Senior Manager: Technology Strategy Execution

This role at Absa is pivotal in bridging the gap between technology and business objectives, focusing on the execution and performance of the technology strategy within the Personal and Business Banking (PPB) division. You'll be instrumental in ensuring that the technology roadmap is not only clearly defined but also rigorously tracked, delivering tangible value and measurable business outcomes. This position requires a strategic thinker with a strong analytical bent and a knack for translating complex data into actionable insights for executive leadership.

About the Role

The Senior Manager: Technology Strategy Execution will act as the central nervous system for PPB Technology's strategic initiatives. You will be responsible for the clarity, articulation, and alignment of the technology strategy across various Chief Information Officer (CIO) domains. A key aspect of this role involves building and maintaining a robust performance management framework. This framework will track the delivery of technology projects, the realisation of benefits, and ultimately, the impact on business objectives. Essentially, you will provide the analytical and execution foundation that empowers the technology department to engage with the business using credible, data-driven insights, fostering a culture of performance and accountability.

Your responsibilities will span several critical areas, ensuring the seamless execution and continuous improvement of Absa's technology strategy:

• **Strategy Support and Alignment:**
• Assist in the development, refinement, and annual refresh of the PPB Technology strategy narrative.
• Coordinate the alignment of strategies across different CIO domains, identifying synergies and ensuring consistency with the overarching PPB Technology agenda.
• Maintain and update the documentation for the PPB Technology operating model, ensuring it reflects the current strategic direction.
• Conduct environmental scanning to identify and synthesise emerging technology trends and industry developments, translating them into strategy-relevant briefings.
• Prepare comprehensive briefings, roadmap updates, and supporting materials for the CIO, Executive Committee (Exco), and board-level discussions.
• Support scenario planning exercises and strategic trade-off analyses to inform investment and prioritisation decisions.

• **Roadmap Management:**
• Oversee the maintenance of the PPB Technology 3-year roadmap, diligently tracking progress against committed milestones across all CIO domains.
• Produce quarterly roadmap status updates, clearly highlighting progress, identifying risks, and recommending necessary adjustments.
• Facilitate the annual strategy refresh cycle by preparing inputs, leading cross-domain alignment workshops, and documenting outcomes.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Architecture functions to monitor the introduction and adoption of new technologies.

• **Performance and Value Tracking:**
• Maintain and enhance the PPB Technology performance framework, including scorecards, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and dashboards for all CIO portfolios.
• Generate monthly and quarterly technology performance reports, consolidating data on delivery, financials, productivity, and risk.
• Translate complex performance data into clear, insightful narratives for executive decision-making.
• Monitor and report on in-year technology outcomes against the agreed PPB Technology Scorecard.
• Ensure that consistent and transparent performance measurement standards are applied across all CIO domains.
• Establish and manage a benefits realisation framework to track the outcomes of technology investments from inception to measurable results.
• Produce quarterly Value Realisation Reports, consolidating evidence of benefits delivery across the technology portfolio.
• Support Tech Exco in articulating the business value generated by technology initiatives, such as AI adoption or cost reduction.

• **Executive Reporting:**
• Prepare high-quality performance packs, board submissions, and Exco briefing materials.
• Manage a consistent reporting calendar, ensuring all submissions are accurate and timely.
• Oversee the performance data infrastructure, ensuring the accuracy and maintenance of dashboards and tracking tools.
• Provide analytical and drafting support for engagements with Group Technology, PPB Exco, and other governance forums.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, candidates will need a strong foundation in strategy, performance management, and technology within complex organisations. Absa is seeking individuals with a proven track record in developing and executing strategic initiatives and a deep understanding of how technology drives business value.

Key requirements include:

• A minimum of 5–7 years of relevant experience in strategy, management consulting, technology performance management, or closely related fields.
• Demonstrated experience working within or in close partnership with technology functions in the financial services sector or other large, complex enterprises.
• A solid ability to design and implement effective performance frameworks, scorecards, and executive-level reports.
• Proven experience in translating strategic objectives into tangible roadmaps, tracking mechanisms, and performance narratives.
• A strong aptitude for synthesising complex data sets into clear, concise executive insights and written communications.
• Familiarity with established technology strategy frameworks (e.g., Gartner, McKinsey, Forrester) is advantageous.
• Previous experience with benefits realisation methodologies or investment value tracking is desirable.
• A minimum of a relevant Bachelor's Degree (NQF 8) is required.

This role offers a significant opportunity to influence the technological direction and strategic success of Absa's Personal and Business Banking division. It is ideal for a results-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about driving impactful technology outcomes.

Qualifications

▪ Minimum relevant Bachelor's Degree (NQF 8)

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised