Our client is a leading group of companies based in the UAE, with multiple lines of business and an ambitious growth agenda.
They are now looking to appoint a Group IT Director to lead the technology function at Group level and work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team.
This is a strategic leadership role for someone who can do more than manage day-to-day IT. The mandate is to build the function, build the team, modernise the technology environment and ensure technology becomes a genuine enabler of business growth.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will take ownership of the Group's technology strategy and overall IT function across its different businesses.
You will be expected to:
- Develop and execute the Group's overall IT and technology strategy.
- Build, structure and lead a high-performing internal IT team.
- Assess the existing technology landscape and establish a clear roadmap for modernisation and growth.
- Work closely with business heads to understand their technology requirements and translate them into practical solutions.
- Lead digital transformation and technology improvement initiatives across the Group.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and identify where they can create genuine commercial or operational value.
- Bring a strong understanding of AI, automation, cloud, data, cybersecurity and modern enterprise technologies.
- Identify opportunities to use AI and automation to improve productivity, processes and decision-making.
- Manage relationships with technology suppliers, vendors, consultants and strategic partners.
- Lead vendor selection, commercial negotiations, contracts and service-level agreements.
- Oversee IT infrastructure, systems, applications, networks and technology operations.
- Establish appropriate IT governance, cybersecurity, risk management and business continuity frameworks.
- Manage technology budgets and ensure investment is aligned with business priorities and ROI.
- Act as the senior technology advisor to the CEO and wider leadership team.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for a senior technology leader and builder, rather than someone whose experience has been limited to traditional IT operations.
You should have:
- 12+ years of progressive IT / technology leadership experience, with significant experience at Director or senior leadership level.
- Proven experience working within a UAE-based organisation — UAE experience is essential.
- Experience managing IT within a group, diversified organisation or multi-business environment is highly desirable.
- A proven track record of building and leading IT teams.
- Strong experience managing technology vendors, suppliers and external partners.
- Experience developing and implementing IT strategy at organisational or Group level.
- Strong understanding of modern enterprise technology, cloud, infrastructure, cybersecurity, data and digital platforms.
- Genuine AI literacy and a clear understanding of how AI and automation can be applied practically within a business.
- Experience leading technology transformation and modernisation programmes.
- Strong commercial awareness, including budget ownership and vendor negotiations.
- The ability to communicate effectively with CEOs, business leaders and non-technical stakeholders.
- A pragmatic approach — able to distinguish between technology that creates real value and technology that is simply a trend.
