Director - Digital Smart Cities Solutions

Abu Dhabi Ports; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Abu Dhabi Ports is looking for a Co-head for the IT team to manage business goals and allocate IT resources effectively. The role involves leading the formulation of squad strategies, overseeing customer needs, and enforcing quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of relevant experience, with responsibilities that include both people and strategic management to drive operational excellence across the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience as an IT leader or business manager.
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to prioritize.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation of squads’ strategies and goals.
• Define Digital Cluster business priorities and technical issues.
• Design and maintain squads’ technical roadmap.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Strategic planning

Technical knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

The purpose of this role is to act as the Co-head for the team in IT related topics, responsible for assisting in managing the overall team’s business goals and allocating IT resources. Support in technical delivery and co-responsible for the squads’ key performance metrics (e.g., NPS, market share, etc.).

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation of squads’ strategies, vision, mission, and goals to deliver technical results and achieve cluster objectives.
• Oversee customer needs and direct the design and continuous updating of technical solutions that address those needs.
• Lead interaction with architects to understand key properties and changes to technology infrastructure and determine the best way to work within restrictions.
• Define Digital Cluster business priorities and technical issues, and provide guidance to product owners to design appropriate solutions and features.
• Take decisions regarding product lifecycle (piloting, scaling, decommissioning, etc.) and enforce quality standards.
• Lead the Quarterly Business Review (QBR) for the tribe.
• Build strong relationships and manage expectations of external stakeholders, including clients and cluster CEOs.
• Track and measure squad performance health through key performance indicators.
• Oversee tribe technical blocks and enforce resolution of issues with key stakeholders.

People Management Responsibilities

• Conduct regular 1:1 meetings with product owners and squad members.
• Empower the squad by setting clear expectations and coaching.
• Monitor squads’ adherence to all financial targets and extend economic limits for business initiatives when project potential justifies it.
• Manage overall staffing of shared resources among different squads.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Design and maintain squads’ technical roadmap.
• Control squad budgets and solution expenses, and recommend alternatives to meet expectations.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to streamline processes and implement best practices to drive operational excellence.
• Assess risks in squads and develop risk mitigation strategies to minimize potential liabilities.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on squads’ performance, including financial, operational and market‑related data.

Educational and Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; master’s degree is a plus.
• Excellent English; Arabic is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience as an IT leader or business manager in relevant product, customer, or enabler segment.
• Deep understanding of industry trends and client needs, creating a value proposition and vision for the tribe.
• Strong communication skills across commercial, finance, and other domains.
• Servant leadership qualities.
• Ability to persuade and lead diverse people.
• Strong analytical skills and fact‑based decision‑making.
• Strong sense of urgency and ability to prioritize.
• Comfortable giving and receiving feedback.
• Critical thinking and the ability to find new solutions.
• Belief in a non‑hierarchical culture, transparency, and trust within squads.