VP, Head of IT (Shanghai)

Our client, a major bank in Singapore, is urgently looking for a VP, Head of IT, to be based in Shanghai due to regional expansion. This position reports to the COO, China

Objectives of the department:

To implement the bank’s new core banking system and business application interfaces;
To provide efficient IT support to all business and operational units ensuring that the service provided are in accordance with the bank’s service level standards;
To create a competitive advantage for the bank through planning, development, and application of IT solutions and systems;
Support the setup of new branches and sub-branches in China, as well as ensuring that an efficient and effective business continuity plan is established;
To provide straight through processing solutions (where possible) to minimise the level of manual intervention / processing;

Role

The candidate will be responsible for the overall management and development of the bank’s IT network, infrastructure, and business solutions in China. He/she will be provide strategic direction for the IT team and maintains a strategic version which supports and accelerates the goals for the bank with primarily focus on the bank’s core banking system and core applications interfaces.

Scope of work and responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

Jointly with HO Technical Architecture, establish an IT roadmap for China taking into account the implementation of a new core banking system and applications interfaces;
Provides an overall vision, planning and execution for IT solutions and system implementation;
Directs major change initiatives and decides upon change implementation to meet the bank’s objectives;

Project Planning and Definition

Oversee the deployment of technology in the bank, encouraging maximum benefit to business units through its use;
Identify problems and opportunities for business process changes in order to gain the competitive advantage through the use of technology;
Coordinate with bank-wide business units’ technology initiatives to identify opportunities for joint projects that will significantly reduce costs without compromising functionality or future flexibility;
Determine and provide business-driven IT solutions, ensuring that the bank incorporates leading edge IT technologies suited to business needs;
Ensure consistency in application development across all business units;
Gather user requests for new or revised applications, define and prioritize requirements and resources for the proposed IT solutions (including cost and benefit analysis);

Systems Analysis and Design

Technical Infrastructure

To ensure that the establishment of any IT infrastructure setup in all sites (including the procurement of hardware & software, system configurations and firewalls) in China are in accordance with HQ and local regulatory standards and guidelines;
To established a detailed business continuity plan to ensure minimum disruption to daily operations;

Application Development Support

Ensure that all system applications are regularly reviewed and enhanced during its lifetime;
Ensures that the solution delivery infrastructure, including tool interfaces, system interfaces, utilities, workbenches, and methodology are efficiently and effectively developed and maintained;
To work closely with the end users in the development of training material to promote technology assimilation throughout the bank;

Quality Management

Develop, deliver and support IT solution delivery standards;
Work with Quality and Services group to establish quality standards and evaluation tools to ensure a high standard of application reliability and solution delivery quality standards;
Ensure that applications developed are consistent with bank’s technology direction and comply with business wide operational standards;
Provide advice or recommendations to all business and operational units so as to improve on the IT application methods, tools and techniques;

Project Management

Align management strategy with business objectives, ensuring that all projects are delivered on a timely basis and within the assigned budget;
Ensure that pool of resources are properly equipped and managed to undertake the work required of them in a highly productive fashion;
Ensure that the project management is duly updated and effective communication is maintained with all parties concerned;

BAU Operations

Manage the relationship and Service Level Agreement with E2Power (IT outsourcer)

Requirements

A storng degree in Computer Science, Data Communication or other related fields. Masters preferred
At least 10 years of experience in the banking IT industry, with sound understanding of banking products and business applications .
Mature personality with strong leadership capabilities
Confident and skilful in communicating and working with all levels
Strong Bilingual ability, English & Mandarin essential
Committed to a 3 year contract for foreigners, but local PRC candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as all necessary training & job orientation will be provided by the Singapore office

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