Job Title: Lead - IT Governance (for a Bank)

Location: Chennai

Job Type: Full-time

Job Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned IT Governance professional to join our team and play a pivotal role in strengthening the bank's IT governance structure. This role is responsible for defining and driving IT governance strategies that ensure regulatory compliance, risk management, operational efficiency, and alignment of IT initiatives with business goals. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in IT governance frameworks, regulatory mandates (including RBI, SEBI, PCI DSS etc), and cross-functional leadership-particularly within the banking or financial services sector.

Key Responsibilities:

- Design and maintain IT governance frameworks aligned with strategy and regulations.

- Establish IT policies, standards, and procedures across all domains (cybersecurity, infrastructure, applications, vendor management).

- Ensure adherence to RBI guidelines, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, DPDP Act, and related laws.

- Coordinate audits and regulatory inspections; oversee closure of compliance findings.

- Conduct IT risk assessments; manage risk registers and KRIs.

- Monitor control testing and implement risk mitigation plans, including vendor IT compliance.

- Develop governance dashboards and reports for CXOs and Board Committees.

- Lead IT assurance activities, audits, self-assessments, and certification efforts.

- Serve as liaison among business units, risk teams, and regulators.

- Lead cross-functional governance initiatives and drive awareness programs.

- Oversee IT compliance programs, regulatory submissions, and third-party risk management.

- Track emerging regulations and evaluate their impact on IT governance.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.

- 7-10 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in a IT governance or compliance role in the banking/financial services industry.

- In-depth understanding of IT governance and compliance frameworks including : COBIT, ISO 27001, ISO/IEC 38500, NIST CSF, ITIL

- Regulatory guidelines : RBI, SEBI, DPDP

- Payment card industry standards (PCI DSS) and associated audit requirements

- Proven ability to interface with senior stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

- Experience in implementing IT governance tools and automation for policy enforcement, reporting, and risk assessments.

Preferred Certifications:

- CISA - Certified Information Systems Auditor

- CISM - Certified Information Security Manager

- CRISC - Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control

- CGEIT - Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT

- ISO 27001 Lead Auditor / Implementer

- PCI DSS Implementer / QSA knowledge

Additional Competencies:

- High degree of integrity, accountability, and business acumen.

- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence outcomes without direct authority.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with executive leadership and regulators.

- Demonstrated ability to drive governance or compliance initiatives