Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.
Job Description
Old Mutual Wealth seeks an exceptional Head of Technology Transformation to spearhead our technology modernization and lead our journey toward world-class investment platforms. This role demands a transformational leader who can architect next-generation systems, accelerate delivery capabilities, drive significant cost and process efficiencies, and ensure our technology foundation supports our strategic objective of being globally recognized for investment platform excellence.
Reporting Structure & Location
Reports directly to the CEO of Old Mutual Wealth and is a member of the executive leadership team. The role includes oversight of technology teams across all Wealth operations and close collaboration with Old Mutual Group IT leadership. The incumbent will participate in Group Technology governance structures and contribute to enterprise-wide technology strategy.
Responsibilities
Architecture Modernization & Platform Excellence
- Lead comprehensive architecture modernization from legacy systems to cloud-native, microservices-based platforms that can compete globally
- Drive transformation to world-class investment platforms with industry-leading functionality, performance, and user experience
- Establish platform scalability and resilience to support future growth and international expansion
- Transform delivery capabilities through DevOps and automated testing frameworks to increase development throughput
- Implement agile delivery methodologies with shorter release cycles and faster time-to-market
- Create high-performing engineering teams capable of rapid, reliable software delivery
- Deliver significant cost reductions through cloud optimization, infrastructure consolidation, and vendor management
- Automate manual processes across the technology stack and implement shared services platforms to drive economies of scale
- Establish measurable efficiency metrics with clear targets for cost per transaction and operational ratios
- Collaborate effectively within Old Mutual Group's IT framework, leveraging shared capabilities, standards, and governance structures
- Work closely with Group IT leadership on shared services including cybersecurity, infrastructure, and enterprise applications
- Ensure seamless integration between Wealth systems and Group-wide platforms while maintaining business unit agility
- Develop and execute technology strategy aligned with Old Mutual Wealth's business objectives
- Drive innovation through emerging technologies including AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics
- Lead regulatory compliance initiatives ensuring adherence to FAIS, FICA, and international standards
Qualification & Leadership Experience
- Bachelor's degree in either Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (Master's/MBA preferred)
- Minimum 15 years of transformational technology leadership experience with at least 12 years in retail investments and wealth management
- Proven track record of leading large-scale modernization programs with measurable business outcomes
- Industry leadership roles in retail investment platform companies or wealth management technology providers
- Demonstrated thought leadership through speaking engagements, publications, or industry recognition
- Track record of achieving world-class platform recognition or industry awards for technology excellence
- Active participation in industry associations such as ASISA
- Cloud architecture certifications (AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Solutions Architect, or equivalent)
- Deep understanding of retail investment products (unit trusts, ETFs, structured products, offshore investments, pension funds)
- Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks including FAIS, FICA, AML, FATCA, Collective Investment Schemes Control Act, MiFID II, and UCITS
- Knowledge of data privacy regulations (POPI Act, GDPR) and compliance requirements for retail investment platforms
- Current awareness of industry trends including ESG investing, robo-advice, direct indexing, and digital investment platforms
- Understanding of distribution channels and the Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) ecosystem
- Experience with product development lifecycles from concept to market launch in retail investments
- Ability to architect solutions personally and provide technical direction to development teams
- Deep understanding of modern architecture patterns including microservices, event-driven architectures, and cloud-native design
- Hands-on experience with investment platform technologies including LISP, CIS, portfolio management systems, order management, fund accounting
- Proven experience in large-scale legacy modernization with demonstrable results in delivery acceleration and cost reduction
- Expertise in DevOps, CI/CD, automated delivery pipelines, and cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Understanding of containerization, orchestration, infrastructure as code, and performance optimization for high-volume financial platforms
- Exceptional transformational leadership experience with track record of modernizing large, complex technology organizations
- Experience delivering successful retail investment products to market with demonstrable client adoption and business growth
- Proven ability to drive significant cost optimization while improving service quality and delivery speed
- Experience working within large corporate IT frameworks and successfully balancing business unit needs with Group requirements
- Strong business acumen with deep understanding of retail investment industry dynamics and competitive landscape
- Proven ability to commercialize technology solutions
- Established relationships within the IFA community and understanding of advisor needs and market dynamics
- Strong network of industry peers including advisers, platform providers, asset managers, and technology leaders
- Knowledge of and experience with technology solutions used by IFAs in their own businesses
- Active participation in industry forums and associations related to retail investments and wealth management
- Track record of leveraging industry relationships to drive product development and market opportunities
Action Planning, Adaptive Thinking, Change Management, Current State Assessment, Customer Value Management, Executing Plans, Negotiation, Oral Communications, Policy Development, Presenting Solutions, Professional Presentation, Strategic Planning
Competencies
Balances Stakeholders
Builds Effective Teams
Builds Networks
Business Insight
Collaborates
Communicates Effectively
Drives Vision and Purpose
Ensures Accountability
Education
NQF Level 8 - Honours or Postgraduate Diploma or equivalent
Closing Date
27 August 2025 , 23:59
The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.
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