Head of IT Projects - Banking

This position is a key project position responsible for delivery of multiple large, complex strategic IT projects as well as smaller duration tactical technology projects. The projects could be of the nature of development of business applications, implementation of large off-the-shelf software, roll-out of technology projects like the applications upgrades.

This position leads multi-disciplined project teams in performing all the activities which are needed for an effective project delivery. In addition to completing the projects in time and within cost, the activities also include transitioning the projects to production and running them successfully for a specific time before handing over to production teams for the day-to-day management.

This position is expected to work with the outsourced project managers / Vendor project managers for the duration of the projects and will have only a few fixed permanent positions working in the hierarchy.

The role will require the candidate to provide leadership to the Delivery managers / Program Managers / Project Managers in ensuring the successful delivery of the IT projects.

Responsibilities:

1. Oversee successful delivery of the complete portfolio of projects underway.
2. Managing the overall planning, execution and delivery of IT projects.
3. Cost and technical management of the portfolio of projects.
4. Vendor / contractor management for ensuring right resources are working on the projects.
5. Contracts management – completing the necessary contracts (product and implementation) for the projects with the vendors.
6. Compliance management (regulatory and institutional) including security aspects.
7. Managing project managers; motivating them and managing the risks to ensure that they successfully complete the projects.
8. Track status of each project on a periodic basis and provide project-related insights and status.

Desired Skills and Experience

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business or other related field.

Years of Experience:
15+ years in various facets of IT management / activities.
Minimum 8 years of experience in managing large projects and program management of complex IT portfolios.

Skills:
• Strong knowledge of contracting, negotiating, organization development, change management, technology trends, strategic planning, financial planning, action planning and project management.
• Possess senior-level IT knowledge and understanding with good skills in technical infrastructure and application development.
• Must be expert in project management and possess a high level of process management expertise.
• PMP or Prince2 certification.
• Must have strong management and leadership skills.
• Must have global experience in dealing with Multi-vendors and other project delivery teams.
• Exposure to Financial services business is an added advantage. Managing large banking / Financial service projects will be considered as highly advantageous.
• Knowledge and skills of managing large project portfolios.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, previous leadership, management and supervisory experience and the ability to achieve results through others.
• Very good organizational skills.
• Effective negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with both business and technical constituents.
• Experience in managing Budgets and other aspects of financial management.

About The Company
TAAHEED deliver pioneering recruitment solutions and consultancy services to MENA organizations that believe human capital is the major driver in building a ‘best-in-class’ team or company.

TAAHEED offers Search & Selection, Project & Managed Service solutions across key practices, including:
• Construction & Development
• Banking & Financial Services
• Insurance
• IT & Telecommunications
• Engineering & Industry
• Shared Services (HR/Legal/Accountancy/Professional Support)
• Higher Education Recruitment / University (Faculty Staff)
• Media, Advertising,
• Marketing, PR & Communications
• Public Sector.

TAAHEED is also the region's number one contributor to Emiratization initiatives.