Head of IT

Job Introduction Adexen was mandated by an international manufacturing Group (Building Material) to recruit an experienced Head of IT for their operations in Nigeria. The position is based in Lagos, Nigeria. 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 (~₦1.5B 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. Technical & Functional Competencies 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. We thank all applicants however only those selected will be contacted.