Head of IT

Job description / Role

General Details

Location: Dubai, UAE
Department: Head of IT
Reports to: Finance Director
Job Outline: This role will play a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of our information technology infrastructure and systems, with a specific focus on warehouse and distributions management systems, eCommerce, CRM solutions and Digital Transformation.

Key Accountabilities
• Accountability: Transforming the IT function while managing growth, cost, and service targets.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team, ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of technology systems to support the warehouse and distribution operations, eCommerce platform, and customer relationship management.
• Relationship Management: Collaborate closely with department heads and all stakeholders to align IT strategies with business goals, enhance productivity, and drive innovation.

Strategic Leadership
• Contribute to the strategic direction and thinking which will shape the future of the business.
• Define and design the IT/Digital roadmap for the entire business.
• Ensure effective controls are in place to ensure that cost and service targets are met and exceeded.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, process optimization, and risk mitigation within the function.

Team Leadership, Development and Performance Management:
• Lead, mentor, inspire, and manage a team of IT professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Define roles and responsibilities, set performance goals, and conduct regular performance evaluations.
• Identify training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of the IT team.

IT Strategy and Planning:
• Develop and implement an IT strategy that aligns with the company's overall business objectives.
• Identify and prioritize IT initiatives that support operational efficiency, growth, and competitive advantage.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to recommend innovative solutions for improving business processes.
• Oversee day-to-day IT operations, including user support, troubleshooting, and incident management.
• Oversee the maintenance of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Dynamic 365, to enhance operational efficiency and productivity.
• Assess and recommend digital technologies and solutions that can enable business process automation, data-driven decision-making, and enhanced customer experiences.
• Lead change management efforts to drive digital transformation and ensure the adoption of new technologies and processes across the organization.
• Manage all 3rd party vendor relationships, including selection, contract negotiations, performance monitoring, and issue resolution.
• Identify opportunities where AI can improve system processes and stay up to date with industry best practices, guidelines, and regulations related to the ethical use of AI. Develop and enforce policies and procedures to ensure responsible and ethical deployment of AI technologies within the organization.

Project Management:
• Lead IT projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget and scope.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather requirements, prioritize tasks, and manage project resources.
• Monitor project progress, identify project risks and issues, and implement mitigation strategies for successful delivery.

eCommerce Systems Management
• Oversee the end-to-end implementation of the ecommerce platform, from project planning and resource management to successful delivery.
• Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams as well as the parent company's stakeholders to align on business needs, strategies, exchange best practices, and facilitate knowledge sharing.
• Ensure alignment between project objectives, stakeholder expectations, and project outcomes.
• Oversee day-to-day administration and maintenance of the company's eCommerce platform, ensuring a seamless online shopping experience for customers.
• Manage and optimize the eCommerce infrastructure, including servers, hosting, payment gateways, and security protocols.
• Implement strategies to enhance site performance, conversion rates, and overall user experience.

CRM Systems Management
• Oversee the day-to-day administration and maintenance of the CRM system.
• Develop and execute strategies to drive user adoption of the CRM system across the organization.
• Ensure effective user training is being conducted on system functionalities and best practices.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to gather requirements and identify opportunities for continuous enhancement.
• Utilize CRM system data and reporting capabilities to analyse customer trends, track sales performance, and provide actionable insights to the management team.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and metrics to facilitate data-driven decision-making.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement necessary enhancements or fixes.

Information Security, Compliance, & Data Integrity:
• Implement and manage IT governance frameworks, including change management and disaster recovery plans.
• Establish and enforce robust information security measures to protect the company's data assets and customer information.
• Ensure compliance with relevant data protection and privacy regulations.
• Conduct periodic security assessments and audits and implement necessary controls and remediation measures.
• Ensure data integrity and consistency across all systems.

Requirements

• Undergraduate level qualification in computer science, information technology, or a related field
• Proven experience in a leadership role within an IT department, preferably in the food distribution or logistics industry.
• Relevant experience in either the foodservice industry or B2B e-commerce is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, systems, cyber security and network architecture.
• Must have deep knowledge of Dynamics 365, including configuration, customization, and integration with other systems.
• Must have knowledge of WMS, Warehouse solution optimization, Fleet/Route optimization software, Document Digitization system and Mobile app development.
• Expertise in project management methodologies and tools, specifically
• Familiarity with popular eCommerce platforms and CRM systems used in the food distribution industry.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

About the Company

The Middle East Executive Group has become the first choice for industry professionals wanting to work in the Gulf region.

We understand exactly how supply chain performance and sales performance impacts the bottom line and top line of product led businesses and we have the experience, network & expertise to match skilled professionals with exciting new roles that suit their experience, passion and drive in this highly strategic industry.

Our specialist teams internally are;

• Commercial Management & Sales
• Supply Chain & Logistics
• Strategic HR
• Strategy
• Engineering

The industries we focus on are;

• 3PL / Freight Forwarding
• Food & FMCG
• Medical & Pharmaceutical
• Ecommerce
• Retail
• Engineering