Head - IT Applications

Role Purpose The Head - IT Applications will own end-to-end responsibility for core broking and trading application development . This is a hands-on technology leadership role, requiring deep expertise in application development, coding standards, and architecture, with delivery primarily managed through technology vendors, supported by an in-house applications team. The role demands strong technical credibility to review designs, challenge code quality, guide architecture decisions, and ensure delivery of highly scalable, secure, and regulator-compliant trading platforms. Required Tech Stack: Java / .Net / C / C++ based application development, modern UI frameworks (React / Angular), Oracle or MS SQL databases; exposure to AWS or Azure is desirable but not mandatory. Key Responsibilities 1. Application Strategy & Leadership - Define and execute the IT applications roadmap aligned with business growth and digital strategy - Lead modernization and enhancement of core broking, trading, risk, and compliance applications - Drive adoption of best practices in application architecture, development frameworks, and SDLC 2. Core Application Development (Hands-on Expertise) - Provide strong technical leadership with deep understanding of coding, databases, APIs, and system design - Review application architecture, design documents, and code quality delivered by vendors and internal teams - Act as a technical authority for performance tuning, scalability, resilience, and integration design - Ensure applications support high-volume, low-latency trading environments 3. Vendor-Led Delivery Management - Manage end-to-end application development primarily through external technology vendors - Own vendor onboarding, governance, performance management, and SLA adherence - Ensure delivery quality, timelines, cost control, and alignment with internal standards - Drive accountability for defects, production issues, and continuous improvements 4. In-house Team Leadership - Lead and mentor an in-house IT applications team responsible for oversight, enhancements, and critical fixes - Build strong internal capability to manage vendors, handle escalations, and support business continuity - Foster a culture of engineering excellence, ownership, and continuous improvement 5. Integration & Platform Management - Oversee integrations with exchange systems, OMS, RMS, CRM, ERP, and compliance platforms - Ensure seamless data flows across front-end, middleware, and back-end systems - Support business launches, regulatory changes, and product enhancements 6. Regulatory, Risk & Security - Ensure application compliance with SEBI, exchange regulations, audit requirements, and internal controls - Partner with Information Security teams to ensure secure coding practices and data protection - Support regulatory audits, system certifications, and risk assessments 7. Stakeholder & Financial Management - Collaborate closely with Business, Operations, Compliance, Risk, and Product teams - Own application budgets, vendor commercials, and long-term cost optimization - Communicate effectively with leadership on risks, priorities, and delivery status Critical Candidate Requirements: - Mandatory: Current or prior experience in the stock broking industry - Proven leadership in core application development for broking/trading platforms - Strong hands-on understanding of coding, application architecture, system integration, and databases - Experience working in vendor driven delivery models with internal oversight teams - Exposure to high-availability, high-performance trading systems - Strong stakeholder management and people leadership skills