IT Strategy Governance Director dwm - Drive Transformation in a Global Environment Ford Bank

Ford Bank Germany is seeking an experienced IT Strategy & Governance Leader to drive our digital transformation and play a key role in our management team. If you're a changemaker who thrives on translating global IT strategies into impactful local results this is your opportunity to shape the future of IT within a dynamic financial institution.

As our IT Strategy & Governance Leader you will:

• Define and execute the IT strategy for FBG aligning with global vision and local business goals.
• Design and implement IT governance frameworks and procedures to ensure compliance with MaRisk DORA and other relevant regulations.
• Be an integral part of the management team influencing strategic decisions and leading the bank forward.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Direction: Define and implement a coherent IT strategy for FBG driving our digital transformation in close collaboration with Ford Motor Credit Company and Ford.
• Change Management: Ensure that the needs and requirements of the German Bank are well represented in the global tech transformation programs considering both business needs as well as regulatory requirements.
• Lead with Impact: Guide the organization through significant change navigating multiple workstreams and priorities simultaneously.
• Policy and Governance: Contribute to business strategy development, risk appetite definition, and policy creation ensuring IT is a key enabler of business success.
• Portfolio Management: Oversee a diverse portfolio of applications managing the entire lifecycle and identifying opportunities for performance improvements and innovation.
• Compliance & Standards: Design and implement robust IT governance frameworks and procedures ensuring compliance with internal policies, external regulations (especially DORA), and global technology standards.
• Team Leadership and Development: Lead the in-country IT and Engineering teams promoting Focus, Excellence, and Collaboration to drive innovation and growth.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with stakeholders across different locations to identify and prioritize business needs building strong relationships and driving consensus.

Qualifications

What You'll Bring:

• Extensive experience as an IT Manager or similar leadership role within a large company environment, preferably in financial services.
• Good knowledge of relevant regulations, particularly DORA, and IT governance frameworks, risk management principles, and IT infrastructure operations.
• Solid technical foundation including experience with agile software development, modern system architecture (microservices, cloud technologies, PCF, GCP), Java, and related testing and development tools.
• Familiarity with software design/architecture (API/service-based designs, domain/event modeling), software build (CI/CD), software run (platform engineering/monitoring/SLO), and secure software development principles.
• Experience with emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and/or fintech solutions is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage stakeholders, navigate complex organizational structures, and lead teams through change.
• Deep understanding of IT governance frameworks, risk management principles, and IT infrastructure operations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with a structured approach and strong self-organization skills.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and deliver results.
• Good understanding of or ability to quickly learn how a BaFin-regulated automotive bank operates.
• Excellent written and verbal German and English skills.

Why Choose Ford Bank of Germany

• Make a Real Impact: Shape the future of IT for Ford Bank Germany.
• Global Reach, Family Feel: Enjoy the resources of a global organization with a supportive close-knit culture.
• Leadership Opportunity: Be a key voice in our management team driving strategic direction.
• Benefits: We provide a competitive compensation package and a flexible hybrid working model to support your work-life balance.