Head, Software Engineering

HFC Limited, the banking and property finance subsidiary of HF Group, has an exciting opportunity in our Innovation Department. We are seeking a talented, dynamic, self-driven, and results-oriented individual who is committed to performance, excellence, and participating in our growth strategy.

The role holder will lead the end-to-end technology function within the Innovation & Digital Transformation division, overseeing the development, delivery, and evolution of customer platforms across the group. The role holder will manage backend and frontend developers, UI/UX designers, quality assurance engineers, and solution architects, ensuring that all engineering initiatives align with the Group's overall technology strategy and the Innovation & Digital Transformation road map. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the other tribe leads, the core technology teams and all teams across the group to ensure cohesive planning, seamless integration, and efficient delivery of technology initiatives across the group.

Additionally, the role holder will lead the Data Tribe, driving the implementation of the group's data strategy and working closely with the head of data analytics within the Strategy & Business performance division to enhance data governance, analytics capabilities, and data-driven decision-making.

This role will be pivotal in driving technology excellence, ensuring scalability, security, and interoperability across all platforms in support of the Group's transformation and innovation agenda.

Deadline:

Category: Innovation

Subsidiary: HFC

Principle Accountabilities

Technology Leadership

• Lead and oversee all software engineering functions — backend, frontend, UI/UX, QA, and architecture — across multiple squads and innovation initiatives.
• Define and enforce engineering standards, frameworks, and technology principles aligned with the Group's IT strategy, cybersecurity, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive technology excellence, ensuring scalability, resilience, and interoperability across digital platforms, including mobile, internet, and core system integrations.
• Collaborate closely with other Tribe Leads and Core Technology teams to ensure seamless alignment, efficient resource utilization, and cohesive delivery across all technology initiatives.

Data Strategy & Tribe Leadership

• Lead the Data Tribe, providing strategic direction for the implementation of the Group's Data Strategy.
• Work closely with the Head of Data Analytics within the Strategy & Business Performance Department to enhance the Group's data infrastructure, governance, and analytics capabilities.
• Oversee the design and implementation of data platforms and pipelines to enable data-driven decision-making, business intelligence, and advanced analytics.
• Champion the adoption of data engineering best practices, data quality standards, and data security protocols across all innovation initiatives.

Architecture & Solution Design

• Oversee the design and implementation of scalable, secure, and high-performing architectures aligned with enterprise architecture standards.
• Guide solution architects in developing robust, API-driven, cloud-enabled, and microservices-based solutions that support digital transformation objectives.
• Promote architectural consistency and reuse across digital platforms and core systems.

Delivery & Execution

• Ensure effective delivery of digital and data initiatives through Agile and DevSecOps practices.
• Collaborate with Product Owners, Business Analysts, and Innovation Squads to translate business needs into innovative, customer-centric technology solutions.
• Establish and enforce delivery standards, ensuring on-time, high-quality releases with strong version control, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines.

People & Capability Development

• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing multidisciplinary technology and data team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning across all tribes.
• Drive performance management, career development, and technical excellence within the technology and data teams.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Group IT governance frameworks, cybersecurity standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., CBK, Data Protection Act).
• Oversee technology and data risk assessments, implementing proactive mitigation measures.
• Maintain rigorous standards for data privacy, system integrity, and information security.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that enhance digital experiences, operational efficiency, and data utilization.
• Encourage experimentation and prototyping of innovative solutions that support the Group's digital transformation agenda.
• Drive modernization of legacy systems and champion reusability of platforms and services across the Group's ecosystem.

Key Competencies and Skills

Technical Competencies

• Excellent leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills, with the ability to bridge the gap between business strategy, data insights, and technology execution.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver enterprise-grade digital and data platforms, integrating with core banking systems, APIs, and cloud environments.
• Strong understanding of data management principles, including data quality, metadata management, data lineage, and regulatory compliance (e.g., Data Protection Act, CBK regulations).
• Proven track record in implementing data strategies and analytics initiatives that enable data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Orientation & Result Orientation.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and team management skills.
• Ability to bridge the gap between business strategy, data insights, and technology execution.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience
Academic & Professional

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, or a related field.
• A Master's degree in Technology Management, Data Analytics, or Business Administration is an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in software engineering, technology management, or digital transformation, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing multidisciplinary technology teams.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional technology and data teams, including developers, solution architects, and data professionals in a dynamic, innovation-driven, or financial services environment.
• Experience managing delivery through Agile, DevOps, and DevSecOps practices, ensuring continuous integration, testing, and deployment.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as AI/ML, automation, API ecosystems, and cloud-native solutions is an advantage.