IT Governance Head at First National Bank – Apply 2026

IT Governance Head – Johannesburg 2026

A senior leadership opportunity is now open for professionals with strong expertise in information technology governance and regulatory compliance. This IT Governance Head role is based in Johannesburg and offers experienced candidates the chance to lead governance strategy within one of South Africa’s major financial institutions.

This position is suited to professionals who understand how governance frameworks, internal controls, and risk management influence modern IT environments. If you have experience guiding IT teams while ensuring compliance with national regulations and industry standards, this role may be an excellent career move.

Many technology professionals reach a point where they want to influence strategy rather than only technical execution. This opportunity allows qualified candidates to contribute at a leadership level while shaping the future of governance practices across a complex IT environment.

About the Job Opportunity

The IT Governance Head position focuses on building, maintaining, and improving governance frameworks that ensure information technology operations remain secure, compliant, and aligned with business strategy. The successful candidate will work closely with technology leadership, audit teams, and regulatory stakeholders.

In large financial institutions, IT governance plays a critical role in ensuring that systems operate securely while meeting strict compliance standards. This role ensures that governance processes are embedded into daily IT operations rather than treated as separate administrative activities.

The position also focuses on automation and efficiency. Modern IT governance is increasingly supported by automated monitoring tools and intelligent controls that reduce manual oversight. The successful candidate will therefore help implement governance systems that make compliance easier while enabling technology teams to deliver services quickly and safely.

Another important aspect of the role involves collaboration with internal audit, IT risk specialists, and regulatory bodies. The IT Governance Head must ensure that governance practices remain aligned with evolving industry standards and regulatory frameworks.

Job Details

• Job Title: IT Governance Head
• Company: First National Bank (FNB)
• Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Work Schedule: Standard professional work schedule
• Application Deadline: 20 March 2026
• Job Requisition ID: R47655

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop and maintain IT governance frameworks, policies, and standards that align with recognised industry practices.
• Ensure governance processes are integrated into IT operations and supported by appropriate tools and technologies.
• Work closely with internal audit teams, IT risk specialists, and external auditors to address compliance findings.
• Monitor regulatory developments and ensure IT systems remain compliant with changing requirements.
• Support governance alignment with standards such as COBIT and ITIL where applicable.
• Implement automated governance monitoring systems to reduce manual processes and improve reliability.
• Identify governance gaps across different IT areas and coordinate remediation strategies.
• Evaluate potential risks within technology systems and prioritise improvements based on business impact.
• Engage with senior IT leadership to ensure governance policies are adopted across departments.
• Influence teams across the organisation to maintain compliance without direct management authority.
• Track governance maturity and provide regular reporting to executive leadership.
• Benchmark governance practices against industry standards and recommend improvements.
• Control operational expenditure related to governance initiatives.
• Promote collaboration across teams to strengthen governance implementation.
• Contribute to internal development initiatives and mentoring within the IT function.
• Manage risks within the area of responsibility and ensure proactive mitigation.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Extensive experience working in IT governance, technology risk management, or enterprise IT operations.
• Strong understanding of governance frameworks such as COBIT and ITIL.
• Experience working with regulatory compliance requirements within financial services or large organisations.
• Ability to collaborate with audit teams and regulatory stakeholders.
• Experience in implementing governance policies and compliance procedures.
• Knowledge of modern IT environments including cloud infrastructure, enterprise platforms, and data systems.
• Strong analytical ability to evaluate governance risks and recommend practical solutions.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks affecting IT operations in South Africa.

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and influence within cross-functional technology teams.
• Excellent communication skills for engagement with executives and stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate governance requirements into practical solutions.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities.
• Attention to detail when reviewing compliance frameworks and governance processes.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to address complex technology risks.
• Ability to balance regulatory requirements with operational efficiency.
• Professional integrity and commitment to responsible governance.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced financial services environment.

Training, Growth, and Career Development

Senior governance roles often provide valuable opportunities for long-term professional development. In this position, the successful candidate will engage with executive leadership while influencing governance practices across a large technology environment.

The role also provides exposure to enterprise-scale IT operations, regulatory compliance frameworks, and advanced governance technologies. These experiences help professionals build expertise that is valuable across banking, consulting, and large corporate organisations.

Working in a strategic governance position can also open opportunities for future leadership roles in risk management, technology strategy, or executive IT management.

Salary and Benefits Information

The salary for this position has not been publicly disclosed. Compensation for senior technology leadership roles within financial institutions is generally market-related and may include additional benefits.

Potential benefits may include performance incentives, professional development opportunities, and access to leadership training programmes. Final compensation details will typically be discussed during the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications and experience requirements should submit their applications through the official employer recruitment system before the closing date. Preparing a professional application will improve your chances of being considered for the role.

Applicants should ensure that their CV clearly highlights relevant experience in IT governance, compliance frameworks, and enterprise technology environments. Supporting documents such as certifications or professional achievements may also strengthen an application.

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Important Application Notice

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Why You Should Apply for This Job

Leadership positions in IT governance are essential in modern financial institutions. Technology infrastructure continues to grow more complex, making governance and risk management increasingly important.

This opportunity allows experienced professionals to influence technology strategy while strengthening governance frameworks that support secure and reliable systems.

Working in a senior governance role can also enhance professional reputation, providing valuable experience that may lead to executive leadership opportunities within the technology or financial services sectors.

More Job Opportunities

If you are actively searching for employment, it is important to explore multiple opportunities that match your experience and career goals. Our website regularly publishes job vacancies, internships, graduate programmes, and learnership opportunities across South Africa.

Browsing different listings can help job seekers identify positions that match their qualifications and interests while increasing the chances of finding suitable employment.