Head, Software Engineering & Data Tribe

Principle Accountabilities

Technology Leadership  

• Lead and oversee all software engineering functions — backend, frontend, UI/UX, QA, and architecture — across multiple squads and innovation initiatives. 
• Define and enforce engineering standards, frameworks, and technology principles aligned with the Group’s IT strategy, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements. 
• Drive technology excellence, ensuring scalability, resilience, and interoperability across digital platforms, including mobile, internet, and core system integrations. 
• Collaborate closely with other Tribe Leads and Core Technology teams to ensure seamless alignment, efficient resource utilization, and cohesive delivery across all technology initiatives. 

Data Strategy & Tribe Leadership  

• Lead the Data Tribe, providing strategic direction for the implementation of the Group’s Data Strategy. 
• Work closely with the Head of Data Analytics within the Strategy & Business Performance Department to enhance the Group’s data infrastructure, governance, and analytics capabilities. 
• Oversee the design and implementation of data platforms and pipelines to enable data-driven decision-making, business intelligence, and advanced analytics. 
• Champion the adoption of data engineering best practices, data quality standards, and data security protocols across all innovation initiatives. 

Architecture & Solution Design  

• Oversee the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and high-performing architectures aligned with enterprise architecture standards. 
• Guide solution architects in developing robust, API-driven, cloud-enabled, and microservices-based solutions that support digital transformation objectives. 
• Promote architectural consistency and reuse across digital platforms and core systems. 

Delivery & Execution  

• Ensure effective delivery of digital and data initiatives through Agile and DevSecOps practices. 
• Collaborate with Product Owners, Business Analysts, and Innovation Squads to translate business needs into innovative, customer-centric technology solutions. 
• Establish and enforce delivery standards, ensuring on-time, high-quality releases with strong version control, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines. 

People & Capability Development  

• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing multidisciplinary technology and data team. 
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning across all tribes. 
• Drive performance management, career development, and technical excellence within the technology and data teams. 

Governance, Risk & Compliance  

• Ensure compliance with Group IT governance frameworks, cybersecurity standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., CBK, Data Protection Act). 
• Oversee technology and data risk assessments, implementing proactive mitigation measures. 
• Maintain rigorous standards for data privacy, system integrity, and information security. 

Innovation & Continuous Improvement  

• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that enhance digital experiences, operational efficiency, and data utilization. 
• Encourage experimentation and prototyping of innovative solutions that support the Group’s digital transformation agenda. 
• Drive modernization of legacy systems and champion reusability of platforms and services across the Group’s ecosystem. 

Key Competencies and Skills 

Technical Competencies  

• Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills, with the ability to bridge the gap between business strategy, data insights, and technology execution. 
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver enterprise-grade digital and data platforms, integrating with core banking systems, APIs, and cloud environments. 
• Strong understanding of data management principles, including data quality, metadata management, data lineage, and regulatory compliance (e.g., Data Protection Act, CBK regulations). 
• Proven track record in implementing data strategies and analytics initiatives that enable data-driven decision-making across the organization. 

Leadership Competencies  

• Strategic Orientation & Result Orientation. 
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and team management skills. 
• Ability to bridge the gap between business strategy, data insights, and technology execution. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment. 

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience 

Academic & Professional  

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field. 
• A Master’s degree in Technology Management, Data Analytics, or Business Administration is an added advantage. 

Experience  

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in software engineering, technology management, or digital transformation, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing multidisciplinary technology teams. 
• Proven experience leading cross-functional technology and data teams, including developers, solution architects, and data professionals in a dynamic, innovation-driven, or financial services environment. 
• Experience managing delivery through Agile, DevOps, and DevSecOps practices, ensuring continuous integration, testing, and deployment. 
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI/ML, automation, API ecosystems, and cloud-native solutions is an advantage.