Head of IT

You're new company:

Hays' client is a fast-growing, strategic investment and development group focused on the Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical / Biotechnology sector with operations spanning the UAE and international markets. The company is driving digital transformation in pharmaceutical manufacturing and global operations. This role is critical in defining the digital future for a key player in the regional ecosystem.

You're new role:

You will be the key functional leader responsible for defining and executing the entire IT and digital strategy. This role is a combination of strategic planning, operational excellence, and leading security and compliance efforts across all business units.

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a technology roadmap that directly supports global growth, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and commercial expansion.
• Operational Management: Oversee the stability, performance, and scalability of all core IT infrastructure (networks, servers, cloud platforms), ensuring high system availability and disaster recovery preparedness.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance: Develop and enforce robust cybersecurity policies (ISO 27001, NIST) and lead incident response.
• Enterprise Systems: Lead the implementation and integration of core enterprise applications (ERP, CRM, MES), ensuring unified workflows across manufacturing, quality, and commercial functions.
• Team & Stakeholder Management: Build and mentor a high-performing IT team across geographies and act as a strategic partner to C-Level and functional leaders.

What you'll need to succeed:

This is a critical, high-impact role requiring a seasoned IT leader with specific experience in highly regulated environments.

The organization is looking for a hands on leader with willingness to be very involved with all operations.

• Education: Bachelor's Degree required, with a Master’s Degree preferred.
• Experience: 15+ years of progressive IT experience, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership/enterprise-level IT management role in a multi-site or multinational organization.
• Sector Background (Preferred): Proven experience working in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or GxP-regulated industries is highly advantageous.
• Expertise in Leading digital transformation initiatives.
• Expertise in IT Strategy, Enterprise Architecture, and System Integration (ERP, CRM, MES).
• Deep understanding of Cybersecurity Management (ISO 27001, NIST) and IT Compliance (GxP, CFR Part 11).
• Proven ability to manage IT vendors, contracts, budgets, and deliver measurable ROI on IT investments.

What you'll get in return:

This role offers the opportunity to shape the digital foundation of a strategically vital national champion.

• Impactful Role: Direct reporting line to the Group CFO and exposure to C-Level strategy. You will lead the entire digital enablement of a major global enterprise.
• Competitive Compensation: An attractive salary package commensurate with the seniority and critical nature of this Head of IT position in Abu Dhabi.
• Growth Opportunities: Continuous professional development and the chance to drive innovation using cutting-edge technologies (AI, Cloud, IoT) within a rapid-growth environment.
• Work Environment: Be part of a highly dedicated, cross-functional leadership team with a mix of domestic and international business travel.

What you need to do now:

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply with your latest CV, ensuring pre-screening questions are answered as accurately as possible