Head of IT Development

Head of IT Development (Lead for Corporate Applications, Data, Analytics & AI, Digital Products)

Office Location: Basel, Switzerland

Purpose of the job:

Information Technology Services (ITS) powers the Bank’s global operations with cutting-edge technology, from hybrid cloud infrastructure and DevOps solutions to data analytics and digital workplace tools. We are driven by innovation, collaboration, and a relentless focus on delivering excellence.

As a senior leader within the ITS Management Team, the Head of IT Development (Lead for Corporate Applications, Data, Analytics & AI, Digital Products) will drive strategic direction and operational excellence across digital products, corporate applications, data, analytics and AI teams. This role is critical in integrating cutting-edge technology solutions, fostering innovation, and achieving transformative outcomes that align with the Bank's mission and strategic goals.

The role is based in Basel, Switzerland, however, thanks to our status as an international organization, we can hire globally and welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities located anywhere in the world. Relocation support is available for the successful candidate and their dependent family members.

Principal accountabilities:

1. Strategic Vision and Leadership: Craft and execute a forward-thinking strategy and roadmap for Digital Products, Corporate Applications, and Data, Analytics and AI in alignment with the Bank’s overarching IT and business goals, ensuring a cohesive and innovative approach. Ensure that the strategy and roadmap are communicated effectively to the team and endorsed by relevant stakeholders.
2. Strategic Supplier Management: Oversee the engagement and performance of external service providers and contractors. Negotiate strategic partnerships and commercial terms that align with the Bank’s objectives. Manage supplier relationships to ensure optimal performance and value.
3. Innovation and Transformation: Champion innovation and drive technology transformation initiatives across the organization. Facilitate the design and development of cutting-edge digital products, corporate applications, and data solutions that meet and exceed business needs.

1. Operational Excellence: Oversee and ensure the seamless operation of digital, corporate, and data systems. Uphold the highest standards of service delivery, system reliability, and compliance with Bank policies and best practices.
2. Work with IT governance and information security functions: Ensure systems are secure by design.
3. Product / service management: Responsible for the day-to-day operation of systems and services provided by their functional area. Ensures that systems and services meet the highest professional standards and follow applicable policies and procedures.
4. Financial Stewardship: Develop, manage, and optimize operational budgets for the three functional areas. Ensure prudent financial management and resource allocation to maximize impact and efficiency. Responsibility for preparing and gaining approval for operational budget.

1. Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, develop and support the team. Promote a high-performance culture through regular performance reviews, staff motivation, and professional development. Ensure the team maintains high professional standards and supports diverse talent development aligned with business goals and individual career interests.
2. Team administration: Conduct staff performance reviews, plan staff training and development, perform HR administration.
3. Representation and management support: Participate actively in relevant ITS Management Team routines. Assist with the overall management of ITS and its staff. Represent ITS in various meetings and committees.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including BIS customer departments, senior management, technical teams, and external partners. Represent the ITS department in high-level meetings and committees, advocating for strategic initiatives and fostering collaboration.

Work experience:

1. Significant progressive experience in IT leadership in software, platform development or related IT roles with at least 5 years in senior management positions overseeing multiple teams.
2. Demonstrated success in leading enterprise software development, corporate applications, digital product management, and AI / data science initiatives.
3. Experience working on cross-functional projects spanning multiple technology teams and business areas.
4. Experience working with complex enterprise architectures with strong knowledge of cloud technologies.
5. Knowledge and experience with Microsoft services and development technologies will be an advantage.
6. An industry background in financial markets or central banking will be an advantage.

Qualifications:

A university degree in Information Management/Technology, Business Administration, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent work experience. An advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MSc, PhD) in a relevant discipline is highly desirable.

Skills:

1. Exceptional strategic thinking and the ability to formulate and translate vision into actionable strategies.
2. Proven leadership and team-building skills with a track record of driving high performance.
3. Deep and current knowledge of enterprise IT landscapes, digital product ecosystems, and sophisticated data analytics technologies.
4. Outstanding communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging and influencing senior stakeholders.
5. Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong cross-functional relationships.
6. Strong digital product management and development skills.
7. Broad and current knowledge of enterprise IT vendor landscapes.
8. An ability to acquire and interpret customer priorities and demand.
9. An ability to work collaboratively and establish strong working relationships across different technical teams and business users.
10. An ability to understand and adapt to a broad range of existing and new technologies.
11. An ability to work independently.
12. Proficient in English (oral and written).

Who we are:

The Bank for International Settlements is a diverse and inclusive organisation with colleagues from over 60 countries. By joining us in the international city of Basel, you will work in a unique, highly rewarding and international work environment. We truly value diversity and inclusion and want to reflect the world we serve. We want the best people to work for us in an inclusive environment so welcome applications from all qualified candidates. At the BIS, we value equality and diversity in all its forms and one way we support diversity and inclusion is through our staff-run networks. You can discover more about diversity and inclusion at the BIS here.

What we offer:

In return, we offer the opportunity to work at the hub for central bank cooperation, an intellectually stimulating international setting alongside colleagues from more than 60 countries, and competitive employment conditions, including a comprehensive set of expat and relocation benefits and allowances.

How to apply:

To apply, please upload a copy of your CV and a covering letter outlining how your experience aligns to the criteria set out above. Please ensure that all questions on the application form are thoroughly answered.