Head, Employee Experience GenAI Governance & Platforms

Liberty is seeking a seasoned leader to take the helm of their Generative AI (GenAI) capabilities within the Employee Experience division. This pivotal role involves spearheading the establishment of a robust governance and operational framework for GenAI tools used across the organisation. The successful candidate will ensure that the adoption of these advanced technologies is not only secure and compliant but also delivers tangible value and is effectively measured against business objectives. This is a strategic position focusing on integrating and managing cutting-edge AI within a large enterprise environment.

About the role

This leadership position places you as the ultimate authority and central point of contact for all GenAI initiatives within the Employee Experience landscape. You will be instrumental in conceptualising and implementing a centralised function dedicated to the oversight and management of diverse general-purpose GenAI tools, including prominent platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, and Claude. Your primary objective will be to cultivate an environment where the deployment of these technologies is systematic, secure, and demonstrably beneficial to the organisation.

Key responsibilities will involve:

• Establishing and embedding comprehensive governance structures for GenAI implementation.
• Developing and overseeing operational processes to manage various GenAI platforms effectively.
• Ensuring the secure and responsible adoption of GenAI tools across the employee experience domain.
• Defining and tracking metrics to measure the value and impact of GenAI initiatives.
• Collaborating with diverse internal teams to align GenAI strategies with broader organisational goals.
• Managing vendor relationships, including contract negotiations, licensing, and cost optimisation for GenAI solutions.
• Navigating a regulated environment, working closely with risk, security, and compliance departments.

To excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate strong behavioral competencies, including a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, a willingness to challenge conventional ideas, and a talent for developing strategic direction and guiding teams. Technically, proficiency in AI foundations, lifecycle management, optimisation, and platform knowledge is essential, alongside a deep understanding of policy development, good governance, risk management, and quality control.

What they're looking for

Liberty is in search of a leader with a substantial background, typically 10 to 12 years, in IT, consulting, or digital leadership roles within large, complex organisations. This experience should include at least five years in senior management or directly overseeing technological platforms.

Key requirements for this position include:

• A comprehensive understanding of enterprise-level AI, GenAI, and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms.
• Demonstrable experience in applying governance frameworks, establishing standards, and developing operating models for technology platforms.
• A proven track record of influencing stakeholders and fostering collaboration across diverse, sometimes federated, teams to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Expertise in managing third-party vendors, negotiating contracts, and optimising commercial performance, with specific knowledge of licensing models and partner delivery structures.
• Familiarity with operating within regulated environments and the ability to effectively partner with specialist teams in risk, security, and compliance.

This role represents a significant opportunity for an experienced professional to shape the future of AI integration within a leading financial services group. In South Africa, such senior technology leadership roles, particularly those at the forefront of emerging tech like GenAI, typically command significant remuneration and offer extensive influence over an organisation’s digital transformation journey. Growth paths often lead to broader Chief Technology Officer or Chief Digital Officer positions.

• 10–12 years in IT, consulting, or digital leadership within complex organisations, including 5+ years in senior management or platform ownership roles.
• Understanding of enterprise AI/GenAI/SaaS platforms and experience applying governance, standards, or operating models for technology platforms.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across cross-functional and federated teams to align priorities and drive outcomes.
• Experience managing vendors, contracts, and commercial performance, with strong knowledge of licensing, cost optimisation, and partner delivery models.
• Working knowledge of regulated environments with the ability to partner effectively with Risk, Security, and Compliance teams.