IT Strategy Manager

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Job Introduction

Main Responsibilities

This role will be responsible for supporting definition of, and execution against, the Bank's IT Strategy. It will shape and maintain the strategy, communicate and embed it, track and assure delivery against it, and support executive and board level reporting on it.

The successful candidate will be an experienced technology professional who understands the bank's strategy and technology landscape, technology trends and strategic themes in financial services, industry best practice, and what it takes to successfully deliver on a strategy. They will be a critical thinker who sets high standards, has a continuous improvement mindset, and can combine deep-thinking with an execution focus and collaboration to drive change.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the Bank's technology strategy, aligned to the UK business strategy, working closely with Group, the branch and functional departments, and technology disciplines.
• Ensure the strategy is refreshed on an annual basis, and adherence is maintained to the associated policies, frameworks, and controls.
• Research and apply best practice and insights on long term technology trends, outlook and competitor intelligence covering strategic themes within the Banking, Financial Services and wider sectors (where relevant).
• Understand, stay up-to-date with, and ensure alignment to (where applicable) Group's technology strategies e.g. Group technology strategy, Group cloud strategy etc.
• Be the custodian of the associated IT Modernisation investment case, communicating and evangelising this across the bank.
• Track and assure delivery against the strategy, putting in place mechanisms to measure and ensure alignment to the strategy and investment case.
• Oversee the risk reduction and technical debt positions related to delivery against the strategy.
• Support executive and board level reporting and engagement with respect to the strategy and investment case.
• Play a key role in advising the Head of Technology Strategy & Transformation regarding the strategic roadmap and initiatives. Be a trusted advisor supporting strategic delivery and transformation.
• Communicate and educate extensively across the Bank, throughout the transformation journey.

Ideal Candidate

Research (by Harvard University) shows that women are particularly likely to second guess themselves and not apply - so if you are worried you don't meet all the criteria, get in touch anyhow and let us do the worrying...

• Experience developing technology strategies within Banking / Financial Services.
• Experience of supporting delivery against strategy.
• Experience of (legacy and modern) core banking platforms, technology providers, and cloud solutions.
• Experience of migrating away from legacy core banking platforms, and qualification of the associated operational risk residing in these platforms.
• Experience in managing technical debt resulting from deviations to the strategy and underlying target architecture.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills with a high attention to detail and a focus on continuous improvement.
• Team Player. Enjoys collaborating with, learning from, and teaching others. Assumes good intent in others, and actively does their part to make a positive work environment.
• Ability to create a sense of community amongst disparate members of different functions/areas.
• Ability to apply risk assessment and management principles and processes and find ways of solving or pre-empting complex risks and issues.
• Ability to understand, articulate and translate customer journeys into technical design, strategy and architecture.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to produce comprehensive reports/briefings for senior stakeholders.

Company Information

Handelsbanken is a relationship bank with a decentralised way of working, a strong local presence thanks to a nationwide network of branches, and a long-term approach to customer relations. Each Handelsbanken branch operates as a local business enabling it to make decisions at a local level and provide a bespoke service. The focus is always on the need of the individual customer and not on the sale of specific products.

We are embarking on an exciting Business Transformation journey. This transformation will significantly enhance our technology system systems, processes and services, bringing evolution to our ways of working. Join us in this transformative journey, where your dedication, adaptability and commitment will play a crucial role in shaping the future of banking for our valued customers.

The Bank is deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities. This is so that we are an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work that encourages everyone to apply, regardless of socio-economic background, age, disability, pregnancy and/or parental status, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), veteran status, marital and civil partnership status, religion or belief, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation.

Check our Handelsbanken website for further information

At Handelsbanken, we deeply value our unique culture and values including trust in and respect for each individual. We take pride in nurturing a work environment where people flourish, and where they are empowered to take decisions in their areas of expertise. We take a long term perspective in everything we do and want each employee who joins us to build a long terms successful career with the Bank.

What is in it for you?

• We have a wide range of learning and development available, empowering and enabling our colleagues to take ownership of their own development.
• Competitive Salary and an extensive range of benefits is provided, including private medical insurance, income protection and life assurance
• A market-leading pension contribution of 15% paid by the bank, which can be invested in a wide range of funds (including ESG and Shariah funds)

Application next steps

Your journey with us begins once you have submitted your application. One of our Handelsbanken recruiters will be reviewing your details and will later organise a phone conversation if you match the role requirements. If there is a mutual fit, we will extend an invitation for you to participate in an interview.

There will be a 2/3 stage interview process with a combination of technical and competency based interviews, you will have an opportunity to find out more about the team and the role.

How can we support you to be your best self? Our Talent Acquisition team will be happy to provide support e.g. if you need additional time to prepare for an interview or you have any requirements for any part of the interview/hiring process - just let us know by email uk_talent@careers.handelsbanken.co.uk .

This advert will be live for a minimum of two weeks. However, please note that after the two weeks, the closing date could change at any time depending on the number of responses received.

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