Head of Direct Digital Channels

Here's a professional review of the job description, designed for a webpage to inform potential candidates:

Unlocking Digital Excellence: A Leadership Opportunity in Online Channel Strategy

This role presents a compelling opportunity for a seasoned technology leader to spearhead the design, development, and strategic execution of internet-facing channels. With a strong emphasis on the corporate banking segment, this position is pivotal in shaping how clients interact with the organization digitally, demanding a forward-thinking approach to user experience and continuous platform availability.

Advantages for Ambitious Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: You will have the autonomy to define and execute internet channel strategies from inception, directly influencing the firm's digital direction and client engagement.
• Critical Application Ownership: This role involves managing highly utilized, client-facing applications that require 'always-on' design principles, offering the chance to work on mission-critical systems.
• End-to-End Digital Journey Ownership: You will be responsible for the entirety of the digital client journey across online applications, ensuring consistency, usability, and a premium user experience.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: This position offers extensive experience in leading diverse, high-caliber teams, including product managers, UX/UI designers, and senior developers, fostering collaboration and driving innovation.
• Emerging Technology Engagement: A key aspect of this role is staying abreast of and integrating emerging digital trends and technologies, keeping you at the forefront of digital evolution.
• Operational Leadership: You will serve as the operational lead for the day-to-day effectiveness of online platforms, including corporate websites, online portals, and self-service solutions.
• Product Roadmap Influence: You will have the opportunity to define and prioritize product roadmaps, feature enhancements, and technical upgrades within an enterprise environment.
• Digital Advocacy: This role empowers you to act as a digital champion, demonstrating how technology can drive adoption and align with the firm's strategic priorities.
• External Partner Management: You will gain valuable experience in managing external partners, vendors, and agencies to support technology solution development.
• Leadership and Mentorship: The role explicitly calls for mentoring and supporting team members' professional growth, conducting performance reviews, and identifying opportunities for improvement, enabling you to develop as a leader.
• Strategic Influence: You will contribute to and influence policy and procedures, manage complex strategic projects, and provide expert advice to senior leadership, shaping the future of the function.

Key Considerations for Career Progression:

• Significant Experience Required: A minimum of 5+ years in a technology leadership role with a focus on designing and developing internet-facing channels is essential, indicating a need for substantial prior experience.
• Corporate Banking Segment Expertise: Familiarity with the nuances and strategic imperatives of the corporate banking segment will be a significant asset, suggesting a need for industry-specific knowledge.
• 'Always-On' Design Thinking: Candidates must be adept at designing and thinking in terms of continuous availability and resilience for critical client-facing applications.
• Complex Problem-Solving: The description highlights the need for interpretative thinking and advanced analytical skills to solve complex and sensitive problems, demanding strong cognitive abilities.
• Stakeholder Management: The ability to negotiate with and influence stakeholders at senior levels, both internally and externally, is crucial for success.
• Regulatory Awareness: A focus on external environments, regulators, and advocacy groups suggests the importance of understanding and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
• Barclays Values and Behaviors: A strong alignment with Barclays' LEAD behaviors (Listen and be authentic, Energise and inspire, Align across the enterprise, Develop others) and core values (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship) is expected, reflecting a culture-conscious organization.

This is a high-impact leadership role for individuals passionate about driving digital transformation within the financial sector. If you possess a strong track record in leading digital initiatives and are looking for a platform to make a significant strategic contribution, this opportunity warrants serious consideration.