Application Portfolio Manager - Mainframe Applications

Who are we? Sanlam Group Technology is responsible for the provision of a digitally enabled technology service as a group COE, drive business and transformation and provide group-wide digital and data architecture. We operate the various technology platforms and shared services, ensure Cyber and Information Security resilience, and act as technology governance and risk orchestrator for technology across Sanlam. What will you do? This is an Application Portfolio Manager (APM) role, reporting to the Executive Head Application Platforms and Engineering in the SGT Application Platforms environment.
The Application Portfolio Manager’s primary focus is on the delivery and management of IT services to meet the needs of the Closed book business as well as delivery within the Modern Insurance Release Train (MIRT) applications. The incumbent will ensure alignment with business objectives, will oversee IT general controls, manage budgets, lead technology programs where applicable, and maintain the stability and reliability of IT systems within the portfolio. The Application Portfolio Manager is a trusted partner to the business Operational Managers, Product Managers, Product Owners (Operational and Capability), and collaborates with the Release Train Engineer to drive overall priorities with respect to business users being able to use applications to achieve their goals with efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction.
Within the technology governance community, the Application Portfolio Manager is further responsible for Budget Management, Risk Management, Application-level Critical Vulnerability Management, Management responses on Audit Findings, Compliance Management, production access reviews and Crown Jewel Assessments. The Application Portfolio Manager is also line manager to the Mainframe Release and Support team that supports the Closed Book applications. A unique aspect of this particular APM role relates to the fact that Sanlam is in the process of reducing the Mainframe estate over the next five years and that the role requires close collaboration with the Mainframe Modernisation Program, both from a technology management point of view, but also from a change management point of view for the staff that make up the team. What will make you successful in this role? Service Delivery Management: Overseeing the end-to-end delivery of IT services in accordance with agreed-upon service level agreements and key performance indicators.
Ensuring that IT services are delivered efficiently and effectively to support business processes and functions.
Collaborate with Business Product Mangers to facilitate early prioritization for resolution of incident root causes and defects to improve the business service experience. Incident and Problem Management: Managing the lifecycle of incidents and problems, from identification and logging through to resolution and post-incident review.
Minimizing the adverse impact of incidents and problems on the business and preventing the recurrence of incidents related to these errors.
Ensure the timeous fixing of existing and newly found production errors. Change Management: Overseeing the change management process to ensure that changes to IT services are assessed, approved, implemented, and reviewed in a controlled manner.
Ensuring that all changes follow the necessary governance and compliance procedures. Continuous Service Improvement: Identifying and implementing improvements to IT services and IT service management processes.
Using metrics and feedback to guide improvements and measure the effectiveness of changes. Stakeholder Management: Acting as a liaison between IT and business stakeholders to ensure that IT services meet business requirements.
Communicating effectively with stakeholders about service disruptions, changes, and improvements. Service Level Management: Negotiating, defining, and managing service level agreements with both internal and external service providers.
Monitoring and reporting on service levels to ensure that required service quality is maintained. IT Financial Management: Managing the budget for IT services, including cost control and financial planning.
Ensuring that the cost of IT services is transparent and provides value to the business.
Managing Mainframe cost down by exploiting optimization opportunities. Vendor and Contract Management: Managing relationships with vendors and third-party service providers.
Ensuring that contracts and service agreements are aligned with business needs and objectives. Security: Collaborating with cybersecurity teams to ensure that services are secure, and risks are managed effectively. Management of IT General Controls: Risk Management
Audit responses and reviews.
Manage Server Critical Vulnerabilities
User Access Management
IT Continuity and Disaster Recovery Team Leadership & Line Management: Provide leadership and change management support for the Mainframe team through the sunset period of the mainframe applications.
Provide vision and direction for the team.
Motivate and organise the team.
Represent the interests of the team in the broader environment.
Qualifications Matric
An appropriate Technical Post Matric 3-year qualification in Information Systems or Engineering will be strongly recommended.
Management experience in a technology implementation environment is essential.

Experience:
5+ Years of experience in managing software development and support teams.
10+ Years of IT experience in general, preferably in a mainframe environment.
Solid management experience in a technology implementation environment is essential.
Competencies:
Extensive Knowledge of Operational Application or IT Support Management.
Good knowledge of IT Service Management and ITIL
Strong collaborator who can achieve objectives through facilitation and influence.
Communicates Effectively (Verbal and in writing)
Able to bridge the divide between technical and business stakeholders.

Knowledge: Mainframe technology environments is critical.
Strong leadership and management skills are critical.
Understanding of:

• Scaled Agile for Enterprise & associated philosophies.
• IT governance principles.
• Service Management practices.
• Application Lifecycle Management practices
• Financial acumen in budgeting and management of IT costs.

Personal Attributes Balances stakeholders - Contributing through others Manages complexity - Contributing through others Plans and aligns - Contributing through others Strategic mindset - Contributing independently Self-development - Contributing independently Build a successful career with us We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development. Core Competencies Being resilient - Contributing through others Collaborates - Contributing through others Customer focus - Contributing through others Cultivates innovation - Contributing through others Drives results - Contributing through others Turnaround time The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers. Our commitment to transformation The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Groups Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.