Johannesburg: Head of Business Applications

Role Purpose The Head of Business Applications is responsible for providing strategic leadership, governance, and operational oversight of the organisation’s business applications portfolio. The role ensures seamless integration between enterprise systems, operational technologies, and digital platforms while driving digital transformation initiatives, optimising application lifecycle management, and delivering measurable business value. The incumbent will lead application strategy, architecture, governance, vendor management, and technology innovation within a complex and highly regulated environment. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Application Architecture & Roadmap Develop and maintain a long-term enterprise application roadmap aligned with business strategy and growth objectives. Establish and embed enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF, APQC, COBIT, and BPMN. Define solution architecture standards for enterprise application integration. Evaluate emerging technologies including AI, Machine Learning, Cloud, Mobile, and Digital Platforms to support business innovation. Ensure scalability and sustainability of application ecosystems across multiple operational sites. 2. Application Portfolio Management Own and govern the full business applications portfolio. Drive application rationalisation and optimisation initiatives to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). Establish and manage Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) standards. Oversee software licensing, vendor contracts, and service level agreements. Ensure application performance, reliability, and continuous improvement. 3. Digital Transformation & Solution Delivery Lead enterprise-wide digital transformation programmes. Drive the delivery of modern technology solutions and application modernisation initiatives. Oversee Proof of Concept (PoC) development through to production implementation. Champion Agile delivery methodologies and design-thinking principles. Ensure successful integration of business systems with operational technologies and equipment. 4. Governance, Risk & Compliance Establish and maintain application governance frameworks. Ensure compliance with regulatory, security, audit, and data governance requirements. Maintain risk registers and business continuity plans. Oversee incident, problem, change, request, and knowledge management processes. Support audit readiness and compliance reporting. 5. Financial & Budget Management Manage the Business Applications budget, including operational and capital expenditure. Develop business cases and ROI assessments for technology investments. Forecast expenditure and ensure budget adherence. Drive software asset management and licensing optimisation. Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies. 6. Stakeholder & People Leadership Engage with executive leadership and business stakeholders to align technology solutions with business objectives. Lead organisational change management initiatives related to system implementations. Build, mentor, and develop high-performing teams. Manage internal resources, contractors, and external service providers. Foster collaboration across technology, operations, and business functions. Minimum Requirements Qualifications Required Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field. Preferred Honours Degree or MBA with a Technology focus. Relevant certifications in: TOGAF Enterprise Architecture ITIL Foundation Agile / Scrum Digital Transformation Experience 8–10 years’ experience in Software Engineering, Application Management, or related technology leadership roles. Minimum 5 years’ experience in Enterprise Architecture, Solution Architecture, or similar senior leadership roles. Proven people management experience. Experience managing complex application portfolios within regulated environments. Demonstrated success managing large technology budgets and delivering cost optimisation initiatives. Experience integrating ERP platforms with operational technology, manufacturing systems, laboratory systems, or instrumentation platforms. Key Skills & Competencies Leadership Competencies Strategic thinking and vision Executive stakeholder management Change leadership Financial management and commercial acumen Team development and coaching Decision-making and problem-solving Technical Competencies Enterprise Architecture (TOGAF, BPMN, APQC) Solution Architecture Application Portfolio Management ERP Platforms (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) Systems Integration Service Management (ITIL, ServiceNow) Cloud Technologies Data Management and Analytics Mobile Applications Strategy Digital Product Management Cybersecurity and Governance Frameworks Personal Attributes Strong leadership presence Excellent communication and influencing skills Customer-centric mindset Resilient and adaptable Results-driven Continuous learning orientation Success Measures Delivery of digital transformation initiatives on time and within budget. Improved application performance and user satisfaction. Reduction in application portfolio costs and complexity. Strong governance, compliance, and audit outcomes. Successful implementation of enterprise architecture standards. Development and retention of high-performing technology teams.