Director, Head of Information Technology

What You'll Do

As Director, Head of Information Technology you will be entrusted with shaping the strategic direction of technology across the Malaysian operations. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve collaborating with top-level executives to design forward-thinking business plans that align IT initiatives with broader organisational goals. You will oversee transformative projects such as implementing new core banking systems while ensuring operational excellence through process innovation. Building strong partnerships with internal teams as well as external stakeholders—including vendors and industry bodies—will be central to your success. You will also play an instrumental role in developing talent within your department by fostering an inclusive culture that prioritises growth opportunities for all team members. In addition to driving digitalisation efforts and optimising resources for maximum efficiency, you will ensure robust risk controls are in place by leading audits, formulating policies in response to evolving regulations, chairing key committees, and maintaining comprehensive business continuity plans. Your ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on leadership will be critical in delivering best-in-class technology solutions that support both current operations and future growth.

• Collaborate with executive leadership and board members to develop annual operating plans and mid-term business strategies that support long-term IT and operations goals.
• Drive the successful implementation of new core banking systems by overseeing project delivery, change management, and alignment with organisational vision.
• Lead business transformation initiatives focused on digitalisation, process enhancement, and adoption of new ways of working from a systems perspective.
• Manage budget planning, resource allocation, and cost optimisation for all technology investments while balancing operational requirements.
• Innovate operational processes by introducing new methods, capabilities, and technologies to achieve efficient, accurate, and smooth business operations.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders inside and outside the organisation by representing the company at industry events and maintaining effective communication channels.
• Partner with regional offices, product teams, relationship managers, vendors, and other departments to ensure successful delivery of IT solutions tailored to unique business needs.
• Act as a trusted advisor on software, hardware, network infrastructure, and banking operations topics for local senior management teams.
• Champion people engagement by managing performance objectives, coaching direct reports, supporting career progression, rewarding achievements, and nurturing a diverse talent pipeline.
• Oversee risk management activities including policy formulation, audit coordination, incident investigation, business continuity planning, regulatory compliance adherence, and committee participation.

What You Bring

The ideal candidate for Director Head of Information Technology brings extensive experience navigating complex organisational structures within the financial sector coupled with deep technical acumen. Your proven ability to manage large multidisciplinary teams ensures you can foster collaboration across functions while driving high standards of performance. You have successfully delivered major digitalisation projects demonstrating not only technical proficiency but also sensitivity towards change management challenges inherent in such transformations. Your interpersonal skills enable you to cultivate trust among colleagues clients regulators auditors vendors alike making you an invaluable advisor on matters ranging from infrastructure upgrades to compliance issues. With your thorough knowledge of financial products services processes you are adept at identifying opportunities for operational improvement whilst safeguarding against risks through diligent oversight robust policy frameworks proactive incident response measures. Above all your dedication towards nurturing talent building inclusive cultures ensures sustainable success for both individuals teams under your guidance.

• Possess a recognised degree in Business Administration, Finance, Information Technology, Accounting, Commerce or related discipline from an accredited university or higher learning institution.
• Demonstrated excellence in organisational skills combined with outstanding communication abilities suitable for engaging at all levels within large organisations.
• Proven track record of over 15 years experience at senior executive level managing substantial teams within complex environments.
• Ability to build dependable relationships both internally across departments and externally with partners or industry representatives.
• Comprehensive understanding of financial services operations including deposit handling, trade finance (export/import), commodities trading, loans administration, money transfers and treasury transactions.
• Expertise in leading large-scale digital transformation projects involving system upgrades or new technology implementations within regulated industries.
• Experience managing budgets for technology investments while ensuring cost optimisation without compromising quality or compliance standards.
• Strong background in risk management practices including policy development aligned with changing legislation or regulatory requirements.
• Capability to mentor direct reports through objective setting performance management coaching career progression training opportunities reward decisions succession planning etc.
• Commitment to promoting diversity equity inclusion through talent development initiatives succession planning robust pipelines for key roles.