Head of Systems Vice President📣 Job Ad

About the Role

MUFG, a globally respected financial institution, is seeking a Head of Systems for its Riyadh Branch. This full-time position offers the opportunity to lead and oversee the local IT infrastructure within a dynamic banking environment. As the primary local authority for technology systems, the role ensures regulatory alignment, operational resilience, and effective collaboration with regional and global teams. The Head of Systems will be responsible for critical system ownership, including SARIE and Tantfeeth platforms, and will serve as a key liaison with regulators, auditors, and vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the delivery and maintenance of all IT systems and infrastructure for the Riyadh Branch, ensuring smooth daily operations and adherence to internal control standards.
• Act as the local system owner for critical Saudi regulatory systems, including SARIE and Tantfeeth platforms, ensuring service availability, incident governance, vendor coordination, and full regulatory compliance.
• Provide governance oversight for infrastructure services, encompassing end-user computing, data center operations, server management, network appliances, voice recorders, and desktop/laptop/mobile devices, ensuring accurate KPI/KRI reporting.
• Lead incident management processes, including classification, coordination of resolution efforts, root cause analysis, and representation in post-incident reviews or audits.
• Implement information security controls locally under the guidance of regional/global CISO functions, coordinate mandatory training, act as a local coordinator during security incidents, and ensure compliance with the SAMA Cyber Security Framework.
• Serve as the Data Protection Business Process Owner (BPO) for the Systems Department, ensuring business processes align with data protection policies, maintaining process registers, coordinating DPIAs, and implementing measures to safeguard data.
• Maintain up-to-date disaster recovery plans aligned with BCM programs, coordinate annual DR exercises, and document outcomes to meet SAMA requirements.
• Manage relationships with local technology vendors, overseeing contracts, performance reviews, and audit readiness, while supporting procurement and licensing compliance.
• Line manage the Riyadh Systems team, setting objectives, conducting performance reviews, identifying training needs, and promoting skills development and collaboration across MENA & EMEA technology teams.
• Represent MUFG at relevant external functions and develop links with peer banks to share best practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 7 years’ experience in Financial Services IT roles within regulated banking environments, demonstrating accountability for system availability and compliance.
• Must be a Saudi National.
• Proven track record in leading IT teams or managing vendors, with experience supporting regulatory payment systems such as SARIE or similar platforms.
• Relevant university degree or equivalent qualification in Information Technology.
• Microsoft Certified Engineer status (Active Directory/Windows Server 2008 R2 or later/Windows 7/MS Office 2010 or later) is essential.
• Hands-on expertise in operating systems (Linux/Windows/AIX), database management (Sybase), Citrix environments, browser troubleshooting, and T24 core banking support experience is preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of information security controls, project management methodologies, report preparation techniques, and asset lifecycle governance.
• Experience in business continuity/disaster recovery planning and testing within a banking context is advantageous.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Excellent communication skills combined with strong organizational ability, enabling accurate report production and documentation under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large workloads calmly under pressure while maintaining attention to detail and numerical accuracy.
• A structured and logical approach to work.
• Strong interpersonal skills that foster collaboration and teamwork across diverse groups.

Work Environment and Culture

MUFG is a leading global financial group committed to integrity, responsibility, and people-focused values. The Riyadh Branch offers an inclusive environment that values contributions locally and across the MENA/EMEA regions through strong cross-border collaboration. Employees benefit from access to global best practices in banking technology and ongoing training opportunities. The organization emphasizes professional development, encouraging open sharing of ideas and mutual support for growth. Flexible working opportunities may be considered in line with organizational requirements.

Next Steps

If you are ready to advance your career within an internationally renowned bank, this role offers a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact. Apply by following the provided link to join MUFG's team in Riyadh.