We are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Information Officer (CIO) / Head of IT & Digital Transformation to lead the organisation's technology strategy and enterprise digital agenda. This is a senior executive leadership role responsible for ensuring that technology capabilities support the organisation's operational, commercial, and strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will oversee the organisation's entire technology function, including enterprise IT, cybersecurity, operational technology, and digital platforms, while driving large-scale transformation initiatives to enhance efficiency, innovation, and performance across the business.

This role will lead a technology team of more than 60 professionals across six specialist departments, ensuring strong governance, operational excellence, and the successful delivery of strategic technology programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Executive Leadership

• Define and deliver the organisation's enterprise technology and digital strategy aligned with long-term business objectives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team on technology innovation, digital enablement, and emerging trends.
• Ensure technology is positioned as a strategic enabler of business growth, operational efficiency, and innovation.

Digital Transformation

• Lead enterprise-wide digital transformation programmes that modernise systems, processes, and capabilities across the organisation.
• Identify opportunities to leverage automation, advanced analytics, and emerging technologies to enhance operational performance.
• Drive adoption of scalable and modern technology platforms that support business agility and growth.

IT & Technology Operations

• Oversee enterprise IT operations including infrastructure, enterprise applications, cloud platforms, and service delivery.
• Ensure high levels of system availability, reliability, and security across all technology environments.
• Lead the optimisation and modernisation of enterprise platforms including ERP, business systems, and core infrastructure.

Operational Technology & Systems Integration

• Provide strategic leadership across Operational Technology (OT) and specialised technology platforms that support operational environments.
• Ensure effective integration between enterprise IT systems and operational platforms to support real-time visibility and efficiency.
• Support technology initiatives that enhance performance, automation, and operational resilience.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Establish and maintain a robust enterprise cybersecurity strategy covering both IT and operational environments.
• Ensure compliance with global security standards and best practices.
• Strengthen cyber resilience and risk management across the organisation's technology landscape.

Leadership & Organisational Management

• Lead and develop a technology organisation of 60+ professionals across six specialist departments, including:
• Cybersecurity
• Enterprise IT
• Operational Technology
• Industrial / Operational Systems
• Infrastructure & Platforms
• Applications and Digital Solutions
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage technology budgets, strategic investments, and vendor partnerships.

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish strong governance frameworks for technology investments, programme delivery, and risk management.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders to ensure technology initiatives deliver measurable business value.
• Manage relationships with key technology vendors, system integrators, and external partners.

Profile Requirements

• UAE National is a must
• Senior technology executive with experience operating in complex, operationally intensive environments.
• Proven track record of leading enterprise-level IT and digital transformation programmes.
• Experience overseeing large, multi-disciplinary technology teams (50+ employees).
• Strong understanding of enterprise IT, operational technology, and cybersecurity environments.
• Demonstrated experience delivering large-scale technology transformation initiatives.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Open to candidates based across UAE

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification is advantageous.