Information Technology Application Manager

Role Overview The Applications Manager is responsible for leading the Bank’s applications and core banking systems function, ensuring efficient operation, continuous enhancement, and alignment with business needs. The role oversees system development, implementation, and support while driving digital transformation initiatives and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Key Responsibilities Manage and lead the Applications (Banking Systems) Department both technically and administratively. Oversee the development, enhancement, and maintenance of banking applications and systems. Support digital transformation initiatives and IT projects across the bank. Ensure the delivery of reliable technical and application support to all business units and branches. Contribute to strategic planning, analysis, and continuous improvement of banking systems and technologies. Core Duties Manage daily operations of the Applications Department and its teams. Oversee system upgrades, enhancements, and releases from vendors and internally developed solutions. Coordinate with business units to gather requirements, implement solutions, and conduct testing. Analyze business needs and recommend optimal application and system solutions. Ensure timely delivery of development and maintenance activities in line with IT plans. Supervise system deployment into production environments following successful testing. Monitor project execution and provide status reports and recommendations to IT leadership. Ensure proper documentation throughout the application lifecycle. Develop and maintain departmental processes, policies, and procedures. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (Central Bank and other authorities). Participate in Disaster Recovery (DR), Business Continuity Planning (BCP), and Crisis Management initiatives. Review audit findings and ensure proper resolution of issues in coordination with IT management. Manage vendor relationships, including contract review and performance monitoring. Evaluate team performance and ensure effective workload distribution. Ensure adherence to operational standards, policies, and procedures. Contribute to the evaluation of technical and financial proposals related to system procurement. Ensure high-quality application support services across the bank. Maintain business continuity by ensuring backup resources for critical roles. Report and manage incidents related to applications and systems. Perform additional tasks as assigned by the direct manager. Qualifications & Requirements Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Minimum of 10 years of experience in the banking sector. Technical Skills Experience with Core Banking Systems (e.g., BANKS). Strong knowledge of UNIX and Linux operating systems. Experience with banking applications and services (e.g., AML, ECC). Strong SQL skills. Experience with relational databases (Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL). Strong kno