Absa, one of Africa’s leading banks, is recruiting for a Chief Information Officer to spearhead its digital technology strategy. The role is based in Johannesburg, offering a hybrid working model with in-office and remote work. It is a full-time position, recently advertised, with applications closing in just nine days.
With a history spanning over a century, Absa is renowned for its strong local roots combined with regional and international expertise. It offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a growth journey focused on transforming Africa’s financial landscape through innovative digital solutions.
The primary responsibility of the CIO will be to develop and oversee Absa’s digital capabilities. This includes creating seamless customer experiences across all digital channels by shaping the bank’s technology strategy, architecture, infrastructure, and platform solutions. The CIO must collaborate closely with all technology teams to ensure systems are aligned, secure, and capable of supporting the bank’s growth and innovation goals.
A key aspect of the role involves shaping the long-term digital vision, with a strategic outlook spanning five to fifteen years. The CIO will focus on building new digital business models, enhancing customer interactions, and opening up new revenue streams. Data will be central to these efforts, helping generate insights and support informed decision-making across the organisation.
Managing digital risks, especially cyber security, is also a crucial part of the role, ensuring the bank’s operations remain resilient and secure. The CIO will establish strategic partnerships with technology providers, foster innovation through collaborations, and embed agile practices and DevOps across teams to drive speed and flexibility.
Talent development is another vital aspect, with the CIO expected to attract and nurture high-performing, inclusive teams. Operational excellence will be essential, with a focus on system stability, security, and efficient delivery of digital services. The role also involves overseeing compliance, risk management, and initiatives to turn data into valuable business insights.
The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience leading technology in financial services, including at least seven years in executive roles. They should have a strong background in enterprise architecture, cloud transformation, and digital innovation, along with a postgraduate qualification in information technology. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of banking across Africa through strategic digital leadership at Absa.