AVP and Chief Information Officer

Job Description

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AVP and Chief Information Officer, Sun Life International and Sun Life

April 2024

Job description 

Accountable for the overall strategy; planning and execution of the Information Technology direction and function for Sun Life International and Sun Life Singapore In concert with Sun Life overall, HuBS IT, Asia IT and corporate IT/DBTS and its IT mandate the successful candidate will be responsible for Sun Life International and Singapore’s IT Infrastructure and Application Operations, Resource Planning, Architecture, Project delivery, Quality Assurance and Information Security As Chief Information Officer, they will have a thorough understanding of business priorities and the strategic delivery structure, ensuring that the squads are well managed and have the requisite skills and that outcome success metrics are identified and managed The successful candidate will manage key IT assets and partnerships

Responsibilities 

Assess business IT needs and fully understand the problem to be solved and what solution options are under consideration. Ensure the effective delivery of the IT component of business projects Implement IT governance structures aligned with regional and enterprise policies, standards and guidelines and ensure adherence in relation to enterprise infrastructure, applications and security Set and manage an IT budget to ensure the effective delivery of IT services (including operations and projects) Be accountable for the cost-effective solutions and delivery to mandated standards of risk, quality and IT services to the business including Infrastructure, Project Delivery, Security and Risk Management Implement data migration plans and system support required to optimize and automate the business processes, enable the distributors, and offer efficient platform for customer interaction and transactions Manage the relationship with strategic out-sourcing partners including contract negotiation (with support from Procurement and Legal teams) Maintain and nurture stakeholder relationships within Sun Life International, Singapore and the wider Sun Life organization, ensuring Singapore shares the same IT foundation (unless direction is given otherwise) and taking opportunities to coordinate and leverage mutually beneficial programs and processes. Represent the function at the Country Leadership level and engage in regional and corporate senior IT and Digital management bodies as required Motivate and lead a high performance management team. Develop and maintain a sound plan of organization. Establish policies to ensure adequate management development and to provide for capable management

Technical Skills

Overall, we are looking for a seasoned executive who has excellent business acumen and directly applicable IT experience. The type of experience sought includes an understanding of security exposure, how to establish an effective IT organization, designing and adjusting a technology roadmap, and the overall evolution of technology needs and applications for a large public company Knowledge and experience of business-driven information technology needs, technology delivery and data transformation efforts Strong background in operational delivery with special consideration given for experience with data centers; infrastructure; change management and problem management Knowledge of Agile, Design Thinking methodologies and techniques Functional knowledge of IT governance and risk management disciplines Understanding of Digital Transformation enablers, including Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, Data & Analytics, and the role IT can play in strategic delivery of business priorities

Other Skills

Experience in managing a geographically diverse, hybrid organization Leadership skills in managing different stakeholders at professional and C-Suite level to instill and execute technological advancement to meet business direction and strategic growth People Management skills and ability to motivate and coach teams to produce high quality services and deliverables Project Management Skills and exceptional prioritization and work planning capabilities Effective negotiating skills and vendor management skills to deal with outsource providers, vendors, contractors, and others to maximize the synergy to balance cost, quality and efficiency Excellent communication and influencing skills to perform well in a matrix environment Crisis Management and Business Process Continuity Skills

Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Data Science, Engineering, or a related field OR equivalent experience 15+ years of relevant experience of which preference will be granted for experience in a multi-national company Experience in life insurance/ financial services business is a strong plus Experience in strategic planning and execution. Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management Experience implementing technology solutions or integration efforts in a large division/company Ability to network and leverage different centers of excellence and shared service organizations within the larger organization and Asia

Reporting lines

Dual reporting to CIO, Asia (technical direction) and to COO, SLI (business direction)

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