Director – Digital & Technology

Role Overview

Director – Digital & Technology at AD Ports Group. This role owns the three-horizon digital roadmap spanning smart physical operations (Horizon 1), digital marketplace platform (Horizon 2), and regional AI-powered platform (Horizon 3), while navigating critical platform partnership decisions and technology vendor relationships.

Role Purpose

Define and execute a comprehensive digital transformation strategy across multiple horizons, launching and evolving a B2B digital marketplace platform while establishing foundational AI and data capabilities to support regional expansion and supply chain optimization.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Strategy & Product Management

• Define and execute digital marketplace product strategy, including B2B trade enablement, tenant services, and value-added services.
• Drive development of AI-powered capabilities including demand forecasting, predictive analytics, and intelligent supply chain optimization.
• Establish data architecture foundation to support advanced analytics and future AI capabilities.
• Define feature roadmaps, prioritization frameworks, and MVP scoping for iterative platform releases.
• Own ongoing digital marketplace platform evolution and feature releases after October 2026 launch.
• Manage evolution from Horizon 1 (smart operations) through Horizon 2 (marketplace) to Horizon 3 (AI-powered regional platform).

Platform Implementation & Integration

• Manage integration with Abu Dhabi Trade & Logistics Platform (ATLP) and other government systems.
• Oversee completion of Phase I technology systems (CRM, ERP, access management) with July 2026 go-live deadline.
• Manage technology gap assessment and procurement planning for identified system needs.
• Coordinate integration assessments between existing KEZAD Group infrastructure and new ADFH requirements.
• Lead RFP processes and vendor selection for new technology platforms and services.
• Ensure seamless coordination between technology implementation and physical facility readiness for October 2026 launch.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor platform performance, user adoption metrics, and business outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement of tenant experience and digital service offerings.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Build and lead a small digital product team as the platform scales.
• Collaborate with KEZAD CTO and technology team to leverage existing infrastructure and capabilities.
• Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, and Administration teams to align digital strategy with operational priorities.
• Manage consultant and vendor relationships including technology implementers and strategic advisors.
• Coordinate across multiple Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) to ensure integrated execution.
• Influence without direct authority in a matrix environment where technology team reports to ADFH CEO and KEZAD Group.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, Technology, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years' experience in digital transformation, product management, or technology strategy roles.
• 5+ years at senior leadership level (VP, Director, or equivalent) with board-level presentation experience.
• Proven track record of launching digital platforms or marketplaces, preferably in B2B environments.
• Deep experience in digital marketplace or e-commerce platform development (B2B strongly preferred).
• Background in food & beverage, FMCG, supply chain, or logistics industries.
• Experience with trade platforms, logistics technology, or distribution systems.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Proven ability to influence and drive results in complex matrix organizations without direct authority.
• Experience coordinating across multiple functional teams (Commercial, Operations, Technology).
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage aggressive timelines and competing priorities.
• Balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution capability.
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications in supply chain, demand forecasting, or predictive analytics.