagement

Why Join Us Sanlam is the largest non- banking financial services group in the continent. You will work with global tech expertise across the Sanlam Group and participate in creating the most tech savvy financial services organisation across SLS and Sanlam. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of SLS. As CIO, you will be at the forefront of innovation, driving significant improvements in our technology.
If you are passionate about leveraging technology to create value and have a vision for the future of shared services, we encourage you to apply. Application Process

This role is open for internal and external candidates. Due to character limits, the full job profile isnt dispayed. Please email Group.Talent@sanlam.co.za for the complete details.

Build a Successful Career With Us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development, and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves on helping our employees to realise their worth.

The Sanlam Group is committed to transformation and embracing diversity and our employment equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse workplace with employment equity as a key goal to create an inclusive workforce, representative of the demographics of our society as well as people with disabilities.