Head of IT at Adexen

Responsibilities

• The Head of IT will provide strategic and tactical leadership to drive technology innovation, operations, and digital transformation in Nigeria.
• This role will align IT initiatives with business goals, enhance operational efficiency, and ensure robust system integration, security, and service delivery.
• The incumbent will manage the full IT portfolio, including infrastructure, enterprise systems (e.g., SAP), IT governance, cybersecurity, and project execution, in close collaboration with Group and Regional IT teams.

Strategy & Governance:

• Develop and implement 3-year IT investment and transformation plans (~N1.5B annually).
• Translate business strategy into technology solutions aligned with Group standards.
• Serve as a senior management team member and lead country-level IT governance.
• Design IT organizational structure, establish KPIs, and manage IT performance metrics.
• Drive IT risk management, business continuity, and disaster recovery planning.

Technology & Systems Management:

• Oversee the deployment and lifecycle of IT infrastructure, enterprise systems (SAP, Salesforce, LabMix, etc.), and industrial applications.
• Ensure high system availability, regulatory compliance, and alignment with enterprise architecture.
• Lead SAP post-implementation optimization and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage IT service delivery, demand planning, and vendor relationships (local, regional, offshore).

Project & Change Management:

• Lead the planning and execution of major IT projects and change initiatives.
• Manage cross-functional teams across business units for effective project delivery.
• Guide end-to-end IT project lifecycle: scoping, budgeting, RFPs, implementation, testing, and go-live support.
• Champion organizational change, user adoption, and process optimization.

Process & Service Excellence:

• Embed process discipline and drive end-to-end business process automation (P2P, O2C, B2R, etc.).
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement through metrics-driven service and process management.
• Ensure data integrity, system integration, and performance across applications.

People & Capability Development:

• Build and lead a high-performing IT team; oversee recruitment, training, and development.
• Drive user education, competency building, and system adoption initiatives.
• Promote knowledge management and establish a sustainable learning culture.

Key Interfaces & Stakeholders:

• Country CFO (IT investments, demand planning)
• Country CEO (Digital transformation)
• Group and EMEA IT Teams (Technical validation, governance)
• External vendors and service providers

Desired Skills and Experience
Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field. A master's degree is an added advantage.
• Professional certification in Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is required.
• IT service management certifications (e.g., ITIL) and/or enterprise architecture (e.g., TOGAF) are desirable.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years' progressive experience in IT leadership roles, with a strong record of managing enterprise technology operations, strategy, and teams.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, execution, and leading digital transformation initiatives within large, complex, matrix organizations.
• Solid exposure to enterprise applications (e.g., SAP), infrastructure, data platforms, cybersecurity, and outsourced IT services.
• Proven experience in systems design, deployment, and lifecycle management, from business requirements to daily operations.
• Adept at managing cross-functional teams and stakeholder relationships at executive levels.
• Deep understanding of business processes (e.g., P2P, O2C, B2R) and their intersection with IT systems.
• Strong command of IT governance, budgeting, procurement, and vendor management.
• Proficient in IT project and program management methodologies.
• Ability to translate business challenges into scalable, innovative technology solutions.
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to IT operations in Nigeria and globally.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Strong customer orientation with a proactive service mindset.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Resilient under pressure with the ability to prioritize effectively in a dynamic environment.
• High integrity, accountability, and professional ethics.

Leadership & Managerial Capabilities:

• Visionary leadership with strategic agility and business acumen.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing, diverse teams.
• Financial management and cost optimization expertise.
• Strong decision-making, conflict resolution, and negotiation skills.
• Track record of developing talent and fostering a learning culture.
• Comfortable operating in a matrix organization with cross-regional collaboration.