KSA Head of Systems Vice President

What You'Ll Do

• Oversee the effective delivery and maintenance of all IT systems and infrastructure for the Riyadh Branch by ensuring daily operations are executed smoothly and documented according to internal control standards.
• Act as the local system owner for critical Saudi regulatory systems such as SARIE and Tantfeeth platforms, ensuring service availability, incident governance, vendor coordination, and full regulatory compliance at all times.
• Provide governance oversight for infrastructure services including end-user computing, data centre operations (both local and regional), server management, network appliances, voice recorders, desktops/laptops/tablets/mobiles and ensure accurate KPI/KRI reporting.
• Lead incident management processes by classifying incidents appropriately, coordinating resolution efforts with local teams or global resources as needed, conducting root cause analysis, and representing the branch in post-incident reviews or audits.
• Implement information security controls locally under the guidance of regional/global CISO functions; coordinate mandatory training completion; act as local coordinator during security incidents; ensure SAMA Cyber Security Framework controls are evidenced.
• Serve as Data Protection Business Process Owner (BPO) for the Systems Department by ensuring business processes comply with data protection policies; maintain process registers; coordinate DPIAs; implement technical/organisational measures to safeguard data.
• Maintain up-to-date disaster recovery plans aligned with BCM programmes; coordinate annual DR exercises with global technology teams/vendors/BCM Manager; document outcomes thoroughly to meet SAMA requirements.
• Manage relationships with local technology vendors by overseeing contracts/performance reviews/audit readiness; support procurement/licensing compliance; contribute input to regional budgeting/investment requests.
• Line manage the Riyadh Systems team by setting objectives/conducting performance reviews/identifying training needs/promoting skills development/fostering collaboration across MENA & EMEA technology teams.
• Represent MUFG at relevant external functions (conferences/seminars/consortiums); develop links with peer banks to share best practices; support audits by providing timely documentation/evidence/responses.
• What you bring:
• A minimum of 7 years experience in Financial Services IT roles within regulated banking environments where you have demonstrated accountability for system availability/compliance.
• Proven track record in leading IT teams or managing vendors ideally with experience supporting regulatory payment systems such as SARIE or similar platforms within a financial institution.
• Relevant university degree or equivalent qualification in Information Technology; Microsoft Certified Engineer status (Active Directory/Windows Server 2008 R2 or later/Windows 7/MS Office 2010 or later) is essential.
• Hands-on expertise in operating systems (Linux/Windows/AIX), database management (Sybase), Citrix environments, browser troubleshooting skills, T24 core banking support experience preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of information security controls (access control/cryptography/SIEM), project management methodologies, report preparation techniques, asset lifecycle governance.
• Excellent communication skills combined with first-class organisational ability enabling you to produce scheduled reports/documentation/audit evidence accurately under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large workloads calmly under pressure while maintaining attention to detail/numerical accuracy; structured/logical approach to work is vital.
• Experience in business continuity/disaster recovery planning/testing within a banking context; familiarity with BCM integration/cyber DR event scenarios is advantageous.
• Strong interpersonal skills that foster collaboration/teamwork across diverse groups supporting junior staff development/training needs assessment/performance review processes effectively.