Director Digital & Technology

Abu Dhabi Ports; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Abu Dhabi Ports is seeking a leader for digital transformation strategy to elevate ADFH as a trade hub. The role includes overseeing the product strategy for a digital marketplace, aligning digital initiatives with national priorities, and managing cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate should have significant experience in digital transformation, senior leadership, and a successful track record in launching B2B digital platforms. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with an MBA preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in digital transformation, product management, or technology strategy roles.
• 5+ years at senior leadership level (VP, Director, or equivalent) with board-level presentation experience.
• Proven track record of launching digital platforms or marketplaces, preferably in B2B environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead digital transformation strategy and roadmap for ADFH.
• Own the business case and ROI modeling for digital marketplace development.
• Define and execute digital marketplace product strategy, including B2B trade enablement.
• Manage technology gap assessment and procurement planning for identified system needs.

Skills

Digital transformation strategy

Product management

Technology strategy

AI capabilities

B2B trade enablement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, Supply Chain, or related field

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Job description

Overview

Lead digital transformation strategy and roadmap for ADFH, positioning it as a trade hub rather than a traditional distribution facility. Present strategic recommendations to board level stakeholders including platform partnerships, technology investments, and go-to-market strategies. Align digital initiatives with AD Ports, KEZAD, and ADFH vision and demonstrate national priorities integration.

Responsibilities

• Make critical partnership decisions evaluating global platforms versus proprietary development.
• Own the business case and ROI modeling for digital marketplace and AI capabilities development.
• Define and execute digital marketplace product strategy, including B2B trade enablement, tenant services, and value-added services.
• Drive development of AI-powered capabilities including demand forecasting, predictive analytics, and intelligent supply chain optimization.
• Establish data architecture foundation to support advanced analytics and future AI capabilities.
• Manage integration with Abu Dhabi Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP) and other government systems.
• Define feature roadmaps, prioritization frameworks, and MVP scoping for iterative platform releases.
• Oversee completion of Phase I technology systems (CRM, ERP, access management) with July 2026 go-live deadline.
• Manage technology gap assessment and procurement planning for identified system needs.
• Coordinate integration assessments between existing KEZAD Group infrastructure and new ADFH requirements.
• Lead RFP processes and vendor selection for new technology platforms and services.
• Ensure seamless coordination between technology implementation and physical facility readiness for October 2026 launch.
• Collaborate with KEZAD CTO and technology team to leverage existing infrastructure and capabilities.
• Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, and Administration teams to align digital strategy with operational priorities.
• Manage consultant and vendor relationships including technology implementers and strategic advisors.
• Coordinate across multiple Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) to ensure integrated execution.
• Influence without direct authority in a matrix environment where technology team reports to ADFH CEO and KEZAD Group.
• Own ongoing digital marketplace platform evolution and feature releases after October 2026 launch.
• Monitor platform performance, user adoption metrics, and business outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement of tenant experience and digital service offerings.
• Manage evolution from Horizon 1 (smart operations) through Horizon 2 (marketplace) to Horizon 3 (AI-powered regional platform).
• Build and lead a small digital product team as the platform scales.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years experience in digital transformation, product management, or technology strategy roles.
• 5+ years at senior leadership level (VP, Director, or equivalent) with board-level presentation experience.
• Proven track record of launching digital platforms or marketplaces, preferably in B2B environments.