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Summary

Accomplished professional with extensive experience in digital transformations across global platforms, specializing in hybrid multi-cloud solutions such as AWS, GCP, and on-premises systems in the Banking & Finance sector. I have demonstrated expertise in leading high-impact projects that streamline operations within regulated environments, achieving substantial enhancements in customer and employee experiences. Played a pivotal role in forging strategic partnerships and designing AI-driven software development strategies. Proven leadership in cloud transformation initiatives, including the successful migration of workloads, implementation of FinOps practices and leading solution architecture and regulatory assurance teams, who significantly ensured compliance and operational efficiencies. Excels in fostering collaboration and driving innovation within teams, ensuring meticulous alignment with strategic objectives and the use of new technologies.

Work Experience

Cognizant

2023-112024-04

Pursuit Technology Consultant

Provided thought leadership and collaborated with the pursuit team to shape the deal strategy, utilizing AI and advanced technologies to enhance software and IT capabilities in a partnership with Telstra. Created proposal, developing insightful points of view and conducting quality assurance reviews before submission. Reviewed and refined proposals, collaborating closely with the team to determine next steps and prepare for deal negotiations. Involved in finalizing contract, leading to the signing of statements of work and successful closure of the deal with Telstra.

  • Brokered a groundbreaking strategic partnership between Cognizant and Telstra, playing a pivotal role by leveraging expertise in building technology teams focused on customer and product innovation.
  • Drove innovation and significantly improved customer and employee experiences, aligning initiatives with Telstra’s objectives to achieve digital leadership and superior service.
  • Contributed to the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase, reviewing client requirements and leading the assembly of a global response team.
  • Engaged in post-RFP discovery phase activities, including conducting co-creation workshops and synthesizing feedback to refine solutions in alignment with Telstra’s IT strategy.

ANZ Bank

2019-042023-09

Product Area Manager

Led an area within the Cloud Business Office, part of the Cloud Data and Infrastructure department of ANZ Bank.

This area spearheading the introduction of FinOps practices and cloud learning pathways that significantly improved cost optimization and enhanced cloud expertise within the organization and evolved to provide guidance and best practices to internal clients migrating and moving to the Cloud.

  • Responsible for end-to-end product development including the Product Vision, I co-developed the product roadmaps together with the area Product Owners, delivering key features aligned with business goals and ensuring the timely and quality achievement of milestones. Communicated effectively with various stakeholders to facilitate ongoing decision-making and developed real-time dashboarding based on the reporting requirements of each stakeholder.
  • Managed the product area cadence and release planning, including product lifecycle management, prioritizing features based on use cases that delivered the greatest business value. Scheduling releases to delivered products that were useful, and customers liked.
  • Collaborated and coached a multi-disciplinary team of three Product Owners and thirty experts responsible for Consulting Services, Solution Architecture, and Regulatory Assurance. These three areas coordinated efforts to deliver standardized solution architectures and technology infrastructure for cloud migrations, reducing the data center footprint, and providing regulatory guidance for customers moving to the Cloud.
  • The area was also responsible for customer communication and ensuring they were informed about the latest developments in the Cloud Data and Infrastructure Services domain.
  • Developed data products dashboards to inform cloud migration, talent management, regulatory compliance, and standardized solution architectures. These dashboards visualized relevant metrics in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the executive team. 
  • Data was collected and integrated from multiple sources, such as our cloud platforms, on-premises data centers, and ServiceNow. Ongoing activities included automation, data refresh, and ensuring data quality within one of our squads. Continuous feedback gathering helped improve the dashboards and achieve better outcomes for the organization.
  • We experimented by providing these capabilities as content for other teams could consume without having to wait on dashboards and reporting to be developed by our team.
  • Implemented strategic plans and managed performance, focusing on the growth and development of Product Owners in alignment with personal development plans and succession planning. I conducted yearly performance reviews and ensured alignment with the area’s defined OKRs.
  • Developed the Cloud Enablement Handbook, creating an internal guide for secure and compliant cloud deployments that encompassed technology, people, and processes.
  • Created the Cloud Data and Infrastructure Services Front Door, a bespoke application that delivered a self-service catalogue for cloud infrastructure products and services, which streamlined and accelerated the design and build of cloud services that customers required. The ongoing development of the front was data-driven and directed from real time online feedback from customers and users.
  • Achieved the FY23 target by migrating 40.70% of applications to the cloud by July 2023, including significant migrations from the legacy OCP3 platform.
  • Built and maintained an engaged workforce, achieving a high FY22 My Voice - Engagement (eNPS) score of 87% in 1H23.
  • Fostered cross-functional collaboration, leading diverse Squads and contributing significantly to key initiatives such as the ANZ Cloud Shared Responsibility Model and the Customer Data Quality Working Group..

ANZ Bank

2018-042019-04

Agile Coach

Collaborated with fellow Agile coaches to promote cultural shifts, significantly improving squad effectiveness and operational efficiency. Mentored teams on self-direction, accountability, decision-making, conflict resolution, and transparency, fostering culture of continuous improvement and high performance. Devised strategies to align squads, close operational gaps, and promote continuous improvement, enhancing overall Agile planning capabilities within organization. Maintained clear/concise documentation of Agile processes and practices, facilitating knowledge transfer and ensuring consistency across teams.

  • Managed appropriate communication when managing resources and stakeholders.
  • Drove successful transition to Agile Delivery methodologies at ANZ, applying coaching skills to catalyze change and enhance business value.
  • Provided expert insights into processes, systems thinking, resourcing, and finance, optimizing Agile practices with a focus on value delivery.
  • Worked closely with Scrum Masters and Product Owners to refine pragmatic Agile approaches and Agile techniques, using Scrum and Kanban, improving squad effectiveness and ensuring successful implementation.
  • Utilized tools like Microsoft office, JIRA and Confluence effectively to implement Agile methodologies and ensure timely project.
  • Responsible for developing and reviewing newly developed ways of working content to ensure accuracy and clarity before it was published for wider use in the organization.

Fenergo

2017-052018-04

Project Manager

Led projects through the entire project’s lifecycle from initiation to completion including UAT and post implementation application support, ensuring strict adherence to scope, budgets, deadlines, and QA standards. Planned and executed projects, effectively allocating resources and implementing robust risk and issue management strategies to optimize project outcomes. Managed project finances, optimizing budgets and resources to maximize outcomes, achieve project objectives and accommodate business change. Developed and maintained comprehensive project documentation, facilitating effective communication and knowledge transfer within teams. Sought professional growth, staying updated with the latest project management methodologies and best practices.

· Fostered collaborative work environment, leading dedicated teams to deliver projects with integrity and accountability.

· Employed effective release management to ensure smooth deployment of software updates and new features into production.

· Ensured strict compliance with statutory regulations and industry standards, executing projects in accordance with all legal and ethical requirements.

·    Achieved and exceeded project targets and objectives, assisting in earning the organization a reputation for delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.

Standard Bank Group

2016-032017-04

Head Technical Solution Delivery Manager

Oversaw daily operations and provided effective leadership to a team of Solution Leads as the Head Technical Solution Delivery Manager at Standard Bank Group.

Prepared the team for significant organizational change, facilitating the adoption of Standard Bank Ways of Work Transformation Programme and organisation wide SAFe implementation. Conducted role and skill mapping exercises, implemented targeted interventions to enhance team performance.
Fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Established and supervised the development of systems, processes, and controls driven by the Chief Technology Office.
Managed finances related to resourcing and cost control measures.
Ensured compliance with statutory regulations and internal policies, mitigating potential risks through risk and compliance management activities.
Generated comprehensive reports for stakeholders and senior management.
Technical Solution Delivery Manager - Personal, Business Banking and Rest of Africa Portfolio

Standard Bank Group

2012-012016-03

Technical Solution Delivery Manager

Being part the Rest of Africa Portfolio, I promoted collaboration among geographically dispersed teams and maintained strong client relationships.
Led project planning, risk management, resource planning, and quality management.
Ensured adherence to regulations and governance standards.
Contributed to notable initiatives such as the introduction of Agile processes and practices and DevOps adoption.
Participated in Block Chain research, the African Digital Program, which was part of the Africa Core Banking Platform transformation.
Managed the delivery of technical solutions for personal and business banking.
Coordinated a team of application solution managers to deliver integrated solutions that met business requirements.
Developed strong relationships with stakeholders, implemented effective project management collaboration and streamlined the application portfolio management processes.
Maintained accurate documentation of project progress, communicated complex technical concepts clearly.
Conducted regular quality assurance checks to ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions.

Standard Bank Group

2008-012012-01

Senior Application Portfolio Manager - Integration Solution Delivery/ Application Portfolio Manager


Successfully managed integration solution delivery and application portfolio management at Standard Bank Group, ensuring efficient team operations and providing mentorship to team members.
Coordinated teams across multiple locations, fostering collaboration and effective communication with clients.
Established and managed processes and controls, ensuring adherence to project requirements and efficient dependency management.
Implemented Service-Oriented Architecture, Offshore Development and Testing, and separated the Development and Maintenance Organization, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings. Led initiatives within the SAP Core Banking Transformation Program, including the implementation of new Account Origination capabilities and the iSupport project, covering ICC implementation, mobile device management, mobile platform development, Commissions Management, and SAP Organization Management implementation.
Managed risk, resource planning, and quality control, ensuring successful project outcomes and client satisfaction.
Maintained clear and concise documentation, facilitating knowledge transfer and ensuring consistency in project management processes.
Diligently proofread all project documentation and reports, ensuring accuracy and professionalism in presentation.

Standard Bank Group

2007-012008-12

Solution Architect

Charter Client Engagement Program Participant thar collaborated with SAP AG and Standard Bank Group to develop a cutting-edge ERP platform for the financial services sector, serving as the Technical Team Lead.
Charter Client Engagement Programme Participant

Standard Bank Group

2006-012007-12

Charter Client Team Mammber

Appointed to collaborate in the development of a platform intended for the financial services sector between SAP AG and Standard Bank.
Technical Team Lead Standard Bank Group

Standard Bank Group

2005-012006-12

Technical Team Lead

Serving as the Technical Team Lead to develop a cutting-edge platform for the financial services sector, I led a team of developers in the successful implementation of the platform, ensuring adherence to project timelines and quality standards.
Coordinated with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, design system architecture, and develop scalable solutions that met the needs of the financial services industry.
Implemented best practices and coding standards, resulting in improved code quality and maintainability.
Conducted regular code reviews and provided constructive feedback to team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Maintained clear and concise documentation, facilitating knowledge transfer and ensuring the scalability and sustainability of the platform.
Communicated project updates and technical information to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner, avoiding technical jargon for better understanding.
Quality all documentation and reports, ensuring accuracy and professionalism in all communications.

Standard Bank Group

2000-012005-12

Technical Specialist Workflow Developer

Developed enterprise workflows for the organisation

Swiss Re

2000-042000-11

Analyst Programmer

Anglo American Industrial Corporation Limited

1998-011999-12

ABAP/4 Developer

EDGARS LIMITED

1995-011998-12

Senior Programmer/Programmer/Junior Programmer

Education

University of Virginia

2018-01

Agile Development Specialization

University of Virginia

2018 - 2018
Understanding and appreciation of the principles and practice of Agile management. Coordination of all aspects of the Agile development process, including running design sprints, managing teams, and fostering a culture of experimentation. Capstone Project: real-world software development project to successful completion.

The University of Hong Kong

2017-01

Full Stack Web Development

The University of Hong Kong

2017 - 2017
Building Complete Web and Hybrid Mobile Solutions. Mastering front-end web, hybrid mobile app and server-side development.

Standard Bank Global Leadership College

2014-01

Senior Leadership Development Programme

2014 - 2014
Standard Bank Global Leadership College
Gartner, Cape Town, South Africa
Accreditation, Foundation Seminar for Aspiring CIOs

Queens College Queenstown

1989-01

Secondary School

1985 - 1989

Queens College Queenstown

Skills

Agile Program Management

A collaborative and iterative approach that empowers teams to adapt to changing project requirements and deliver value frequently. Understanding Agile methodologies, active listening, stakeholder management, communication, incremental delivery, problem-solving, and team motivation.

Strategic Thinking

The ability to use critical thinking to solve complex problems and plan for the future. It requires analyzing various inputs, communicating complex ideas, understanding problems and their potential solutions, and considering how decisions might affect others.

Problem Solving

The ability to identify, analyze, and resolve issues effectively and efficiently. It encompasses a range of abilities including analysis, creativity, prioritization, organization, and troubleshooting, and is applicable in various situations across all job roles.

Digital Transformation

Leveraging digital technologies to create new or modify existing business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements. It requires a deep understanding of digital fluency, data analytics, digital marketing, cybersecurity, leadership, and the ability to think critically and strategically.

Leadership

Guiding, influencing, and inspiring individuals towards achieving a common goal. It encompasses key abilities such as effective communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, active listening, feedback, influence, prioritization, motivation, and adaptability.

Architecture and Engineering

Architecture and Engineering is a multidisciplinary skill that involves designing and developing complex mechanical and structural systems, with a strong foundation in math, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.

OTHER SKILLS

  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Collaboration
  • Human- Centered Product Design
  • Consulting
  • Storytelling
  • Presentations
  • Report Writing

Languages

English

Read, Write and Speak

Afrikaans

Read, Write and Speak

Courses and Certifications

  • Certified SAFe® 6 Practice Consultant - Scaled Agile, Inc.
  • SAFe for Architects (Trainer Enablement 6.0)
  • SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (Trainer Enablement 6.0)
  • FinOps Certified Practitioner - The Linux Foundation
  • Cloud Digital Leader - Google Cloud
  • AWS Certified Practioner - Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Certified SAP Business Workflow Application Consultant

  • Project Portfolio Management Foundations - LinkedIn
  • Program Management Foundations - LinkedIn
  • Technical Product Management - LinkedIn

  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional Hands-on Training - Digital Cloud Training
  • Site Reliability Engineering: Measuring and Managing Reliability - Coursera
  • Cloud Architecture with Google Cloud Specialization - Coursera
  • Architecting with Google Kubernetes Engine: Foundations - Coursera
  • Architecting with Google Compute Engine Specialization - Coursera

  • Managing Machine Learning Projects with Google Cloud - Coursera
  • Getting Started with Data Analytics on AWS - Coursera

  • Reliable Google Cloud Infrastructure: Design and Process - Coursera
  • Elastic Google Cloud Infrastructure: Scaling and Automation - Coursera
  • Google Cloud Platform Fundamentals: Core Infrastructure - Coursera
  • Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Core Services - Coursera
  • Essential Google Cloud Infrastructure: Foundation - Coursera
  • Google IT Automation with Python Specialization - Coursera
  • Terraform Basics: Automate Provisioning of AWS EC2 Instances - Coursera

  • AWS Cloud Technical Essentials - Coursera
  • Modern Application Development with Python on AWS Specialization - Coursera
  • Amazon DynamoDB: Building NoSQL Database-Driven Applications - Coursera
  • Amazon CodeGuru - Coursera

  • Agile Development - University of Virginia
  • Running Product Design Sprints - Coursera
  • Agile Meets Design Thinking - Coursera
  • Testing with Agile - Coursera

  • Multiplatform Mobile App Development with Web Technologies - Coursera
  • Front-End Web UI Frameworks and Tools - Coursera
  • Front-End JavaScript Frameworks: AngularJS - Coursera
  • Server-side Development with NodeJS - Coursera
  • HTML, CSS and JavaScript - Coursera

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