Head of Corporate Systems

About the Position

Head of Corporate Systems

Paris, France

The Information Technology Division is seeking a senior IT manager with strong experience in corporate applications and complex transformation projects. Reporting to the Head of the Information Technology, the Head of Corporate Systems will set the direction for the Bank’s corporate systems, oversee major projects and ensure that critical applications support the Bank’s needs. The role also covers day-to-day operations, budgets, contracts, external providers and the organisation of the Corporate Systems team, while advising the Head of Information Technology on priorities, risks and future developments.

Responsibilities

Strategy, Projects and Business Partnership

• Set the direction and priorities for the Bank’s corporate systems and maintain a clear roadmap in line with business needs and the IT strategy.
• Advise the Head of Information Technology on strategic choices, future developments, investments, resources, risks and dependencies.
• Work closely with the Directorates to understand their needs, assess options and agree on priorities and suitable solutions.
• Oversee a portfolio of complex projects, including new systems, major upgrades, business process changes and the replacement of old tools.
• Ensure projects are properly planned and delivered, with appropriate resources, budgets, risk management, documentation, testing, user preparation and change support.
• Oversee major initiatives involving SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Concur, ServiceNow, e-signature and archiving tools, and communication platforms.
• Ensure coordination across architecture, infrastructure, security, service desk and Directorates, and keep senior stakeholders informed about progress, decisions and risks.

Management of the Unit

• Translate the IT Division’s priorities into clear objectives and work plans for the Unit and ensure timely and high-quality delivery.
• Manage the Unit’s staff and resources, including workload planning, performance management, skills needs and continuity of key activities.
• Ensure clear roles and responsibilities and effective cooperation across staff, consultants, project managers, integrators and support providers.
• Follow progress and address issues that may affect delivery, while ensuring knowledge sharing, up-to-date documentation and appropriate back-up arrangements.

Operations, Governance and Resources

• Ensure that critical corporate applications are reliable, secure, well supported and properly documented, and that incidents, recurring problems and changes are addressed with limited disruption to business activities.
• Identify practical ways to improve systems and processes and ensure compliance with standards for security, data protection, governance and audits.
• Oversee calls for tender and the selection of solutions and service providers, and manage relationships with software suppliers, integrators, consultants and support providers.
• Follow contracts, renewals, deliverables, service levels, quality and costs, and take action when needed.
• Plan and monitor the Corporate Systems multi-year budget, forecasts, commitments and spending, and flag budget risks early.
• Prepare clear briefings, recommendations, dashboards and documents for the Head of Division and relevant committees and ensure follow-up of decisions and actions.
• Use meaningful indicators to monitor projects, service quality, risks, budgets, contracts and Unit capacity.
• Maintain contacts with peers in other international organisations and financial institutions to share good practices and follow relevant IT developments.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, engineering, project management or another relevant field.
• A recognised project-management, IT service-management, enterprise applications or relevant vendor certification would be an asset.
• At least eight years of relevant professional experience in corporate applications, information systems or complex IT environments, preferably gained in an international organisation, financial institution or similarly regulated environment.
• Relevant experience managing a team or Unit, including setting objectives, allocating work, managing performance and resources, and ensuring delivery.
• Proven experience managing complex, cross-functional IT projects and application portfolios involving several business and technical teams.
• Experience coordinating internal staff, consultants, project managers, integrators, software vendors and other external providers.
• Strong knowledge of corporate systems and related business processes, ideally across several areas such as HR, Finance, Accounting, Budgeting, Purchasing, Travel and Expenses, IT service management or Communication.
• Good knowledge of SAP environments, particularly SAP S/4HANA, SAP SuccessFactors and SAP Concur. Experience with ServiceNow or comparable enterprise platforms would be an asset.
• Experience in application support, incident and change management, system upgrades and the delivery of new solutions.
• Experience with tenders, supplier and contract management, service levels, budgets and IT governance.
• Ability to turn strategic objectives and business needs into clear priorities, practical plans and deliverable projects.
• Strong judgement, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks, make recommendations and manage several priorities.
• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to explain complex technical and operational matters clearly to senior management and non-technical audiences.
• Strong writing and presentation skills, together with diplomacy, discretion and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Language Skills

• Excellent command of one of the two official languages (English and French), both oral and written, and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.

Core Competencies

• Adaptability
• Client Orientation
• Communication
• Innovation
• Result Orientation
• Team Work

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Full-time position
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and international environment
• Professional development opportunities

About the Company

The Information Technology Division is a key part of our organization, dedicated to ensuring that our corporate systems are robust, efficient, and aligned with our strategic goals. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment where you can grow your career and make a significant impact.