Senior Manager: System Development

Old Mutual is seeking a seasoned Senior Manager: System Development to steer the technological future of its Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation (CGIC) division. This pivotal role involves leading the organisation's software development, business analysis, application modernisation, and technology delivery functions. The successful candidate will be instrumental in ensuring the ongoing stability, enhancement, and strategic evolution of CGIC's technology landscape, overseeing multiple teams dedicated to core business systems, integration platforms, customer-facing solutions, data services, and crucial transformation initiatives. This position demands a blend of strong technology leadership, adept people management, robust delivery governance, insightful architecture oversight, a drive for innovation, and effective engagement with executive-level stakeholders.

Strategic Technology Leadership and Vision

A key responsibility of this role is to conceptualise and implement CGIC's application development and modernisation strategy. This includes defining clear technology roadmaps that are tightly aligned with overarching business objectives. The Senior Manager will guide the critical transition from legacy platforms to contemporary, cloud-enabled, and API-driven architectures, championing initiatives in architecture, integration, and digital transformation. Collaboration with the Executive Committee (EXCO) and business leadership on strategic technology decisions is essential, ensuring that technology investments directly support business growth, enhance operational efficiency, and effectively manage risk.

Driving Software Development Excellence and Modernisation

The Senior Manager will lead a suite of development teams responsible for vital systems, including underwriting, claims, reinsurance, and accounting. Furthermore, they will oversee the development and maintenance of broker and client portals, collections and workflow solutions, and essential API and integration services. Establishing rigorous engineering standards, robust Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) governance, and stringent quality controls will be paramount. The role encompasses managing the entire application lifecycle, from initial conception through to deployment and ongoing support, with a focus on improving development productivity, refining release governance, and enhancing delivery predictability. Embracing agile delivery practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement are central to this function.

A significant part of the mandate involves leading strategic programmes focused on modernising CGIC's legacy platforms. This includes driving an "API-first" integration strategy and guiding migration and transformation initiatives. The successful candidate will orchestrate the transition from legacy systems, such as Software AG/Natural platforms, to modern technologies. Developing and executing long-term technology transformation roadmaps will be crucial, aiming to reduce key-person dependency and bolster organisational resilience. The role also requires overseeing the delivery of multiple concurrent projects and programmes, ensuring effective project governance, comprehensive risk management, and clear executive reporting. Establishing delivery metrics, managing resource allocation, and ensuring alignment between business priorities and development capacity are also core duties.

Nurturing Talent and Stakeholder Relationships

This leadership position involves guiding and developing a multidisciplinary team of approximately 20 or more technology professionals, including development managers, software developers, business analysts, data analysts, database specialists, and technical leads. Responsibilities span workforce planning, coaching and mentoring, succession planning, performance management, talent acquisition, and capability development, with the ultimate aim of building high-performing delivery teams.

Furthermore, the Senior Manager will act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, cultivating strong partnerships with business units and operational leaders. Managing relationships with strategic technology vendors and service providers will be essential. The incumbent will be expected to present progress updates, identify risks, and articulate investment recommendations to executive governance forums, facilitating critical decision-making across both business and technology stakeholders. Ensuring adherence to IT governance frameworks, managing application and delivery risks, and establishing robust change, release, and environment governance disciplines are also key aspects of the role, alongside supporting audit, compliance, and regulatory requirements, and maintaining business continuity and operational resilience.

In South Africa, a role at this senior level within a large financial institution like Old Mutual typically commands a competitive remuneration package, reflecting the extensive experience and critical responsibilities involved. Such positions often offer significant opportunities for professional growth, particularly in areas like digital transformation, cloud adoption, and strategic IT leadership within the country's dynamic financial services sector. Employers in this space frequently include established banking groups, insurance companies, and large investment firms.

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: ISO27001/27002, COBIT 5/2019, 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

19 October 2026 , 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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