Group Technology Leader

Network Finance; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 5,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is seeking an experienced Group Technology Leader to own the technology strategy, data platforms, cybersecurity, AI initiatives, and digital transformation programmes across multiple territories.

The role partners with executive leadership, business stakeholders, franchise partners, and external technology providers to drive innovation, optimise operations, and deliver measurable business value through trusted data and technology investments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science or engineering.
• Postgraduate credentials (Honours/MBA) are advantageous.
• Relevant Microsoft, Data, AI, or Cloud certifications are beneficial.
• Minimum 10 years of senior technology leadership experience.
• Experience leading large tech teams and external service providers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the enterprise technology, data, and AI strategy.
• Lead digital transformation and technology modernisation initiatives.
• Oversee technology platforms, infrastructure, applications, data, and reporting environments.
• Drive standardisation of systems, processes, and technology practices across the business.
• Own and enhance data platforms, BI, reporting, and self-service analytics.
• Drive AI adoption, automation programmes, and governance frameworks.
• Oversee customer-facing digital technologies, loyalty platforms, CRM systems, and integrations.
• Ensure strong cybersecurity, governance, compliance, and business continuity.

Skills

Executive leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Change management

People development

Vendor management

Data-driven decisions

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Honours/MBA advantageous

Tools

Azure

Databricks

Power BI

SQL

Microsoft Fabric

CRM platforms

Job description

A leading international organisation is seeking an experienced Group Technology Leader to take ownership of its technology strategy, systems, data platforms, cybersecurity, AI initiatives, and digital transformation programmes. This executive-level role is responsible for transforming technology into a key business enabler by driving innovation, optimising operations, improving decision-making through trusted data, and ensuring technology investments deliver measurable business value. The successful candidate will oversee technology operations across multiple territories while partnering closely with executive leadership, business stakeholders, franchise partners, and external technology providers. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact by shaping the future technology landscape of a complex and growing organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the enterprise technology, data, and AI strategy.
• Lead digital transformation and technology modernisation initiatives.
• Oversee technology platforms, infrastructure, applications, data, and reporting environments.
• Drive standardisation of systems, processes, and technology practices across the business.
• Lead the implementation and optimisation of restaurant, retail, or operational technology systems.
• Own and enhance data platforms, business intelligence, reporting, and self-service analytics capabilities.
• Drive AI adoption, automation programmes, and governance frameworks.
• Oversee customer-facing digital technologies, loyalty platforms, CRM systems, and integrations.
• Ensure strong cybersecurity, governance, compliance, and business continuity practices.
• Manage technology vendors, contracts, service providers, and technology budgets.
• Lead technology project portfolios and ensure successful delivery of strategic initiatives.
• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing technology teams.
• Present technology strategies, business cases, and performance updates to executive leadership and key stakeholders.

Job Experience and Skills Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Honours, Master's Degree, or MBA will be advantageous.
• Relevant Microsoft, Data, AI, or Cloud certifications are beneficial.
• Minimum 10 years of senior technology leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading technology, data, reporting, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience managing large technology teams and external service providers.
• Experience within restaurant, hospitality, retail, franchise, or multi-site operational environments.
• Multi-country or international business experience.
• Track record delivering AI, automation, and technology transformation programmes.
• Experience presenting at executive and board level.
• Enterprise technology strategy and leadership.
• Data platforms, business intelligence, and reporting environments.
• Azure, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, and SQL.
• AI solutions, automation platforms, and AI governance.
• CRM, loyalty platforms, customer engagement technologies, and digital ecosystems.
• API integrations and enterprise application landscapes.
• Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, and cloud technologies.
• Infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
• IT governance, compliance, POPIA, GDPR, and risk management.
• ERP systems and enterprise integrations.
• Vendor management and technology procurement.
• Strategic thinking and strong commercial acumen.
• Executive-level communication and presentation skills.
• Leadership, coaching, and people development capabilities.
• Strong data-driven decision-making abilities.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Vendor negotiation and contract management expertise.
• Change management and transformation leadership.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building ability.
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a passion for innovation.
• Lead technology strategy across an international business.
• Drive large-scale digital transformation and AI adoption initiatives.
• Influence executive-level technology decisions.
• Shape the future of enterprise technology, data, and customer engagement platforms.
• Work in a highly visible leadership role with significant business impact.
• Build and develop high-performing teams while driving innovation across multiple markets.