Head, IT Application Management

JOB PURPOSE / ROLE: •The Head of Application Management is responsible for the overall ownership, stability, and evolution of the Bank’s Application Portfolio. The role ensures seamless support, maintenance, and enhancement of all business applications to enable Retail, Corporate, Private Banking, and Treasury operations. •The incumbent will drive system reliability, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and strategic transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with the Bank’s business objectives and technology roadmap. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Application Management • Own and manage the application portfolio covering all business applications including but not limited to Core -Banking, Private Banking Systems, Payment Systems, Compliance Systems covering all modules supporting all business functions. • Ensure 24/7 system availability with defined SLAs and minimal downtime. • Oversee incident, problem, and change management processes for the entire application landscape. Support & Maintenance • Lead L1, L2, and L3 application support teams, ensuring timely resolution of issues. • Establish proactive monitoring and preventive maintenance frameworks. • Drive root cause analysis and implement permanent fixes for recurring issues. Enhancements & Change Delivery • Manage system enhancements, upgrades, and releases in line with business requirements. • Work closely with business units to translate functional needs into system changes. • Ensure disciplined change governance, testing, and release management practices. Integration & Ecosystem Management • Oversee integration of backend systems with digital channels and support systems (e.g., digital banking, payments, treasury systems, regulatory reporting). • Ensure data consistency, integrity, and seamless end-to-end processing across systems. • Support API and middleware strategies for future-ready architecture. Vendor & Stakeholder Management • Manage relationships with application and technology vendors, ensuring performance against SLAs and contractual obligations. • Coordinate with internal stakeholders (IT, Operations, Risk, Compliance, Business teams). • •Lead negotiations on support contracts, upgrades, and enhancement engagements. Governance, Risk & Compliance • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (including CBB) and internal IT governance policies. • Maintain strong controls over access management, data security, and audit readiness. • Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of audit findings. Strategy & Transformation • Contribute to the Bank’s IT and digital transformation roadmap, particularly around core banking modernization. • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend system upgrades or replacements where required. • Drive automation and process efficiency initiatives within core banking operations. Team Leadership • Build and lead a high-performing team of application specialists and support staff. • Define clear KPIs, performance metrics, and development plans. • Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: Academic Qualifications (Minimum Requirement): • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field. • Master’s degree (MBA or Technology-related) preferred. Minimum Experience: • Minimum 15–20 years of experience in banking IT, with a strong focus on core banking systems. • Proven experience managing Finastra Equation AS400 or similar core banking platforms. • Strong exposure to Islamic banking products and processes is preferred. • Demonstrated experience in leading large teams and managing mission-critical systems. • Deep expertise in core banking architecture and application lifecycle management • Strong knowledge of AS400 environment and Finastra Equation • Understanding of system integrations, APIs, and middleware • Familiarity with banking domains: Retail, Corporate, Treasury, Islamic products Show more Show less