Head of IT

Orion Group Life Sciences are currently recruiting a Head of IT on behalf of our Multinational Biopharmaceutical Client based in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

Major Accountabilities:

Digital Strategy & Technology Enablement

• Develop and implement a technology roadmap that aligns with strategic goals and digital transformation vision.
• Identify and implement digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency, data integrity, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Drive innovation by evaluating emerging technologies (e.g., AI, cloud, IoT) that can be integrated into pharmaceutical manufacturing and commercial operations.
• Ensure IT investments are aligned with organizational priorities, delivering measurable business value and ROI.
• Support the organization’s global integration through scalable IT systems that connect UAE and international operations.

IT Operations & Infrastructure Management

• Oversee the stability, performance, and scalability of all core IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and enterprise systems.
• Ensure high system availability, disaster recovery preparedness, and IT service continuity across all operating sites.
• Implement proactive monitoring and incident response processes to reduce downtime and operational disruptions.
• Standardize IT operations across local and international sites to support consistent service delivery.
• Manage IT vendors and service providers to ensure cost-effective and high-quality technology support.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Develop and enforce cybersecurity policies and controls to protect company data, systems, and intellectual property.
• Oversee threat detection, vulnerability assessments, and compliance with cybersecurity standards (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST).
• Lead incident response efforts and ensure business continuity in the event of a cyber or data-related disruption.
• Promote a culture of cybersecurity awareness through regular training and audits across the organization.
• Collaborate with compliance and legal teams to ensure alignment with local and international data protection laws.

Enterprise Systems & Application Development

• Lead the implementation, integration, and continuous improvement of core enterprise applications (ERP, CRM, MES, etc.).
• Ensure systems support end-to-end operations, from manufacturing and quality to commercial and finance functions.
• Collaborate with business leaders to gather system requirements and deliver user-focused technology solutions.
• Oversee application lifecycle management, ensuring performance, scalability, and minimal downtime.
• Promote system integration across departments and international locations to support unified workflows and reporting.

Stakeholder Engagement & Team Leadership

• Act as a strategic IT partner to executive leadership and key stakeholders, providing insights on digital opportunities and risks.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to align IT initiatives with operational, commercial, and regulatory priorities.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing IT team across geographies, ensuring capability development and succession planning.
• Promote user satisfaction and adoption through training, change management, and responsive support models.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related field
• 15+ years of progressive experience in Information Technology, including at least 7 years in a senior leadership or enterprise-level IT management role.
• Proven success in leading digital transformation initiatives across multi-site or multinational organizations.
• Deep experience managing IT infrastructure, enterprise applications (e.g., ERP, CRM), and cybersecurity in highly regulated sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to align IT strategy with corporate objectives, balancing innovation with operational efficiency.
• Experience working in pharmaceutical, biotech, or other GxP-regulated industries is preferred.
  
  

Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion
As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.