Head of Department- IT

About the Role Al Mulla Exchange is seeking an experienced technology leader to head its Information Technology function and drive enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives. The Head of Department IT will be responsible for defining and executing the organization's technology strategy, strengthening cybersecurity and operational resilience, modernizing technology platforms, and ensuring technology remains a strategic business enabler. The role will lead a multidisciplinary technology team of 60+ professionals across Kuwait, India, Egypt, and other locations. In addition, the incumbent will provide technology leadership and support across multiple subsidiaries and affiliated entities, driving standardization, innovation, and the alignment of technology initiatives with the broader strategic objectives of the Company. Key Responsibilities Technology Strategy & Leadership • Develop and execute the organization's long-term technology vision and roadmap aligned with corporate strategy. • Advise executive leadership on technology investments, digital innovation, cybersecurity, and emerging industry trends. • Build technology capabilities that support future business growth, scalability, operational efficiency, and customer experience. • Drive continuous innovation through the adoption of AI, Machine Learning, Intelligent Automation, Cloud, APIs, Data Analytics, and emerging technologies. Digital Transformation • Lead enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives across customer channels, business operations, compliance, treasury, and support functions. • Drive modernization of enterprise applications and technology platforms. • Enhance customer experience across Branch, Mobile, Web, Kiosk, and digital ecosystems. • Champion agile delivery methodologies and continuous improvement. Technology Delivery • Oversee the successful execution of strategic IT programs and enterprise projects. • Ensure timely delivery of high-quality technology solutions while maintaining operational stability. • Establish robust governance, architecture standards, and software development best practices. • Lead enterprise application development and system integration initiatives. IT Operations & Infrastructure • Ensure high availability, scalability, security, and performance of enterprise infrastructure. • Lead infrastructure modernization, cloud adoption, disaster recovery, business continuity, and capacity planning. • Oversee IT Service Management (ITSM), helpdesk operations, asset management, and production support. Information Security & Risk • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, cybersecurity standards, and internal governance policies. • Strengthen information security frameworks and operational resilience. • Collaborate with risk, compliance, audit, and business stakeholders to maintain secure technology environments. Enterprise Integrations • Lead API strategy and integration with banks, payment gateways, remittance partners, fintech platforms, AML systems, and third-party providers. • Ensure secure, scalable, and high-performing integration architecture. People Leadership • Inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing technology organization. • Build future leadership capabilities and succession plans. • Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning. • Identify talent gaps and lead recruitment of world-class technology professionals. Vendor & Financial Management • Own the IT budget and technology investment strategy. • Build strategic partnerships with technology vendors and service providers. • Drive cost optimization while maintaining service excellence. The ideal candidate is an accomplished technology executive with a strong record of leading enterprise technology organizations within the banking, financial services, payments, fintech, or remittance industry. You possess a strategic mindset, excellent business acumen, and the ability to translate technology into measurable business value. You thrive in complex, fast-paced environments and have successfully led large-scale digital transformation initiatives while managing geographically distributed teams. Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline. Master's degree (MBA, MIS, or equivalent) is preferred. • 15+ years of progressive IT leadership experience. Minimum 8 years in senior leadership roles managing enterprise technology functions. • Demonstrated experience within Banking, Financial Services, FinTech, Payments, or Remittance industries. • Proven success in leading enterprise-scale digital transformation initiatives. • Strong expertise in enterprise architecture, software engineering, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, API integration, IT governance, and infrastructure management. • Experience managing large, multicultural teams across multiple geographies. • Professional certifications such as PMP, TOGAF, ITIL, CISSP, AWS/Azure, or equivalent will be an advantage.