Country Technology Manager (Saudi National)

The role of CTM Saudi Arabia is pivotal in ensuring the continuous availability, high performance, and robust security of all applications within the production environment that support our business and operational functions. This position demands comprehensive oversight and maintenance of all local data centres and related infrastructure components, including servers, networking equipment, storage systems, external connectivity gateways, and telephony systems. You will play a crucial role in driving technological initiatives, coordinating with multiple teams to roll out new projects, resolve issues, and uphold infrastructure integrity.

Furthermore, you will act as the vital link between business and operational stakeholders and the wider technology ecosystem, facilitating clear communication and strategic alignment. Managing the country-specific technology budget forms a core responsibility, alongside enabling support for critical technology initiatives and risk management. This role requires proactive leadership in technology product implementations, ongoing system enhancements, and prompt resolution of problems and risks, thereby ensuring operational stability and compliance.

You will work closely with vendors and external parties to maintain and upgrade local systems and infrastructure, organize and lead service review meetings with key technology stakeholders such as ITSC and PSS, and provide advisories on potential risks with formulated action plans to mitigate them. Leading service improvement initiatives that enhance system performance and stability is integral to the role.

As the central point of contact during high severity incidents, you will ensure swift issue resolution, coordinating effectively with ITSC, PSS, and network teams. Comprehensive root cause analyses for such incidents will be executed with follow-through on preventative measures to forestall recurrence. The role also includes reviewing and approving change requests from the business, ensuring each modification is conducted without compromising system stability. Active participation in PSCs, ICS forums, and risk management discussions will be expected to uphold compliance with technology policies and risk guidelines. Additionally, you will facilitate technology and system-related audits, ensuring they are conducted smoothly and to a satisfactory standard.

Strategy and Operations

• Maintain and continuously improve the stability, capacity, and security of local IT systems and infrastructure, with a strong focus on managing obsolescence and implementing modernization strategies.
• Collaborate closely with application and infrastructure teams to proactively address issues related to instability or outdated technologies.
• Implement stringent controls over production changes to reduce incidents caused by change errors, enhancing change management governance.
• Ensure high availability, optimal performance, and airtight security of business-critical applications within the production environment.
• Oversee comprehensive maintenance of in-country data centres and all associated infrastructure elements including servers, network equipment, storage devices, gateways, and telephony systems.
• Coordinate with multiple internal teams on new technology rollouts, operational problem resolution, and continuous improvement projects.
• Represent technology interests and provide leadership presence in various forums, acting as the principal liaison between business operations and technical teams.
• Engage actively with teams such as TSM, PSS, TechOps, and ITSC for incident management and escalation to ensure prompt problem resolution.
• Drive root cause analysis efforts for all high severity incidents, ensuring timely implementation of corrective actions.
• Work to reduce recovery times for critical system incidents, enhancing overall operational resilience.
• Identify and pursue cloud transformation opportunities to modernize infrastructure and improve scalability and efficiency.
• Manage service level agreements with business and operational units to guarantee satisfactory service delivery.
• Respond to and resolve high severity incidents in partnership with cross-functional teams, minimizing business impact.
• Provide frontline support to in-country users, offering expert advice and practical solutions to operational technology challenges.
• Assess and approve critical system changes and enhancements, carefully balancing innovation with the need to maintain production stability.

This role requires a solid foundation in IT infrastructure and banking systems, ensuring a deep understanding of core technologies and industry-specific requirements. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to managing conduct and risk to uphold the company's standards and regulatory obligations. Effective people management skills are essential to lead teams and foster collaboration effectively.

Time management skills are critical to balance multiple ongoing tasks, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines without compromising quality. Demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking combined with hands-on technical expertise will enable the successful candidate to drive continuous improvements. In addition, the ability to communicate clearly and build strong networks across various organizational levels is imperative for success.

The ideal candidate will possess between 5 to 7 years of relevant technology experience, with substantial exposure to complex IT environments. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English & Arabic.

A high degree of analytical capability is required, including the ability to interpret data comprehensively, derive actionable insights, and proactively forecast necessary changes. Experience in managing multiple priorities and demonstrating adaptability to dynamic work environments is vital. A proven track record of accountability and problem-solving in high-pressure situations is expected.

Additionally, candidates should exhibit sound skills in change management, project management methodologies, and financial oversight, including budgeting competencies. Academic qualifications preferably include a Master’s degree in a technology-related field, supplemented by leadership development programs and project management certifications.

Standard Chartered is a global bank with a proud history spanning more than 170 years and a commitment to making a positive impact for our clients, communities, and colleagues worldwide. Our culture encourages challenge, innovation, and growth, valuing diversity of thought and experience to drive commerce and prosperity.

At Standard Chartered, we uphold our purpose to be here for good by fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual is respected and supported to achieve their full potential. Our shared values of integrity, continuous improvement, and collaborative teamwork define how we operate and engage with our clients and each other.

Joining our team means becoming a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking environment where your unique talents are celebrated and where you can make meaningful contributions to a responsible and evolving financial institution.

Aligned with our commitment to Fair Pay and employee wellbeing, we offer a comprehensive and competitive package designed to support your overall mental, physical, financial, and social health.

• Robust core benefits including retirement savings schemes, comprehensive medical coverage, and life insurance, with options for voluntary and flexible benefits tailored to individual needs.
• Generous time-off provisions inclusive of annual leave, extended parental/maternity leave (up to 20 weeks), sabbaticals (up to 12 months), and dedicated volunteering leave (3 days), along with a minimum combined total of 30 days for annual and public holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements that allow for a balance between office-based and remote work, supporting diverse work styles and personal circumstances.
• Proactive wellness resources including access to Unmind, a digital mental health platform, resilience and human skills development programs, global Employee Assistance Programmes, mental health first aiders, and extensive self-help toolkits.
• An environment committed to continuous professional development through varied learning opportunities, enabling you to reskill, upskill, and advance your career.
• A genuinely inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages every employee to thrive in an equitable supportive workplace.