What will you do?<\/p>\n
\tThe Head:IT Business Operations and Products is accountable for leading the platforms, systems, and operations that power Sanlam Corporate\u2019s product and service delivery.
\n\tThis role ensures operational excellence through the seamless integration of platform management, intelligent automation, workflow optimisation, and process engineering.
\n\tThe role is central to driving platform evolution, including cloud adoption and modernisation of legacy environments.
\n\tIt also requires strong expertise in process optimisation, enabling scalable, simplified, and data-driven operations that improve efficiency, client experience, and business performance. This role can be based in CPT or JHB.<\/p>\n
Key Responsibilities<\/p>\n
Operational Platform and Workflow Management<\/p>\n
\tOversee the operations of core administration platforms (e.g., MIP, Fundamental), workflow engines) and supporting technologies
\n\tEnsure system stability, performance, and availability, with robust production support and incident management
\n\tStandardise and centralise workflows, ensuring effective configuration and governance across platforms<\/p>\n
Cloud Readiness and Platform Modernisation<\/p>\n
\tLead platform transformation and cloud readiness across operational systems, aligning to Sanlam\u2019s enterprise cloud strategy
\n\tDrive migration of workloads to scalable cloud-based environments, ensuring performance, resilience, and cost-effectiveness
\n\tModernise legacy infrastructure and ensure operational processes are optimised for cloud-native delivery<\/p>\n
Process Optimisation and Automation<\/p>\n
\tLead end-to-end process improvement initiatives across operational areas, embedding continuous improvement practices (e.g., Lean, Kaizen)
\n\tIdentify and implement automation and intelligent workflow opportunities using tools like UIPath and Automation Anywhere
\n\tSimplify and streamline operational processes to reduce errors, improve turnaround times, and eliminate non-value-adding activities<\/p>\n
Strategic Execution and Transformation<\/p>\n
\tExecute the multi-year roadmap for business operations and product platforms, including platform consolidation, automation scaling, and operational innovation
\n\tAlign with Sanlam Corporate\u2019s strategic objectives around digital transformation, client-centricity, and scalable growth.
\n\tEmbed agile delivery models and DevOps practices to improve execution speed and reliability<\/p>\n
Governance, Risk and Compliance<\/p>\n
\tImplement and maintain IT and operational governance frameworks (e.g., ITIL, COBIT, SAFe)
\n\tOversee incident management, risk mitigation, and compliance across operations, ensuring regulatory alignment and audit readiness
\n\tMaintain continuity and disaster recovery capabilities across platforms<\/p>\n
Leadership and People Development<\/p>\n
\tBuild and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team, including platform owners, engineers, business analysts, and automation specialists
\n\tPromote a strong culture of collaboration, accountability, psychological safety, and personal growth
\n\tDrive capability development and succession planning, focusing on T-shaped skills and strategic acumen<\/p>\n
Stakeholder and Vendor Management<\/p>\n
\tPartner with business leaders to ensure operational platforms and processes support product and client needs
\n\tManage vendor relationships and service-level performance to deliver consistent value, innovation, and alignment to cloud and automation strategies
\n\tFacilitate integrated planning across BAU, projects, and platform enhancements
\n\tAct as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing strategic guidance and insights based on data analysis<\/p>\n
Technology Evaluation and Innovation<\/p>\n
\tStay up-to-date with emerging trends, technologies, and methodologies
\n\tEvaluate and recommend new tools, platforms, and solutions to enhance performance, availability and drive innovation
\n\tDrive the adoption of advanced analytics techniques, such as machine learning and predictive modeling, to gain a competitive advantage
\n\tIdentify and implement technology improvements and automation opportunities
\n\tCollaborate with business units to support digital transformation initiatives<\/p>\n
Financial & Vendor Management<\/p>\n
\tDevelop and manage the IT operations budget
\n\tNegotiate and manage vendor contracts and relationships
\n\tIdentify cost-saving opportunities and drive operational efficiency<\/p>\n
Qualifications and Experience<\/p>\n
\tMatric
\n\tBachelor\u2019s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline
\n\tPostgraduate qualification in IT management, digital transformation, or MBA (advantageous)
\n\tITIL 4 Foundation \u2013 IT service management
\n\tCOBIT 2019 Foundation \u2013 IT governance
\n\tAzure or AWS Solutions Architect \u2013 Cloud expertise
\n\tSAFe Agilist or SAFe DevOps Practitioner for Agile and DevOps delivery
\n\tLean Six Sigma Green\/Black Belt \u2013 For process improvement and optimisation
\n\tUiPath \/ Automation Anywhere Developer \u2013 advantageous
\n\tCertified ScrumMaster (CSM) or PMI-ACP \u2013 for agile project execution
\n\tTOGAF Certified \u2013 for platform and architecture modernisation
\n\tStrong technical background is a must, with the ability to engage deeply in architectural, operational, and delivery discussions
\n\t10+ years in IT operations or platform ownership, with deep expertise in managing and optimising core administration systems and workflow applications across complex operational environments
\n\t10+ years in analytics and business intelligence, with a track record of delivering data-driven outcomes that support business goals
\n\t5+ years in senior leadership, with proven ability to lead high-performing, cross-functional teams and drive a performance culture
\n\t3\u20135 years hands-on experience in cloud environments (Azure, AWS, or hybrid), including workload migration and optimisation
\n\t3\u20135 years working within Agile, SAFe, and Scrum methodologies, promoting iterative, collaborative delivery
\n\tStrong experience in process optimisation, operational transformation, and automation at scale (e.g., UiPath, Automation Anywhere)
\n\tSolid understanding of IT and platform architecture, including integration, scalability, and legacy modernisation<\/p>\n
Knowledge and Skills<\/p>\n
\tDeep understanding of business operations within financial services or insurance
\n\tLarge group facilitation and coordinating the bigger picture
\n\tEffective written and verbal communication skills are needed, as well as experience in communicating, persuading, and influencing partners
\n\tChange leadership, continuous improvement and process management
\n\tExceptional analytical, conceptual, problem-solving and process engineering skills
\n\tTechnical background and willingness to work agnostically
\n\tExcellent stakeholder management skills
\n\tStrong decision-making capability
\n\tAbility to align with Company\/Business strategy
\n\tStrategic planning and systems thinking
\n\tCore system operations and platform stability (e.g., MIP, Fundamental)
\n\tWorkflow design and management (e.g. BPM tools)
\n\tAutomation tools and frameworks (UIPath, Automation Anywhere, Druid AI)
\n\tDevOps practices, CI\/CD pipelines, and automated testing frameworks
\n\tCloud platforms (Azure\/AWS), infrastructure services, and migration strategies
\n\tData operations and integration awareness (ETL, Datalake\/DWH frameworks)
\n\tIncident and change management (ITIL, COBIT)
\n\tAgile methodologies (Scrum, SAFe)<\/p>\n
Behavioural Competencies<\/p>\n
\tCollaborative and open-minded
\n\tAbility to work independently and manage time and tasks according to priority provided
\n\tHave integrity and delivery on committed tasks and initiatives
\n\tGood communicator, listener, and presenter of ideas verbally and visually
\n\tWilling to cross-skill across roles to prioritise business delivery
\n\tInquisitive of IT trends and self-motivated to continuous learning and personal development
\n\tFlexible and adaptable – rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations
\n\tCourage – stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said
\n\tManages complexity – demonstrated ability and proven record to make complex decisions
\n\tEnsures accountability – holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
\n\tPlans and aligns – planning and prioritising work to meet commitments aligned to organisational goals<\/p>\n
Core Competencies<\/p>\n
\tCultivates Innovation by creating new and better ways for the organisation to be successful
\n\tClient Focus – Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions
\n\tDrives Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
\n\tCollaborates – Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
\n\tResilience – Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations<\/p>\n
go to method of application \u00bb<\/p>\n
Apply via company website ( ) or<\/p>\n
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