Head, Digital & Innovation Services

AirAsia; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 200,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

AirAsia Berhad is seeking a strategic leader to head Digital & Innovation Services, driving multi-year technology roadmaps, AI adoption, and digital transformation across ADE/MRO operations. You will lead cross-functional teams, govern IT controls, and scale innovative platforms while ensuring regulatory compliance and information security.

Should have 10+ years in technology/digital transformation, with aviation/MRO leadership, and strong skills in AI/ML, IoT, cloud, data architecture, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in CS/IT/engineering or related field.
• Certifications in digital transformation or project leadership (PMP/PRINCE2/TOGAF) preferred.
• 10+ years in technology and digital transformation; 5+ years in strategic senior leadership in aviation/MRO.
• Proven aviation/aerospace experience with AMOS or similar.
• Expertise in AI/ML, IoT, cloud, data architectures.
• Governance across ITGC, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance (EASA Part-IS).

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for the Digital and Innovation Services Department.
• Manage OPEX/CAPEX budgets and assets.
• Lead cross-functional digital transformation across departments and AOCs.
• Formulate and monitor tech strategy, schedules, and go-to-market plans for proprietary software.
• Build external relationships in aviation tech and conduct competitive intelligence.
• Instill a customer-centric delivery mindset across digital teams.
• Establish KPIs/SLAs for delivery of digital products and IT services.

Skills

AI/ML

IoT

Cloud computing

Enterprise data architecture

Cybersecurity

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Agile

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in CS/IT/Engineering

Tools

AMOS

ELEVADE

AEROTRADE

Job description

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Technology Roadmap & Digital Product Development Define, develop, and execute a multi-year technology roadmap and digital solutions architecture tailored for ADE's core operational pillars, ensuring seamless alignment with broader enterprise goals and scalable growth.
• Identify, evaluate, and pilot emerging, cutting-edge technologies (such as predictive maintenance AI and IoT) to maintain market competitiveness and future-proof ADE's operational infrastructure.
• Digital Transformation & Process Efficiency Drive end-to-end digitization across all MRO operations and business processes to eliminate manual bottlenecks, significantly enhancing workforce productivity, operational safety, and overall employee experience.
• Establish central data architecture standards to ensure complete data visibility, real-time availability, and organizational transparency for operational decision-making.
• Maximize efficiency and user adoption of critical enterprise tools (including AMOS and in-house developed applications such as ELEVADE and AEROTRADE) through continuous system refinement, process integration, and targeted training programs.
• Driving AI Adoption Champion and execute a cross-functional AI strategy across all ADE business units, fostering a data-driven culture and modernizing traditional MRO workflows.
• Identify high-value AI and machine learning use cases, moving them efficiently from proof-of-concept into full operational production to yield tangible efficiency gains.
• Complying to EASA Part-IS Act as the Nominated Post-holder for the relevant aviation authorities.
• Establish robust oversight for external technology suppliers to ensure full compliance with EASA Part-IS requirements and information security benchmarks.
• Formulate and maintain strict information security governance models to mitigate cyber risks across digital platforms and MRO technology operations.
• Ensure complete compliance with international aviation regulations, internal security mandates, and regional legal frameworks governing digital systems.
• Lead company-wide training and awareness programs to embed cybersecurity and data privacy best practices into daily operational routines.
• Prepare the organization for upcoming information security-related regulations from other authorities.
• ICT Operations Liaison to Group ICT and Group Information Security team Lead regulatory and internal IT General Controls (ITGC) audits, ensuring zero major non-conformances and maintaining audit-ready operational status.
• Develop, regularly test, and maintain Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) frameworks for all core ICT infrastructure and operational tools.
• Implement comprehensive endpoint monitoring and threat response solutions to safeguard hardware, software, and operational data across all locations.
• Oversee enterprise cloud, network, and on-premise infrastructure to maintain high availability, scalability, and optimal system performance for MRO activities.
• Digital as a New Revenue Stream Productize internal software and digital platforms, driving commercialization initiatives to target external aviation markets and generate direct revenue.
• Position ADE as a digital tech leader in the MRO industry by showcasing innovative proprietary capabilities and solutions at global trade events and industry forums.
• Identify, establish, and negotiate strategic technology partnerships and alliances to accelerate time-to-market for new commercial software offerings.

DUTIES

• Provide executive leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction for the Digital and Innovation Services Department, cultivating high-performing team leadership.
• Manage departmental OPEX/CAPEX budgets, hardware/software assets, and talent allocation to ensure optimal operational readiness and deliver projects on schedule.
• Lead cross-functional digital transformation initiatives across all departments and AOCs to standardize operations, reduce turnaround times, and drive overall operational cost efficiency.
• Formulate, implement, and monitor short- and long-term tech strategy, digital product development schedules, and go-to-market execution plans for proprietary operational software.
• Build key external relationships within the aviation tech ecosystem while conducting competitive intelligence to keep ADE solutions aligned with evolving market needs.
• Instill a customer-centric delivery mindset across all digital teams to ensure software, infrastructure, and support services consistently meet end-user expectations.
• Establish clear performance metrics (KPIs/SLAs) to guarantee high-quality, cost-effective, and timely delivery of digital products and IT operational services.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• Recognized professional certifications in digital transformation, agile methodologies, or project leadership (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, TOGAF).
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive technology and digital transformation experience, including at least 5+ years in a strategic senior leadership role managing cross-functional aviation/MRO engineering and ICT teams.
• Proven track record in the aviation or aerospace sector, with specialized expertise in commercial MRO operations, digital fleet management, and enterprise maintenance platforms (e.g., AMOS).
• Deep technical mastery in driving the strategic deployment of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, IoT, Cloud Computing, and Enterprise Data Architectures.
• Comprehensive governance experience in international aviation regulations, IT General Controls (ITGC), cybersecurity resilience, and regulatory compliance frameworks (including EASA Part-IS).
• Visionary leadership and strategic acumen with a track record of scaling digital ecosystems, driving operational efficiencies, and productizing technology into new commercial revenue streams.
• Outstanding executive communication and stakeholder management skills, with demonstrated success influencing board-level strategy, managing vendor partnerships, and spearheading organizational change.
• High degree of agility and innovative problem-solving capability to navigate rapidly evolving tech landscapes and turn emerging trends into actionable business strategies.
• Strong cultural alignment with a continuous-improvement mindset, placing an uncompromising focus on safety, operational quality, customer orientation, and inclusive team empowerment.
• Proven expertise in managing multi-generational and multi-discipline teams to achieve a common goal.

AirAsia Berhad: Asia’s leading airline was established with the dream of making flying possible for everyone. Since 2001, AirAsia has swiftly broken travel norms around the globe and has risen to become the world’s best. Driven by the Dare to Dream spirit, we pride ourselves in being the region’s largest low-cost carrier, serving 24 countries and over 130 destinations. We're not confined by walls, except when we need to answer the call of nature, so all departments mingle every day. As we embrace new technology to become a digital airline, services like BIG Duty Free, BIG Pay, BIG Loyalty, Touristly, ROKKI and Xcite Inflight Entertainment will be an exciting evolution, placing us ahead of the game. Are you in? AirAsia is set to take low-cost flying to an all new high with our belief, "Now Everyone Can Fly"