Country IT Head

Job Description

The Country IT Head will provide strategic vision and executive leadership for all Information Technology functions within the country's manufacturing operations. This role is critical for driving digital transformation, ensuring IT infrastructure aligns with business goals, and maintaining a high level of information security. The successful candidate will lead a team and manage a portfolio of projects, including large-scale SAP, Microsoft, and cybersecurity initiatives.

Job Location : Lagos,Nigeria

Key Deliverables

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and execute the country's IT strategy and roadmap in alignment with global IT and local business objectives, focusing on driving efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage through technology.
• Manage the country's IT budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation for projects, operations, and strategic investments. Establish and report on key IT performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the effectiveness and value of IT services and investments.

Digital Transformation & Technology Management

• Lead and champion digitization initiatives across the value chain (e.g., smart factory, supply chain optimization, advanced analytics).
• Oversee the implementation, maintenance, and optimization of the SAP landscape, ensuring robust system performance, integration with manufacturing execution systems (MES), and compliance with global standards.
• Direct the management and leverage of the Microsoft enterprise ecosystem (e.g., Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics) to enhance collaboration, productivity, and cloud adoption.

Information Security & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive Information Security (Infosec) strategy to protect the company's critical assets, intellectual property, and data across all manufacturing sites.
• Lead major cybersecurity projects and tool implementations (e.g., endpoint detection and response, security information and event management - SIEM).
• Ensure IT operations and projects comply with all relevant local and global regulations, industry standards, and internal policies (e.g., data privacy, IT general controls). 
• Lead, mentor, and develop the local IT team, fostering a high-performance, customer-focused, and innovative culture.
• Manage relationships with key external vendors, service providers, and technology partners to ensure high-quality service delivery and favorable commercial terms.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in Information Technology, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership or head of IT role, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial organization.
• Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale digital transformation and enterprise-wide IT projects.
• Deep and practical expertise in SAP (e.g., ECC/S/4HANA implementation, functional support, integration with manufacturing).
• Strong understanding of modern Microsoft technologies (e.g., Cloud platforms like Azure, M365 suite, data/AI services).
• Extensive experience developing and managing an enterprise Information Security program and deploying relevant security tools.
• Familiarity with IT governance frameworks (e.g., ITIL, COBIT) and manufacturing IT standards.

Competencies

• Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and engaging stakeholders at all levels, from the shop floor to executive leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with a focus on team development and change management.
• Strong project and program management capabilities, ensuring initiatives are delivered on time and within budget.