Group Head of Information Technology (IT) at Myrtle Management Consultants

Description

• They seek to hire a Group Head of IT. This is a senior leadership and strategic role responsible for overseeing the entire technological landscape of the group, ensuring that IT strategy, infrastructure, and applications align with the overall business objectives and drive innovation across all subsidiaries (Retail, Greenhouse Farm Production, and Real Estate).
• This role is a key custodian of the group’s IT assets and technology future, requiring a forward-thinking, tech-savvy leader with strong strategic capabilities and the presence to engage effectively with the Board.

Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance:

• Develop and execute a cohesive, long-term Group IT strategy and roadmap that supports business growth, efficiency, and competitive advantage across diverse business units (Retail, Agriculture, Real Estate).
• Act as the primary technology advisor to the Board and executive management, presenting technology insights, risks, and strategic recommendations.
• Establish and enforce IT governance frameworks, policies, and best practices to ensure compliance, security, and operational excellence across the Group.
• Manage the Group IT budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and demonstrable return on IT investment (ROI).

Technology and Innovation:

• Drive technological innovation by continually assessing and implementing new, evolved, and relevant technologies (e.g., cloud computing, data analytics, automation) to improve business processes and operational efficiency.
• Ensure that the Group’s IT applications and systems are modern, secure, scalable, and support the specific needs of each subsidiary (e.g., POS systems for Retail, IoT/data platforms for Agriculture, management systems for Real Estate).
• Lead digital transformation initiatives across the Group.
• Maintain a deep understanding of current and emerging technology trends and how they can be leveraged to benefit the business.

IT Operations and Infrastructure:

• Oversee the management, maintenance, and security of the entire Group's IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, data centers, and end-user computing.
• Ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of all critical business systems and applications.
• Develop and maintain robust IT security, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans to protect the Group’s data and assets.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Group IT team, fostering a culture of high performance, innovation, and customer service.
• Define organizational structure and resource needs for the IT function.
• Manage relationships with key technology vendors and service providers.

Business Unit Support:

• Collaborate closely with the leadership teams of Retail Adidas, Greenhouse Farm Production, and Small Real Estate to understand their unique technology requirements and deliver tailored solutions.
• Ensure seamless integration and interoperability of technology systems across all group entities.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in IT, with Minimum of 5+ years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Head of IT, CIO, or CTO), preferably within a diversified group of companies.
• Proven track record of success in developing and executing an IT strategy that aligns with business objectives.
• Deep understanding of modern enterprise technology stacks, including cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure), ERP systems, and data management.

Required Skills and Attributes:

• Tech-Savvy & Innovative: Demonstrated ability to evolve with time, remain technologically aware, and drive innovation.
• Leadership & Board Presence: Strong executive presence, communication, and presentation skills to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to the Board and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking: Exceptional ability to think strategically, plan long-term, and manage complex, multi-faceted projects.
• Business Acumen: Excellent understanding of business operations and financial management.
• Security Focus: Expert knowledge of cybersecurity principles and risk management.
• Adaptability: Experience managing IT for diverse business sectors (Retail, Agriculture, Real Estate is a plus).