Role Summary:
The Information Systems Director (ISD) is responsible for the company's overall IT function, encompassing technical and managerial aspects. This role aligns IT strategy with business objectives, drives digital transformation, and addresses related organizational, human, and financial considerations.
Key Responsibilities:
● IT Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive IT strategy, covering infrastructure (traditional and innovative, such as cloud) and applications (business software, internal/external solutions).
● Business Alignment: Collaborate with business departments to understand their needs and develop an IT roadmap that aligns with their goals, considering technical, business, and financial constraints.
● Organizational Leadership: Drive organizational improvements, including project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall) and human capital development (change management, onboarding, skills enhancement).
● Technology Roadmap: Proactively identify and evaluate emerging technologies (through webinars, industry events, vendor meetings) to inform the technical roadmap.
● Project Delivery: Oversee the full lifecycle of IT projects, including:
* Infrastructure implementation (data centers, cloud solutions).
* Software/package deployment (digital workplace suites, business applications).
* Organizational changes (Agile transformations).
* Data initiatives (KPIs, dashboards, reporting tools, databases, Big Data).
● Project Management: Manage project scope, budget, timelines, and quality.
● Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective project delivery.
● Process Improvement: Implement efficient project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, SAFe, Lean, Kanban).
● Team Leadership: Lead digital transformation and change management initiatives, including workshops, training, and communication.
● Talent Management: Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of IT professionals (managers, project directors, systems engineers, network administrators, developers, cybersecurity specialists), including recruitment, onboarding, training, and career development.
● Stakeholder Engagement: Monitor technology and vendor landscapes to identify solutions that align with business needs and budget. Collaborate with business units across the value chain to understand their challenges, define roadmaps, and ensure successful implementation and support. Communicate IT initiatives and priorities to internal IT teams, external partners, and company management. Regularly engage with senior management.
● Vendor Management: Work with service providers, including consulting firms, for outsourcing and IT management.
● Financial Management: Define and manage the IT budget.
Context and Evolution:
The IT Director role has evolved from a focus on traditional IT to a strategic function closely aligned with business objectives. ISDs now drive digital transformation, implement collaborative platforms, and leverage innovative technologies. They lead IT as a service provider and are accountable for IT's financial performance.
Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
* Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in IT, with significant experience in a leadership role. 15+ years preferred.
* Broad technical expertise across infrastructure and applications.
* Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and tools.
* Excellent English language proficiency.
* Deep understanding of the company's business, strategy, and user needs.
* Solid business acumen and financial management skills.
* Knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks (GDPR).
* Mastery of security standards, including cybersecurity best practices.
Skills and Competencies:
* Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
* Strategic thinking and vision.
* Persuasive communication and influencing abilities.
* Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
* Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
* Adaptability and resilience.
* Tenacity and drive.
* Interest in new technologies and technical issues.
* Ability to simplify complex technical information.
* Crisis management skills.
