Head of Applications

KPMG New Zealand is part of the international KPMG network and one of the world’s leading professional services organisations. We provide audit, tax and advisory services to individuals, SMEs, multi‑nationals and government agencies. Locally, we’re known for our values‑driven culture and strong staff engagement, anchored in our purpose of fuelling New Zealand’s prosperity. This purpose drives everything we do, from our client work to internal practises, all guided by our shared values of Integrity, Courage, Excellence, Together, for Better.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Applications to lead our enterprise applications landscape and drive the delivery of technology solutions that enable business performance, innovation, and operational excellence. This is a key leadership role responsible for shaping the applications strategy, modernising digital capabilities, and ensuring the firm's technology solutions remain secure, reliable, scalable, and aligned with business priorities. You will partner closely with senior business leaders, technology teams, and external vendors to deliver exceptional outcomes and create lasting value. As Head of Applications, you will lead the application portfolio and product landscape, driving strategic investment decisions, modernisation initiatives, and continuous improvement across business-critical platforms. You will oversee service delivery, governance, operational resilience, and application lifecycle management while fostering a high-performing team culture.

Lead the enterprise application portfolio, ensuring solutions are secure, reliable, compliant, and effectively managed throughout their lifecycle. Develop and execute the applications strategy and roadmap, aligning investments, modernisation initiatives, and lifecycle decisions with business objectives and enterprise architecture. Drive service excellence and operational resilience through effective governance, service ownership, risk management, support, change, and continuity practices. Lead application modernisation and rationalisation programmes that reduce complexity, increase productivity, and deliver measurable business value. Build trusted relationships with business leaders, technology stakeholders, and strategic vendors to deliver effective business and technology outcomes. Establish clear accountability for application performance, service quality, and user experience across the portfolio. Lead and develop high-performing teams, creating opportunities for growth, capability uplift, and future readiness. Identify and embed enhancements that improve operational effectiveness and the delivery of technology services.

Proven experience leading enterprise application portfolios, product management, or technology service functions. Strong background in applications strategy, digital transformation, and technology modernisation. Experience managing complex technology environments and leading large-scale application ecosystems. Demonstrated success in driving operational excellence, governance, service management, and risk management practices. Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence and partner with senior executives. Experience leading and developing high-performing technology teams. Strong commercial acumen and vendor management experience. Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills. Experience within a complex corporate, professional services, financial services, or enterprise environment. Knowledge of enterprise architecture principles and application lifecycle management. Experience delivering technology transformation, cloud adoption, or application rationalisation programmes. Understanding of IT governance, security, compliance, and business continuity frameworks. Experience with Microsoft 365 and ServiceNow platforms is highly desirable

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