Head of IT

UAE

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Head of IT for an established organization with multiple subsidiaries and connected entities. This strategic leadership role reports directly to the CEO and is responsible for developing and executing the IT strategy while ensuring technology supports business objectives across all organizational units.

The Role

The Head of IT will oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems, infrastructure, and security, with primary responsibility for managing the SAP S/4 HANA system. This role provides leadership, direction, and innovation in IT operations, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and enterprise applications while managing day-to-day IT operations and ERP systems.

Scope of Responsibilities

Duties are carried out for the organization and all its subsidiaries, associated, and connected entities, requiring comprehensive oversight of enterprise-wide technology infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

SAP S/4 HANA Management (Primary Focus)

• Manage the SAP S/4 HANA system for the entire organization
• Oversee SAP infrastructure and ensure optimal system performance
• Provide training and development of team members on SAP
• Handle all SAP-related implementation, configuration, and support activities
• Ensure smooth functioning of ERP systems and business applications
• Manage post go-live support and ongoing system optimization

SAP Module Expertise Required

• MM (Materials Management)
• FICO (Financial Accounting & Controlling)
• SD (Sales & Distribution)
• PM (Plant Maintenance)
• HR (Human Resources)
• BI (Business Intelligence)

IT Infrastructure & Operations

• Oversee IT infrastructure including networks, servers, storage, and cloud services
• Ensure performance, reliability, and scalability of all systems
• Manage day-to-day IT operations ensuring business continuity
• Provide IT support to all business units for smooth operations
• Implement and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Establish and enforce IT security policies, procedures, and controls
• Ensure compliance with data protection laws, industry standards, and regulatory requirements
• Implement data protection and access control measures
• Lead efforts in disaster recovery, business continuity, and risk management
• Monitor and respond to security threats and vulnerabilities

Budget & Vendor Management

• Manage IT budgets and financial planning
• Negotiate vendor contracts and optimize IT procurement costs
• Manage relationships with external IT vendors, service providers, and consultants
• Oversee procurement of hardware and software solutions

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the IT team to deliver high performance
• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and performance metrics for IT staff
• Foster a culture of accountability and innovation
• Promote continuous learning and adoption of modern technologies

Digital Transformation & Innovation

• Lead IT projects including ERP/CRM implementations, cloud migration, and automation initiatives
• Collaborate with business units to digitize processes and improve efficiency
• Drive innovation in data analytics, AI, and IoT (where relevant)
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies to enhance productivity
• Drive digitalization and automation initiatives across all functions

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Develop and execute the organization’s IT strategy aligned with business objectives
• Collaborate with leadership on technology roadmap and investments
• Identify opportunities for technology-driven business improvement
• Support organizational growth through scalable IT solutions

Additional Responsibilities

• Handle all ad hoc tasks and projects designated by the CEO
• Ensure IT-related legal and regulatory compliance
• Provide strategic technology counsel to executive leadership

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in IT or related discipline
• SAP Certification is a strong advantage

Experience (Critical Requirement)

• 10-12 years of work experience in core SAP implementation activities
• Extensive experience providing post go-live support
• Proven track record managing SAP systems after implementation
• Experience managing SAP S/4 HANA environments
• Demonstrated expertise across multiple SAP modules (MM, FICO, SD, PM, HR, BI)

Technical Knowledge & Expertise

SAP Expertise (Essential):

• Deep knowledge of SAP S/4 HANA implementation
• Comprehensive understanding of SAP modules:
  • MM (Materials Management)
  • FICO (Financial Accounting & Controlling)
  • SD (Sales & Distribution)
  • PM (Plant Maintenance)
  • HR (Human Resources)
  • BI (Business Intelligence)
• Experience with SAP system configuration, customization, and optimization
• Understanding of SAP integration with other business systems

IT Infrastructure:

• Network architecture and management
• Server and storage systems
• Cloud services (AWS, Azure, or similar)
• Virtualization technologies
• Backup and disaster recovery solutions

Enterprise Applications:

• ERP/CRM systems
• Business intelligence and analytics tools
• Collaboration platforms
• Security and monitoring tools

Essential Skills

Leadership & Management

• Strategic thinking and planning capabilities
• Strong team leadership and mentoring abilities
• Change management expertise
• Project management proficiency
• Vendor and stakeholder management

Communication & Interpersonal

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Strong presentation and documentation abilities
• Cross-functional collaboration skills

Professional Competencies

• Information management expertise
• Organizing and planning capabilities
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Strong initiative and proactive approach
• High reliability and dependability
• Excellent stress tolerance and ability to work under pressure

Problem-Solving & Innovation

• Analytical thinking and troubleshooting skills
• Strategic approach to technology challenges
• Innovation mindset with focus on continuous improvement
• Risk assessment and mitigation capabilities

Why This Opportunity?

This role offers the opportunity to lead IT strategy and operations for an established organization with multiple entities. As Head of IT reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll have significant influence on technology direction and digital transformation initiatives. With primary responsibility for SAP S/4 HANA across the enterprise, you’ll leverage your extensive SAP expertise while driving innovation and efficiency through modern technology solutions.

The position is ideal for an experienced SAP professional ready to take on comprehensive IT leadership responsibilities in a dynamic, multi-entity environment.