Cluster Lead Retail Technology

This global role is responsible for leading the Risk & Regulatory suite of applications under the Retail Technology Cluster across UAE, Egypt, and Pakistan, supporting both Business and Operations teams.

The Cluster Lead will manage and deliver complex regulatory and risk technology solutions, overseeing planning, execution, tracking, and reporting. This role involves guiding global teams to provide high-quality services that directly impact business growth and enhance customer experience.

The incumbent must ensure project delivery aligns with expectations—both internal and external—within baseline schedule, budget, and scope. This includes oversight of testing strategies, compliance and quality controls, and ensuring production stability post-implementation.

The Cluster Lead will also represent the Retail Technology team, collaborating across Infrastructure, Data, Digital RBG, Business, ISG, and Operations to resolve blockers and drive delivery of large-scale programs.

• ead a diverse team of internal staff and partner resources responsible for the critical applications delivery and support Regulatory & Workflow applications.
• Manage applications such as ETL, Document Management Systems, Al Etihad Credit Bureau, and Robotic Process Automation, with flexibility to handle other Retail Technology applications as required.
• Represent Retail Technology in governance forums, steering committees, and working groups; provide regular stakeholder updates and ensure delivery meets agreed requirements.
• Oversee infrastructure, security, audit, risk, incident and SLA management, architecture, HR planning, budget tracking, project delivery, vendor engagement, and outsourcing activities.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, control, and audit requirements, managing risks related to data security, downtime, and incidents.
• Drive operational excellence in support management by promoting best practices, ensuring SLAs are met, and optimizing both onshore and offshore resources.
• Enforce adherence to defined incident and problem management processes.
• Contribute to the Transformation Program by integrating initiatives such as ecosystem development, front-to-back digitalization, and customer journey enhancements.
• Coordinate with front, middle, and back-office functions to ensure alignment, consistency, and avoidance of duplicated efforts in digital initiatives.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and well-organized reporting across all streams and stakeholders.
• Manage vendor relationships by coordinating their deliverables and ensuring technical compliance.
• Provide leadership in continuous delivery, cloud strategy, automation, and technology/vendor selection.
• Collaborate with Risk Management and Credit Operations stakeholders to align tech solutions with business needs.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies, tools, and standards relevant to digital transformation.
• Lead initiatives across all countries where the bank operates, ensuring consistency in global rollouts.
• Mentor and empower teams to achieve OKRs and foster a high-performance culture.
• Manage internal and external IT audits with a focus on readiness, compliance, and closure.
• Over 15 years of extensive technology delivery experience in Risk and Regulatory functions.
• Expert knowledge of emerging digital trends and hands-on experience implementing them.
• Proficient in both Agile and Waterfall implementation methodologies.
• Experience in managing cross-border teams across regions.
• Strong business orientation and domain knowledge to effectively capture and deliver user requirements.
• Demonstrated organizational, leadership, and team-building capabilities.
• Results-driven, with a focus on achieving tangible goals and strong customer service orientation.
• Commercial mindset with the ability to align business strategy with technology initiatives.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and presentation skills.
• Proven capabilities in vendor and stakeholder management.
• Experience in banking and banking product management is a significant advantage.
  
  

The leading financial institution in MENA

While more than half a century old, we proudly think like a challenger, startup, and innovator

in banking and finance, powered by a diverse and dynamic team who put customers first.

Together, we pioneer key innovations and developments in banking and financial services.

Our mandate? To help customers find their way to Rise Every Day, partnering with them through

the highs and lows to help them reach their goals and unlock their unique vision of success.

Delivering superior service to clients by leading with innovation, treating colleagues with dignity and fairness while pursuing opportunities that grow shareholders value.

We actively contribute to the community through responsible banking in our mission to inspire more people to Rise.

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