Chief Technology & Digital Transformation Officer ( Manufacturing )

Role Purpose

The Chief Technology & Digital Transformation Officer (CTDTO) serves as a pivotal executive leader responsible for architecting and executing a comprehensive enterprise-wide technology and digital transformation strategy. This role is instrumental in driving business growth, operational excellence, innovation, and long-term competitiveness through the strategic integration of IT infrastructure, digital platforms, data analytics, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. The CTDTO ensures alignment between technology initiatives and corporate objectives, fostering value creation and meeting shareholder expectations while maintaining robust cyber resilience.

Key Accountabilities

Enterprise Technology & Digital Strategy

The CTDTO is tasked with developing and owning a forward-looking 3-5 year Technology & Digital Transformation Roadmap that is fully aligned with the organization’s corporate and business strategies. This involves translating high-level business objectives into scalable digital platforms, robust architectures, and capability roadmaps. A critical focus includes leading the modernization of legacy systems, facilitating seamless transitions to cloud-based environments, and championing data-driven, AI-enabled operating models that enhance efficiency and agility.

Digital Transformation & Innovation

Driving end-to-end digital transformation across the organization’s core value chains—spanning manufacturing, supply chain, sales, customer experience, finance, human resources, and governance—is a core responsibility. The CTDTO establishes robust innovation frameworks, digital labs, and strategic partnerships with technology providers, startups, and academic institutions. Additionally, the role involves championing automation initiatives, Industry 4.0 adoption, IoT integration, advanced analytics, and the implementation of smart operations to optimize performance and competitiveness.

IT & Enterprise Architecture

Owning the enterprise architecture, applications landscape, infrastructure, cloud strategy, and integration platforms is central to this role. The CTDTO ensures interoperability, scalability, high performance, and business continuity across all systems. This includes leading the strategic direction and governance of critical enterprise platforms such as ERP, CRM, WMS, MES, PLM, BI, and other core systems that underpin operational excellence.

Cybersecurity & Technology Risk

The CTDTO is responsible for establishing and overseeing enterprise-wide cybersecurity, data privacy, and resilience frameworks. Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and preparing the organization for IPO-readiness—including adherence to standards such as ISO 27001, NCA, PDPL, SOX-ITGC, and expectations from regulatory bodies like CMA/SEC—is essential. The role also includes leading disaster recovery planning, business continuity strategies, and crisis response readiness to safeguard organizational assets and operations.

Data, Analytics & AI

Building a unified data strategy encompassing governance, data quality, master data management, analytics, AI/ML, and decision intelligence is a key deliverable. The CTDTO enables real-time executive dashboards, predictive analytics, and AI-driven decision support systems to enhance strategic and operational decision-making. Ensuring the ethical, secure, and compliant use of AI and advanced analytics remains a priority to mitigate risks and uphold organizational integrity.

Technology Governance & Investment

The CTDTO chairs the Technology Investment Committee and leads the Digital Portfolio Review, prioritizing initiatives based on business value, return on investment (ROI), risk assessment, and strategic alignment. This includes managing technology budgets, vendor relationships, contracts, and sourcing strategies to optimize resource allocation and drive cost efficiency.

Organization & Talent

Building and leading a high-performing technology and digital organization—encompassing IT, Digital, Data, Cybersecurity, Project Management Office (PMO), and Architecture teams—is fundamental. The CTDTO develops future-ready digital skills, cultivates leadership pipelines, and implements succession plans. Embedding agile, product-oriented, and value-delivery operating models ensures the organization remains adaptive and competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Board & Executive Advisory

Acting as a trusted strategic advisor to the CEO and Board, the CTDTO provides insights on technology trends, digital risks, and competitive disruptions. Presenting digital transformation progress, investment cases, and risk dashboards to the Board and Audit/Risk Committees ensures transparency and alignment with corporate governance standards.

Key Deliverables

• Group Digital & Technology Strategy and 3-Year Roadmap
• Enterprise Architecture Blueprint
• Cybersecurity & Data Governance Framework
• Digital Transformation Portfolio, including business cases, ROI analysis, and milestones
• Industry 4.0 / Smart Factory Program
• AI & Advanced Analytics Enablement Program
• IT Operating Model & Talent Strategy

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
• Master’s degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) preferred
• Professional certifications such as CIO, TOGAF, PMP, ITIL, CISSP, CISM, or Cloud Architect are advantageous

Experience

• 15-25 years of progressive leadership experience in Technology, Digital Transformation, or IT
• Proven track record as a CIO, Chief Digital Transformation Officer (CDTO), CTO, or equivalent at an enterprise or group level
• Demonstrated leadership in large-scale ERP, cloud migration, data management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation initiatives
• Experience in regulated, IPO-ready, or publicly listed environments is highly desirable