JOB PURPOSE

We are seeking a strategic and delivery-focused Senior Manager – Technology to lead the development and execution of the organization's technology roadmap and transformation strategy.

The role will play a key part in establishing a new internal IT department and transitioning outsourced IT services to an in-house operating model, while ensuring operational continuity, service quality and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will combine technology strategy, project delivery and strong technical understanding, with the ability to align technology investments and initiatives with organizational priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Roadmap Development

• Develop and execute a forward-looking technology strategy aligned with organizational goals.

• Lead the development of a multi-year technology roadmap covering infrastructure, applications, data and service delivery.

• Work with senior leadership and external consultants to define future-state architecture and transformation priorities.

• Develop and manage technology budget forecasts and ensure project expenditure aligns with governance requirements.

IT Department Establishment & Transition

• Design and implement the structure, governance and operating model for the new internal IT department.

• Lead the transition of outsourced IT services to in-house operations, ensuring service continuity and quality.

• Build sustainable internal technology capabilities and reduce dependency on external providers.

• Establish processes for IT service management, performance monitoring, governance and compliance.

Technology Transformation & Delivery

• Lead technology transformation initiatives across infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, applications and service delivery.

• Champion Agile methodologies and iterative delivery across technology projects.

• Facilitate user-centric solution development and translate business requirements into technology solutions.

• Manage cross-functional delivery teams, external consultants and technology vendors.

• Ensure technology projects are delivered in line with agreed scope, timelines, budgets and business priorities.

IT Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Take ownership of IT operations following the transition to the internal operating model.

• Ensure technology environments are stable, secure, scalable and high-performing.

• Establish KPIs and reporting mechanisms to monitor service delivery and operational performance.

• Drive continuous improvement, innovation and proactive problem-solving across technology operations.

Vendor, Procurement & Budget Management

• Manage technology vendors, managed service providers and external consultants.

• Support technology procurement activities, including tender preparation, bidder evaluation and proposal review.

• Manage project and operational technology budgets in line with organizational governance.

• Monitor vendor performance, service levels, contractual obligations and delivery quality.

Stakeholder Management & Reporting

• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and business functions.

• Provide clear project, transformation and operational progress reports to executive management.

• Communicate technology risks, priorities, performance and investment requirements effectively.

• Ensure technology initiatives remain aligned with organizational objectives and user needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or a related field.

• Relevant certifications in IT, Cybersecurity, IT Service Management and/or Project Management are an advantage.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 6 years' experience in technology leadership roles, preferably within complex or transforming organizations.

• Minimum 3 years' professional work experience in the UAE – mandatory.

• Strong experience in IT strategy, technology transformation and IT operations.

• Strong knowledge across infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity and enterprise applications.

• Demonstrated experience building and leading high-performing technology teams.

• Experience establishing or developing internal IT capabilities and operating models.

• Experience managing vendor/service transitions, ideally transitioning outsourced services to in-house operations.

• Strong experience in technology budgeting, procurement and vendor management.

• Experience preparing/reviewing tenders and bidder proposals.

• Experience providing project and operational reporting to senior/executive management.

• Solid understanding of enterprise architecture and modern IT service delivery models.