Group Technology Director

Job Purpose

The Director of Technology will lead the organization's technology vision, strategy, and execution across retail, distribution, and FMCG operations. This role ensures the creation of robust, secure, and scalable technology ecosystems that drive operational excellence, digital transformation, and business growth.

The DT will champion innovation, cyber resilience, and team development, fostering a culture of openness, collaboration, and continuous learning. As a key business partner, the DT will align technology initiatives with commercial goals, enhance customer experience, and position the company as a digitally advanced retail and distribution enterprise.

Minimum Qualification / Experience

▪ Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering (MBA preferred).

▪ 10-15 years of progressive IT leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior role (Head of IT) within FMCG, retail, or distribution industries.

▪ Proven expertise in SAP ERP, LS Retail, POS, and related retail technology systems.

▪ Strong background in digital transformation, AI/ML, data analytics, automation, and cloud computing (Azure/AWS).

▪ Demonstrated success in cybersecurity governance, risk management, and business continuity planning.

▪ Experience in managing large-scale infrastructure and applications teams with a focus on performance, development, and engagement.

▪ Deep understanding of omnichannel retail, direct-to-consumer (D2C) platforms, and e-commerce integration.

▪ Strong project management, vendor negotiation, and financial planning skills.

▪ Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management capabilities.

Communication and Working Relationships

Internal

▪ Group CEO and Heads of Departments

▪ Direct reports: IT Head – Infrastructure, IT Head – Applications.

External

▪ Technology partners, software vendors, consultants, and cybersecurity experts.

▪ Industry forums, benchmarking networks, and cloud service providers.

▪ Auditors and regulatory bodies where applicable.

Key Dimensions and Deliverables

Technology & Digital Strategy

▪ Develop and execute a comprehensive Technology & Digital Transformation Roadmap aligned with business objectives.

▪ Lead the integration of SAP, LS Retail, POS, CRM, and supply chain platforms for seamless end-to-end operations.

▪ Drive adoption of emerging technologies (AI, IoT, RPA, data analytics) to enhance efficiency, customer engagement, and competitive advantage.

▪ Build omnichannel and D2C capabilities, ensuring unified customer experiences across physical and digital touchpoints.

Retail Systems & Store Operations Stability

▪ Ensure end-to-end stability of retail systems (POS, LS Retail, pricing, promotions, tenders, inventory sync).

▪ Fix existing POS and LS Retail configuration errors caused by implementation bugs.

▪ Reduce store downtime through proactive monitoring and rapid issue resolution frameworks.

▪ Implement automated controls to prevent pricing mismatches and stock inaccuracies.

Enterprise Architecture, Integration & System Consolidation

▪ Create a unified integration architecture (API-led, event-driven) connecting SAP, LS, POS, loyalty, mobile apps, and supply chain.

▪ Eliminate or upgrade home-grown applications that pose operational or security risk.

▪ Establish master data governance with single source of truth.

▪ Standardize platforms across countries to reduce fragmentation and support complexity.

Service Delivery, ITSM & Response Governance

▪ Implement IT Service Management (ITSM) framework with SLAs for ticket closure.

▪ Establish clear accountability for application and infra support teams.

▪ Deploy performance dashboards for ticket ageing, resolution rate, and SLA adherence.

▪ Conduct regular root-cause analysis for recurring issues and enforce corrective actions.

Cybersecurity, Risk, and Compliance

▪ Establish a robust cybersecurity framework to safeguard data, systems, and customer information.

▪ Implement proactive incident response and recovery mechanisms.

▪ Oversee IT governance, compliance, and adherence to international data protection standards.

▪ Monitor and mitigate third-party IT risks.

Infrastructure & Applications Management

▪ Ensure high availability, reliability, and scalability of IT systems supporting retail and distribution operations.

▪ Oversee performance, optimization, and modernization of SAP, LS Retail, POS, and other enterprise systems.

▪ Drive cloud-first architecture, platform-based integrations, and agile/DevOps practices for faster delivery.

Data, Analytics & Innovation

▪ Build and lead data analytics and business intelligence initiatives for insight-driven decisions.

▪ Introduce predictive analytics and AI/ML models for demand forecasting, customer analytics, and supply optimization.

▪ Encourage innovation by creating a test-and-learn culture and piloting new technologies.

People & Culture Leadership

▪ Develop and mentor IT leaders; foster a culture of learning, ownership, and innovation.

▪ Implement structured programs for training, performance management, and career progression.

▪ Build a high-performing, collaborative team across infrastructure and applications.

▪ Recognize and reward excellence, promoting employee engagement and retention.

Business Partnership & Value Delivery

▪ Act as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on technology trends and opportunities.

▪ Align IT investments with measurable business outcomes — growth, cost optimization, and improved operational agility.

▪ Manage IT budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness, ROI, and governance over technology spend.

▪ Champion responsible technology and sustainability initiatives (Green IT, ethical data use, and digital responsibility).

Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery

▪ Implement BCP and DR plans across all platforms including SAP, LS Retail, POS, and DC systems.

▪ Conduct periodic DR drills and publish RPO/RTO metrics.

▪ Strengthen backup architecture with immutable backups and cyber-safe vaulting.

▪ Ensure redundancy across networks, data centres, VPN, and store systems.

Vendor Governance & Contract Management

▪ Evaluate vendors and enforce performance SLAs and penalties.

▪ Implement structured vendor management framework (reviews, KPIs, audits).

▪ Negotiate cost-effective contracts aligned with long-term tech goals.

▪ Reduce dependency on single external resource groups.

5. Operating Environment

▪ Multi-site FMCG retail and distribution business with 50+ retail outlets and a large-scale supply chain operation.

▪ Fast-paced and dynamic environment requiring constant innovation, cybersecurity vigilance, and operational efficiency.

▪ Exposure to digital commerce, omnichannel integrations, and data-driven decision systems.

▪ Collaborative leadership environment emphasizing cross-functional alignment and change management.

Key Competencies

Functional

▪ Retail Technology & Enterprise Systems

▪ Cybersecurity & Risk Management

▪ Enterprise Architecture & Integrations

▪ Infrastructure & Application Management

▪ Data, Analytics & Digital Transformation

Behaviour

▪ Accountability & Ownership

▪ Collaboration & Teamwork

▪ Change Agility & Innovation

▪ Strategic Thinking

▪ People Development & Leadership