Let's Write Africa's Story Together!

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

Delivery Acceleration & Operational Excellence

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

Cost Optimization & Process Efficiency

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

Group Collaboration & Integration

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

Strategic Leadership

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

Required Qualifications, Experience & Expertise

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)

Retail Investments Industry Expertise

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

Technical Expertise & Hands-On Leadership

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

Transformational Leadership & Business Acumen

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

Industry Network & Ecosystem Relationships

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 IFA’s 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

Skills

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 StakeholdersBuilds Effective TeamsBuilds NetworksBusiness InsightCollaboratesCommunicates EffectivelyDrives Vision and PurposeEnsures 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.

The Old Mutual Story!