Job Openings Group Head of IT

About the job Group Head of IT

Job Title: Group Head, Information Technology

Sector/Industry: Retail Industry
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Work Structure: Onsite

About the Client

Our client is a diversified business group with multiple strategic business units operating across various sectors of the economy. The organization is committed to operational excellence, digital transformation, and innovation, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and maintain a competitive advantage within its markets.

As part of its continued growth and modernization efforts, the organization is seeking an experienced Group Head of Information Technology to lead the design, implementation, and governance of technology initiatives across its subsidiaries while ensuring alignment between IT capabilities and overall business strategy.

Job Summary

You will be responsible for the development and execution of the organizations IT strategy across all subsidiaries and strategic business units. The role will drive digital transformation initiatives, oversee enterprise technology infrastructure, and ensure the implementation of robust cybersecurity and data governance frameworks.

You will lead the IT function across the Group, ensuring that technology systems, platforms, and processes support business growth, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

IT Strategy, Planning & Governance

  • Lead the development and execution of the Group-wide IT strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
  • Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies that support innovation and competitive advantage across the organization.
  • Develop and implement enterprise architecture frameworks that support operational scalability across all subsidiaries.
  • Establish IT governance frameworks, policies, and procedures to ensure consistency, security, and operational efficiency.
  • Coordinate technology steering committees and ensure alignment between IT initiatives and business priorities.
  • Develop and manage the IT budget to ensure optimal allocation of resources and achievement of technology performance targets.

Technology Projects & Digital Transformation

  • Lead the scoping, design, and implementation of major technology initiatives including ERP systems, CRM platforms, e-commerce solutions, and API integrations.
  • Manage vendors, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), consultants, and external partners involved in technology projects.
  • Ensure technology initiatives are delivered within approved timelines, scope, and budget.
  • Champion digital transformation initiatives that improve operational efficiency and modernize business processes.

IT Infrastructure & Technology Operations

  • Oversee the organizations entire IT infrastructure including servers, networks, cloud platforms, and connectivity systems.
  • Ensure infrastructure performance meets requirements for reliability, security, accessibility, and scalability.
  • Manage Group-wide data centers, cloud services, and enterprise technology platforms.
  • Develop and maintain Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) strategies to safeguard business operations.

Enterprise Applications & Systems Management

  • Coordinate the selection and implementation of enterprise applications to improve operational productivity and performance.
  • Manage vendor relationships and contracts for enterprise software, hardware, and cloud services.
  • Ensure seamless integration of systems across subsidiaries to enable consolidated reporting and operational visibility.
  • Promote the adoption of data management platforms, analytics tools, and business intelligence systems for executive decision-making.

Leadership & IT Team Management

  • Define the structure of the Group IT function in collaboration with HR and manage succession planning for key roles.
  • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing IT team across multiple subsidiaries.
  • Oversee the performance of IT Managers across all strategic business units.
  • Ensure technology teams meet service delivery expectations and comply with Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
  • Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the IT function.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Deputy Group CEO

Qualifications/Experience

  • Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related disciplines.
  • A Masters degree or MBA in a relevant field will be an added advantage.
  • Professional certifications such as PRINCE2, PMP, ITIL, CISSP, or related IT governance and security certifications are highly desirable.
  • Minimum of 15 years experience in information technology management, strategic planning, and project management, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.
  • Proven experience managing large-scale enterprise technology projects across complex or multi-business organizations.
  • Demonstrated expertise in IT infrastructure management, vendor management, and IT budget oversight.
  • Hands-on experience implementing enterprise-wide systems such as ERP platforms, CRM solutions, and e-commerce systems.
  • Experience managing regulatory and compliance requirements including SOC audits, GDPR, NDPR, or related frameworks.

Knowledge

  • Enterprise IT strategy development and implementation
  • IT governance frameworks such as COBIT, ITIL, and ISO 27001
  • Cybersecurity principles and risk management frameworks
  • Cloud computing architectures including AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
  • Infrastructure architecture including networks, servers, and end-user computing
  • Enterprise applications including ERP, CRM, and financial systems
  • Data governance, analytics, and information management frameworks
  • Software development lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies
  • Business continuity and disaster recovery planning

Skills

  • Digital transformation leadership
  • Vendor sourcing, negotiation, and contract management
  • Stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration
  • Strategic risk management and problem-solving
  • Project management and technology program leadership
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills

Abilities

  • Strategic thinking and long-term technology vision
  • Ability to thrive in complex, fast-paced environments across multiple business units
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities
  • Resilience, adaptability, and a strong growth mindset
  • Ability to drive innovation and execute transformation initiatives