Group Chief Information Officer - Conglomerate (15-30 yrs)

Position Overview:

We are hiring for a confidential Group Chief Information Officer for one of our African Conglomerate client based out in Nigeria. Candidates must have experience in retail industry.

The Group CIO will be responsible for driving the organization's technology strategy, digital transformation, and IT operations across the conglomerate's retail businesses. The role involves overseeing IT infrastructure, managing technology investments, and aligning IT initiatives with the company's business objectives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the retail industry and a proven track record of leading large-scale technology initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

1. IT Strategy and Leadership:

- Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with the organization's retail business goals.

- Collaborate with senior management to identify technology opportunities that drive business growth and operational efficiency.

- Lead digital transformation initiatives, including e-commerce platforms, customer relationship management (CRM), and retail point-of-sale (POS) systems.

2. Financial Oversight:

- Manage the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets.

- Monitor IT expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and optimize budget allocation to drive business impact.

- Evaluate technology investments and ROI to ensure alignment with business objectives.

3. Technology Operations and Systems Management:

- Oversee the planning, deployment, and maintenance of IT systems and retail operations technology (e.g., POS, inventory management, and ERP systems).

- Implement scalable and reliable solutions to support multi-location retail operations and enhance productivity.

- Manage the organization's software development lifecycle for in-house and third-party retail technology solutions.

4. Hardware and Infrastructure Management:

- Manage hardware procurement processes, ensuring cost-effective and reliable equipment to support business operations.

- Oversee vendor relationships and negotiate favorable terms to optimize procurement processes.

- Ensure robust IT infrastructure, including data centers, networks, and cloud services.

5. Policy Development and Governance:

- Develop and implement comprehensive IT policies, procedures, and best practices.

- Enforce IT governance and security protocols to protect company data and ensure compliance with industry standards.

- Regularly update practices to align with evolving technology trends and regulatory requirements.

6. Vendor and Service Provider Management:

- Establish and maintain strong relationships with technology vendors, contractors, and service providers.

- Negotiate contracts, evaluate performance, and ensure high-quality service delivery.

- Manage third-party integrations and technology partnerships.

7. Digital Transformation and Innovation:

- Drive digital innovation initiatives, including AI-driven retail analytics, IoT, and automation to enhance customer experience.

- Implement omnichannel retail solutions, integrating e-commerce, mobile apps, and in-store technologies.

- Utilize data analytics to improve customer insights, sales forecasting, and inventory management.

8. Leadership and Team Development:

- Lead, mentor, and develop the IT department, fostering a high-performance team culture.

- Set departmental goals and ensure alignment with organizational priorities.

- Build a diverse and inclusive IT workforce, encouraging innovation and collaboration.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. MBA preferred.

- Minimum 15 years of experience in IT leadership roles, with significant exposure to the retail industry.

- Proven experience in managing large-scale IT operations, digital transformation projects, and ERP systems.

- Strong understanding of retail technologies, including POS systems, inventory management, CRM, and e-commerce platforms.

- Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and vendor management.

- Knowledge of cybersecurity, IT compliance, and data protection regulations.

- Experience working within large, diverse, and multicultural organizations, preferably in Africa or emerging markets.

Skills & Competencies:

- Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement long-term IT strategies aligned with business goals.

- Leadership: Strong team management skills with a focus on mentorship and professional development.

- Retail Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of retail operations and technology trends.

- Digital Transformation: Experience in driving innovation and implementing digital solutions.

- Vendor Management: Skilled in managing third-party relationships and negotiating contracts.

- Financial Acumen: Strong budget management and cost-control capabilities.

- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the stakeholders.