Senior Manager: System Development

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Job Description
Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation (CGIC) seeks an experienced Senior Manager: System Development to lead the organisation's software development, business analysis, application modernisation and technology delivery capabilities.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the stability, enhancement and strategic evolution of CGIC's technology landscape while leading multiple teams responsible for core business systems, integration platforms, customer-facing solutions, data services and strategic transformation initiatives.
The role combines technology leadership, people management, delivery governance, architecture oversight, innovation and stakeholder engagement at executive level.
Technology Strategy & Leadership
Develop and execute CGIC's application development and modernisation strategy.
Define technology roadmaps aligned to business objectives.
Lead the transition from legacy platforms to modern cloud-enabled and API-driven architectures.
Drive architecture, integration and digital transformation initiatives.
Partner with EXCO and business leadership on strategic technology decisions.
Ensure technology investments support business growth, operational efficiency and risk management.
Software Development Leadership
Lead multiple development teams responsible for:
Underwriting systems
Claims systems
Reinsurance systems
Accounting systems
Broker and client portals
Collections and workflow solutions
API and integration services
Establish engineering standards, SDLC governance and quality controls.
Manage application lifecycles from conception through deployment and support.
Improve development productivity, release governance and delivery predictability.
Drive agile delivery practices and continuous improvement.
Modernisation & Transformation
Lead strategic programmes focused on the modernisation of CGIC's legacy platforms.
Drive API-first integration strategies.
Guide migration and transformation initiatives involving legacy Software AG/Natural platforms and modern technologies
Develop and execute long-term technology transformation roadmaps.
Reduce key-person dependency and improve organisational resilience.
Programme & Portfolio Delivery
Oversee the delivery of multiple concurrent projects and programmes.
Ensure effective project governance, risk management and executive reporting.
Manage project prioritisation and resource allocation.
Establish delivery metrics and performance reporting.
Ensure alignment between business priorities and development capacity.
Examples of strategic initiatives include:
Platform modernisation
Broker Management solutions
Portal and customer-facing applications
API enablement and external integrations
Data and reporting initiatives
Core insurance system
People Leadership
Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams including:
Development Managers
Software Developers
Business Analysts
Data Analysts
Database Specialists
Technical Leads
Responsibilities include:
Workforce planning
Coaching and mentoring
Succession planning
Performance management
Talent acquisition
Capability development
Building high-performing delivery teams
The incumbent will provide leadership across a team of approximately 20+ technology professionals.
Stakeholder Management
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership.
Build strong partnerships with business units and operational leaders.
Manage relationships with strategic technology vendors and service providers.
Present progress, risks and investment recommendations to executive governance forums.
Facilitate decision-making across business and technology stakeholders.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
Ensure adherence to IT governance frameworks.
Manage application and delivery risks.
Establish change, release and environment governance disciplines.
Support audit, compliance and regulatory requirements.
Maintain business continuity and operational resilience.
Minimum Requirements
Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering or related field.
Postgraduate qualification advantageous.
Relevant leadership and project delivery certifications beneficial.
Experience
12+ years experience within software development and delivery environments.
7+ years in senior technology leadership roles.
Proven experience leading large technical teams.
Experience managing complex application portfolios.
Experience leading enterprise transformation and modernisation initiatives.
Experience interacting with executive leadership and boards.
Technical Knowledge
Strong knowledge of:
Application architecture
Systems integration
APIs and microservices
Cloud platforms
SDLC governance
Agile delivery methodologies
Data platforms and reporting solutions
Legacy system modernisation
Insurance and financial services environments (advantageous)
Critical Competencies
Leadership
Strategic thinking
People leadership
Executive presence
Coaching and mentoring
Change leadership
Delivery
Programme management
Portfolio prioritisation
Commercial awareness
Vendor management
Governance and risk management
Technical
Solution architecture
Software engineering
Technology modernisation
Integration strategy
Data and analytics understanding
Success Measures
The successful candidate will be measured on:
Delivery of strategic transformation initiatives.
Stability and availability of critical business systems.
Development team effectiveness and productivity.
Quality, security and governance compliance.
Technology roadmap execution.
Reduction of legacy platform risk.
Business stakeholder satisfaction.
Talent retention and succession readiness.
6 - 8 years of experience in Information Technology, Information/Cyber Security, IT Auditing, IT or Operational Risk, IT Compliance, or IT Governance.
2 - 4 years managerial / leadership experience.
Strong understanding of IT Governance frameworks, methodologies, and related standards.
At least two relevant industry certifications: ISO***********, COBIT ******, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT, CGRC etc.
Cloud Certifications an advantage: AWS Cloud Practitioner, AWS Certified Security - Specialty or related.
Agile training and knowledge of Agile Frameworks.
Strong analytical & problem-solving skills and facilitation, negotiation, conflict resolution skills.
Excellent written & oral communication and networking skills
A motivated self-starter, capable of working on own initiative with a high level of integrity.
A resourceful, proactive, and confident communicator ensuring adequate quality and timely deliverables.
Ability to work professionally and constructively as a leader and team member providing advice and consultancy.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE (PREFERRED, NOT A REQUIREMENT)
Proficient in MS Suite (Excel, Word, Visio and PowerPoint)
A background in audit, assurance within financial services.
Makes increased contributions by broadening individual skills
Skills
Action Planning, Adaptive Thinking, Business Requirements Analysis, Cultural Awareness, Database Administration, Data Compilation, Data Controls, Data Management, Evaluating Information, Executing Plans, Expertise Management System, IT Architecture, Policies & Procedures, User Requirements Documentation, Wireless Network Management
Competencies
Communicates Effectively
Courage
Cultivates Innovation
Decision Quality
Ensures Accountability
Manages Complexity
Nimble Learning
Optimizes Work Processes
Education
NQF Level 9 – Masters
Closing Date
25 October **** , 23:59
The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.
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