Head of Technology / Information Technology (IT)

Company Description

We have been retained by our client to recruit the Head of Technology / Information Technology (IT)of its asset management business

Our client is an investments management firm in Nigeria licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to provide portfolio and fund management services with assets under management in excess of N500 Billion

The Head of IT is responsible for defining and executing the firm’s technology strategy to support investment management, trading operations, client servicing, and regulatory compliance. The role ensures secure, reliable, and scalable IT systems while driving digital transformation in line with Nigeria’s financial services ecosystem.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

1. IT Strategy & Digital Transformation
• Develop and implement an enterprise IT strategy aligned with business goals
• Drive digital transformation initiatives (client portals, mobile platforms, automation)
• Introduce innovative technologies to enhance investment decision-making and client experience

2. Core Systems & Infrastructure Management
• Oversee all IT systems including:
• Portfolio Management Systems (PMS)
• Order Management Systems (OMS)
• Trading platforms and market data feeds
• Ensure high availability, scalability, and performance of infrastructure (cloud/on-premise)
• Manage IT vendors and third-party service providers

3. Cybersecurity & Risk Management
• Develop and implement cybersecurity frameworks aligned with:
• National Information Technology Development Agency guidelines
• Nigeria Data Protection Act
• Protect against cyber threats, data breaches, and fraud
• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing

4. Regulatory Compliance & Data Governance
• Ensure compliance with IT-related regulations from:
• Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria
• Central Bank of Nigeria
• Implement strong data governance frameworks
• Ensure proper reporting, audit trails, and record-keeping

5. Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
• Develop and maintain Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) systems
• Ensure minimal downtime and rapid recovery of critical systems
• Conduct periodic simulation tests

6. IT Operations & Service Delivery
• Ensure efficient IT service delivery across the organization
• Implement IT Service Management (ITSM) frameworks (e.g., ITIL)
• Manage helpdesk and end-user support

7. Data & Analytics Enablement
• Enable data-driven decision-making through analytics and reporting tools
• Support investment teams with data infrastructure and research tools
• Implement data warehousing and business intelligence solutions

8. Leadership & Team Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop the IT team
• Manage IT budgets and resource allocation
• Foster a culture of innovation, security awareness, and accountability

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• System uptime and availability (%)
• Cybersecurity incident frequency and resolution time
• IT cost efficiency vs budget
• Successful implementation of digital initiatives
• Compliance and audit outcomes
• User satisfaction / service desk performance

Qualifications

Educational Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field
• Master’s degree (MBA, MIS, or Technology-related field) – preferred
• Professional Certifications (Highly Desirable)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• ITIL Certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

Additional Information

Experience
• 10–15+ years in IT within financial services (asset management, banking, fintech)
• Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven experience implementing enterprise IT systems and cybersecurity frameworks
• Experience with Nigerian regulatory and compliance requirements

Technical Competencies
• Strong knowledge of:
• Investment management systems (PMS, OMS)
• Cybersecurity frameworks and tools
• Cloud computing and infrastructure management
• Data analytics and business intelligence tools
• Familiarity with financial markets and asset management operations
• Understanding of:
• Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria reporting requirements
• Nigeria Data Protection Act compliance

Core Skills
• Strategic thinking and innovation
• Strong leadership and people management
• Vendor and stakeholder management
• Risk management and problem-solving
• Communication and influencing skills

Personal Attributes
• High integrity and accountability
• Strong attention to detail
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, regulated environment