Director of IT Department

Heads Talent Solutions is partnering with a well-established bank known for its forward-thinking approach and commitment to digital development to identify an experienced professional for the position of Director of IT Department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading the strategic development of the Bank’s IT function, overseeing the IT Department (software development, server infrastructure, networks, business analysis and IT administration) and the Organization, Project Management and New Technologies Department.

• Driving IT as a key business enabler by developing a strong understanding of business needs, aligning IT priorities with the Bank’s overall strategy and proactively identifying opportunities to improve business performance, increase market share and reduce the cost-to-income ratio.

• Ensuring the reliable, secure and efficient operation of the Bank’s information systems in line with internal standards, policies and the regulatory requirements of the National Bank of Serbia.

• Managing cooperation with external IT providers and relevant central functions to support the implementation of IT solutions and new technologies.

• Driving organizational and technical development, overseeing the project portfolio and introducing technologies that support the Bank’s strategic objectives.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Defining and implementing the Bank’s IT strategy as an integral part of its business strategy, ensuring alignment with the Bank’s business policy, business line requirements and the broader IT strategy.

• Maintaining a strong understanding of the needs of business lines and support functions and translating them into clear IT priorities, solutions and development plans.

• Proactively identifying and proposing IT and organizational initiatives that support business growth and strengthen the Bank’s market position, rather than focusing solely on responding to incoming requests.

• Contributing to the reduction of the cost-to-income ratio through automation, digitalization, process optimization and effective IT cost management.

• Monitoring and reporting on the business impact of IT and organizational projects, including cost savings, operational efficiency, revenue impact and customer service quality.

• Leading and developing direct reports, planning team capacity and supporting the development of employee competencies across IT and organizational functions.

• Managing relationships with external IT providers, including defining the Bank’s requirements, setting priorities and monitoring delivery quality, service levels and costs.

• Working closely with central IT and other relevant functions on the planning, implementation and local adaptation of IT solutions and new technologies.

• Preparing and presenting the Bank’s IT agenda, results, initiatives and requirements during quarterly business reviews, including providing the rationale for proposed priorities and initiatives.

• Leading and taking responsibility for the local Application Development Committee (ADC), including receiving and assessing requests from business and support functions, prioritizing development initiatives and monitoring their implementation.

• Managing the Bank’s IT and organizational project portfolio, including planning, prioritization and monitoring of timelines, budgets and delivery quality.

• Driving the improvement of the Bank’s business processes through automation and digitalization, in cooperation with business and support functions.

• Identifying, evaluating and introducing new technologies and other technical developments within the Bank.

• Ensuring the availability, continuity and performance of IT systems, infrastructure and networks, including the IT component of the Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan.

• Managing IT risks and information security in cooperation with the Risk Management function and the person responsible for information security, while ensuring compliance with National Bank of Serbia regulations governing information system management.

• Cooperating with internal and external auditors and the National Bank of Serbia on information system matters and following up on the implementation of audit and regulatory findings.

• Planning and monitoring the IT budget, including capital investments, operating expenses, software licences and supplier contracts.

• Ensuring compliance with all processes and procedures published in the Bank’s internal system that apply to the department to which the employee is organizationally assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• University degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Organizational Sciences or a related field.

• Proven experience in an IT leadership role, preferably in banking or the financial sector.

• Experience working within a centralized IT organization, as well as managing external IT providers.

• Strong understanding of banking operations and business line needs, with the ability to connect IT priorities with broader business objectives.

• Understanding of key banking performance indicators, including revenue, costs, the cost-to-income ratio and market share, and how IT contributes to business performance.

• Knowledge of core banking systems, IT infrastructure and networks, software development and business analysis.

• Experience in project and project portfolio management; familiarity with AGILE ways of working is considered an advantage.

• Knowledge of National Bank of Serbia regulations relating to information systems and information security, as well as relevant standards such as ISO 27001 and ITIL.

• Understanding of emerging technologies, including automation, artificial intelligence, cloud and low-code/no-code solutions, and their potential applications in banking.

• Strategic and analytical thinking, a proactive mindset and the ability to translate business needs into practical technical solutions.

• Excellent leadership, communication and presentation skills, including the ability to engage effectively with the Bank’s management and relevant stakeholders.

• A high level of accountability and integrity.

• Ability to perform effectively in a dynamic environment and under pressure.

• Excellent command of English.

 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.