Job Title : Head of Digital & Technology
Scope and general purpose :
Head of Digital & Technology is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of digital transformation initiatives, managing IT infrastructure, and driving technology strategies that support business growth and operational efficiency for the region. This role plays a crucial part in integrating technology solutions across the organization to enhance service delivery, optimize business operations, and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Role & responsibilities :
- Developing and executing the digital strategy to align with the companys business objectives and vision.
- Leading the implementation of new digital technologies, platforms, and tools that improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
- Overseeing IT infrastructure, including network systems, hardware, and software management.
- Ensuring the cybersecurity, data privacy, and IT compliance across all technology platforms.
- Managing the technology team, providing leadership, guidance, and support to ensure successful project execution.
- Evaluating emerging technologies and advising senior leadership on their potential application within the organization.
- Managing the digital transformation of business processes and improving operational workflows.
- Overseeing IT budgeting, resource allocation, and cost optimization.
- Collaborating with other departments to ensure technology strategies align with the needs of operations, marketing, HR, and other key business units
- Providing technology leadership and governance for SAP systems, ensuring alignment with business priorities, reliable service delivery, and continuous improvement.
Liaises with :
- Senior management and other department heads in ME (e.g., Operations, Marketing, Finance)
- Head of Projects.
- IT vendors, consultants, and external partners for technology solutions and support.
- Internal teams, particularly the operations, marketing, and finance departments, to ensure digital solutions align with company-wide goals.
- Key stakeholders, such as clients and external partners, regarding technology-related services and innovations.
Main Duties :
- Develop and implement the overall digital and technology strategy for the ME, aligning with long-term business goals.
- Oversee the day-to-day management and operation of IT systems and infrastructure, ensuring high availability, security, and efficiency.
- Lead the digital transformation of business processes, optimizing operations, and delivering improved services.
- Manage and mentor the IT and technology team, promoting innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Work with senior leadership to identify key areas for technology adoption, including AI, automation, cloud computing, and data analytics.
- Ensure the companys cybersecurity strategies are up-to-date and compliant with relevant regulations and standards.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, keeping the organization ahead of digital trends and technology innovations.
- Manage relationships with technology vendors and service providers, ensuring the best value for the company.
- Prepare and deliver reports on technology initiatives, performance metrics, and project outcomes to senior management.
System Evaluation & Implementation :
- Conduct an analysis of existing systems and tools to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
- Engage with end users, management, IT, and other relevant stakeholders to gather feedback on current systems and understand their needs and pain points.
- Investigate and evaluate new technologies and systems that align with the organizations objectives and requirements.
- Research and assess vendors and solutions, including pricing, features, support, and compatibility with existing systems.
- Develop comprehensive implementation plans outlining timelines, required resources, and key milestones.
- Oversee system implementation, ensuring projects remain on track, within budget, and meet the established objectives.
- Organize user training and evaluate the effectiveness and business impact of new systems after implementation, making adjustments as necessary.
- Own the SAP technology roadmap and oversee implementations, upgrades, enhancements, and support across the SAP landscape, including ERP, SuccessFactors, and Ariba, as applicable.
- Partner with Finance, Procurement, HR, and Operations process owners to define SAP requirements, prioritize enhancements, and improve end-to-end business processes while maintaining appropriate business approvals.
- Oversee SAP project delivery, including solution design, data migration, integration, user acceptance testing, cutover, and post-go-live support, ensuring delivery within agreed scope, budget, and timelines.
- Ensure reliable integration between SAP and other business systems, with effective interface monitoring, issue resolution, and data reconciliation.
- Establish SAP governance for access controls, segregation of duties, change and release management, and audit readiness in collaboration with business owners and relevant control functions.
- Manage SAP support partners, service levels, licensing, and costs; monitor system availability, performance, incident resolution, and business continuity arrangements.
- Drive SAP reporting, automation, user training, and adoption; establish master data standards with business owners and track measurable improvements in data quality and operational efficiency.
Educational qualifications :
- Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Master's degree or relevant certifications in Digital Transformation, Information Technology Management, or a related field is preferred.
Preferred candidate profile
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT management, digital transformation, or technology leadership roles.
- Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale digital projects and technological innovations, ideally in the hospitality, catering, or service sectors.
- Strong experience in managing IT infrastructure, software development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
- Extensive knowledge of digital platforms, technologies, and business tools, including ERP, CRM, and data analytics tools.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and team management skills.
- Experience with managing technology budgets, resources, and cost optimization.
- Ability to analyse and solve complex technology problems while keeping the business objectives in mind.
- Demonstrated experience leading SAP implementations, enhancements, integrations, and support, with an understanding of ERP processes and SAP SuccessFactors and Ariba, as applicable.