Chief Information Officer

* This is a strategic and execution-driven Chief Information Officer role to lead and transform our Corporate Technology strategy. * The ideal candidate has extensive experience in high-growth Retail or B2C companies and will drive innovation, operational excellence, and digital transformation across the region. * Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer, the CIO will spearhead the core Technology strategy while collaborating closely with regional business stakeholders and the Global Tech team. * This role spans 6 countries (UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) and 7 legal entities in a highly dynamic retail environment, leading a team of 11 technology professionals. * The role’s mission is to ensure technology becomes a strategic enabler, driving maximum value to facilitate business success while delighting both customers and employees through seamless innovative solutions.

Key Accountabilities:

STRATEGY

• Develop and execute a forward-thinking technology strategy that supports the Middle East’s growth ambitions while adhering to Global Tech guidelines.
• Define detailed plans and set timelines for the implementation of technical capabilities across the region.
• Continuously refine and improve the regional technology roadmap to maintain relevance and impact.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

• Ensure the technology roadmap and capabilities aligns with the group's Retail and Digital ambition, delivering a seamless customer experience.
• Drive platform stability and reliability to support optimal operations and customer satisfaction.
• Enhance operational efficiency through tech-enabled solutions, empowering the workforce.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to align technology with business objectives and address both short- and long-term needs.
• Own and communicate the regional tech’s priorities, progress, and achievements to global and regional leadership.
• Leverage stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement of solutions and technologies.

OPERATIONS & PROCESSES

• Contribute to the development of the GlobalTech Operating Model, optimizing shared capabilities within group.
• Maximize global solutions and resources to enhance regional economies of scale and competence.
• Ensure business continuity and cyber resilience across regional operations.
• Manage the deployment of technology initiatives, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence & effective risk management.
• Identify and harness emerging technological opportunities to maintain competitive leadership.

TEAM LEADERSHIP

• Set ambitious goals for the technology team and ensure achievement within allocated budgets and timelines.
• Foster a high-performance culture within the team, creating strong ties within the Global Tech community.
• Actively mentor and develop team members to support their professional growth and align efforts with business priorities.

Skills & Qualifications Required:

• Master’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field.
• Over 15 years of technology leadership experience, leading cross-functional teams in complex, multi-country environments.
• Proven expertise in leading and scaling high-performing technical teams across solutions design, development, product management, data platforms, security, and infrastructure operations.
• Experience in managing third-party integrations and optimizing partner collaborations.
• Strong customer focus, with the ability to design and deliver customer-centric technology solutions.
  

Personal Attributes:

• Visionary leadership: Unafraid to challenge norms, think outside the box, and push boundaries to drive innovation.
• Decisive & results-oriented: Ability to make timely, effective decisions and deliver on ambitious goals.
• Collaborative & inclusive: Builds trust and fosters collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders within & beyond the group
• Energetic & passionate: Operates with a can-do mindset and enthusiasm for collective success.
• Adaptable & resilient: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment with a commitment to continuous improvement.