Director – Digital & Technology

Role overview

This leadership role is responsible for shaping and driving a three-stage digital roadmap: Horizon 1 for smart physical operations, Horizon 2 for a digital marketplace platform, and Horizon 3 for a regional AI-enabled platform. The position also involves making key decisions around platform partnerships and managing technology vendors.

Key responsibilities

• Set the product direction for the digital marketplace, covering B2B trade enablement, tenant-focused services, and additional value-added offerings.
• Lead the creation of AI-enabled features such as demand forecasting, predictive analytics, and smarter supply chain optimisation.
• Build the underlying data architecture needed for advanced analytics and future AI use cases.
• Oversee integrations with the Abu Dhabi Trade & Logistics Platform (ATLP) and other government systems.
• Develop feature plans, prioritisation methods, and MVP definitions for phased platform releases.
• Ensure Phase I technology systems, including CRM, ERP, and access management, are completed in time for the July 2026 go-live.
• Handle technology gap analysis and prepare procurement plans for the systems identified as needed.
• Assess integration requirements between current KEZAD Group infrastructure and the new ADFH setup.
• Run RFPs and support vendor evaluation and selection for new platforms and services.
• Make sure technology rollout is aligned with physical facility readiness for the October 2026 launch.
• Continue to evolve the digital marketplace after launch and guide future feature releases.
• Track platform performance, user adoption, and wider business impact.
• Improve tenant experience and expand digital service offerings on an ongoing basis.
• Steer the transition from smart operations to marketplace capability and onward to the AI-powered regional platform.
• Recruit, guide, and develop a small digital product team as the platform grows.

Stakeholder and leadership responsibilities

• Partner closely with the KEZAD CTO and technology team to make use of existing infrastructure and capabilities.
• Work across Commercial, Operations, and Administration teams to keep digital plans aligned with operational needs.
• Manage relationships with consultants, implementers, and strategic technology advisors.
• Coordinate execution across multiple Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) to support a unified delivery approach.
• Influence stakeholders in a matrix environment where the technology function reports outside the immediate line of control.

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Technology, Supply Chain, or a related discipline is required; an MBA or other advanced degree is preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in digital transformation, product management, or technology strategy.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role such as VP or Director, with experience presenting to board-level stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in launching digital platforms or marketplaces, especially in B2B settings.
• Strong capability in stakeholder management and executive-level communication.
• Ability to influence outcomes and deliver results in complex matrix organisations without direct authority.
• Experience working across commercial, operations, and technology functions.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage tight deadlines and competing priorities.
• A mix of strategic thinking and hands-on delivery capability.
• Substantial experience in digital marketplace or e-commerce platform development, with B2B exposure strongly preferred.
• Industry exposure in food and beverage, FMCG, supply chain, or logistics.
• Working knowledge of AI/ML applications in supply chain, demand forecasting, or predictive analytics.
• Experience with trade platforms, logistics technology, or distribution systems.

Additional information

This role sits across multiple horizons of digital transformation and requires close coordination between technology strategy, implementation planning, vendor management, and operational readiness. The job is based onsite in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates.