Manager Information Technology & Digital Solutions

Company: Alliance Life
Job Title: Manager - Information Technology & Digital Solutions
Department: IT
Category: Computer and Information Technology
Location: Head Office, Dar es Salaam
Reports To: CEO
Subordinates: Systems Administrator(s) and Interns
Employment Status: Full Time, Permanent
Experience Required: Minimum 5-7 Years
Salary: Negotiable

JOB SUMMARY / PRIMARY MANDATE

To act as the chief architect of Alliance Life's information technology and digital transformation requirements, improving the efficiency of the current core system, managing the identification, selection and migration to a new core system, establishing an omnichannel presence, and preparing the company for a digital future.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Strategic Priorities (Executive Management Input)

• Core System Replacement / Modernization: Spearhead the procurement, project management, data migration, implementation, and optimization of the Core Life Administration System, replacing or modernizing the current system as suitable.
• IT Risk & Audit Governance: Establish and enforce robust system risk management protocols, facilitate continuous IT audit checks, and implement tighter technological controls over core systems and digital channels.
• Ecosystem Integrations: Design, manage, and deploy API integrations with external partners (Bancassurance platforms, Mobile Money/Telcos), Government portals (ESS), and Broker systems.
• Omnichannel & App Development: Oversee the deployment of internal CRMs, customer call centre technologies and Agent/Broker portals & apps.
• AI & Innovation Strategy: Architect the company's future-state tech stack to be AI-ready, championing the eventual deployment of AI and Agentic AI applications for business process automation.
• Vendor & Project Management: Draft technical RFPs, evaluate IT vendors, and manage full-cycle software deployment projects on time and within budget.

B. IT Strategy, Governance & Leadership

• IT Strategy & Roadmap: Develop, own and continuously update the company's IT and digital transformation strategy, 1-3-year roadmap, policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Departmental Leadership: Lead, mentor, appraise and develop the IT team, setting objectives, allocating work, and building capacity to deliver the department's mandate.
• Budget & Resource Management: Prepare and manage the IT department's annual budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and demonstrable value for money on all technology investments.
• Board & Executive Reporting: Prepare and present regular reports and dashboards on IT performance, project status, risks and incidents to Executive Management and, where required, the Board Audit/IT Risk Committee.
• Policy & SLA Ownership: Develop and enforce IT policies (acceptable use, access control, change management, data retention) and manage service level agreements with internal and external stakeholders.

C. Infrastructure, Security & Continuity

• Infrastructure & Operations: Oversee the company's network, server, cloud and end-user computing infrastructure, ensuring availability, performance and scalability of all IT systems.
• Cybersecurity: Own the company's cybersecurity posture, including firewalls, antivirus/endpoint protection, access management, vulnerability management and incident response in line with industry best practice and regulatory expectations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure IT operations and digital channels comply with relevant regulatory requirements, including timely response to regulatory IT/data requests and audits.

D. Delivery, Support & Continuous Improvement

• Software Development & QA Oversight: Oversee any in-house development/customization work and third-party development, ensuring proper testing, quality assurance and documentation standards are followed. Proactively identify opportunities to improve processes, systems and controls, and keep abreast of emerging technologies relevant to the insurance industry.
• User Support & Training: Ensure effective IT helpdesk/support service levels for staff, agents and brokers, and oversee user training and change-management activities for new systems and digital tools.
• MIS & Data Analytics: Oversee the production of accurate, timely management information and analytics to support business decision-making across departments.
• Digital Transformation Program Management: Own the end-to-end governance of the digital transformation program, tracking milestones, risks, dependencies and benefits realization across all IT and digital initiatives.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a closely related field.
• Certifications are an added advantage.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in end-to-end management of the IT function, IT project management, software development, systems architecture, or IT infrastructure, preferably within the Insurance, Banking, or FinTech sectors.
• Proven track record of managing or heavily participating in the migration/implementation of core financial or insurance administration systems.

OTHER COMPETENCIES

This role requires an execution-oriented, strategic leader with:

• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to translate business needs into a technology roadmap.
• Results-oriented, self-motivated and driven, with a proven performance track record.
• High level of innovation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.