Vice President Information Technology (IT Head)

Role & responsibilities

Strategic IT Leadership:

• Develop and execute the organizations IT strategy to support the overall business goals.
• Provide visionary leadership and oversight for all IT operations, including infrastructure, software, network, and cybersecurity.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to define technology needs and digital transformation initiatives.
• Evaluate new technologies and determine their applicability to the companys objectives and market opportunities.

IT Infrastructure & Operations:

• Manage the design, development, and maintenance of the organizations IT systems and infrastructure.
• Ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of internal and external IT systems.
• Oversee the day-to-day operation of data centers, networks, servers, and cloud environments.
• Manage the organizations cybersecurity program, ensuring protection of company data, intellectual property, and customer information.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture, promoting continuous learning and skills development.
• Ensure the team is equipped with the necessary tools and resources to achieve departmental and organizational goals.

Project Management & Execution:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet business requirements.
• Prioritize IT initiatives based on business needs and available resources.
• Develop project plans and risk management strategies to mitigate potential disruptions.

Budget & Vendor Management:

• Develop and manage the IT departments budget, ensuring cost efficiency and alignment with the organizations financial goals.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization through technology solutions and vendor negotiations.
• Establish and maintain relationships with third-party technology vendors and service providers.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management:

• Lead the development and execution of the companys cybersecurity strategy to ensure the protection of systems and data.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and best practices for information security (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, ISO/IEC 27001).
• Oversee risk assessment and mitigation efforts to safeguard company assets and intellectual property.

Data Management & Analytics:

• Oversee the management of enterprise data, ensuring its quality, accessibility, and security.
• Implement data analytics and business intelligence tools to enhance decision-making processes across the organization.
• Collaborate with departments to harness the power of data for improved business outcomes.

Change Management & Innovation:

• Lead digital transformation initiatives, exploring and implementing new technologies to drive innovation.
• Manage change effectively, ensuring smooth transitions for users and stakeholders during IT system upgrades, migrations, or new technology implementations.
• Promote a culture of innovation within the IT team to explore new ways to improve business efficiency and competitiveness.

ERP / SAP HANA Implementation and Optimization:

• Lead the successful deployment, integration, and continuous optimization of SAP S/4HANA, SAP BW/4HANA, and other SAP applications, ensuring they align with business processes and provide real-time analytics and insights.
• Oversee SAP HANA-related initiatives, such as migration to HANA-based systems, data model design, performance tuning, and infrastructure management.
• Continuously assess the performance of SAP HANA systems, ensuring high availability, scalability, and optimal performance.

Develop and Implement IT Governance Framework:

• Design, implement, and maintain an IT governance framework that aligns with organizational goals, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
• Ensure the adoption of relevant IT governance standards such as COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies), ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library), and ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management.
• Lead the implementation of the ERP / SAP HANA governance model ensuring data integrity, security, and efficient use of SAP resources.

Ensure IT Compliance and Regulatory Adherence:

• Ensure that the IT department and SAP systems comply with relevant regulatory requirements, including GDPR, SOX, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and industry-specific standards.
• Oversee the development of policies and procedures related to data governance, access control, and audit trails, especially for SAP S/4HANA and other business-critical applications.
• Stay informed of new and emerging regulations and implement necessary changes in IT practices to ensure compliance.

Preferred candidate profile

• Expertise in IT strategy, project management, and systems integration.
• Strong understanding of current and emerging technologies (e.g., Automation, AI, cloud computing, IoT).
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements, security protocols, and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Certifications (preferred but not a must):

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• ITIL certification (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
• Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)