Director – Digital & Technology

Role Overview

Director – Digital & Technology at AD Ports Group. This senior strategic role requires a leader who can operate at board level while driving hands-on execution, bridging technology and business strategy, and managing a complex matrix environment across Commercial, Operations, and Technology teams.

Role Purpose

Lead digital transformation strategy and execution for ADFH, positioning it as a trade hub rather than a traditional distribution facility. Own the business case and ROI modeling for digital marketplace and AI capabilities development while managing the evolution from smart operations through marketplace to AI-powered regional platform.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Board-Level Engagement

• Lead digital transformation strategy and roadmap for ADFH, positioning it as a trade hub rather than a traditional distribution facility.
• Present strategic recommendations to board-level stakeholders including platform partnerships, technology investments, and go-to-market strategies.
• Align digital initiatives with AD Ports, KEZAD and ADFH vision and demonstrate national priorities integration.
• Make critical partnership decisions evaluating global platforms versus proprietary development.
• Own the business case and ROI modeling for digital marketplace and AI capabilities development.
• Manage evolution from Horizon 1 (smart operations) through Horizon 2 (marketplace) to Horizon 3 (AI-powered regional platform).

Digital Marketplace & Product Strategy

• Define and execute digital marketplace product strategy, including B2B trade enablement, tenant services, and value-added services.
• 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.
• Monitor platform performance, user adoption metrics, and business outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement of tenant experience and digital service offerings.

AI & Data Capabilities

• 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.

Technology Implementation & Systems Management

• 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.
• Lead RFP processes and vendor selection for new technology platforms and services.
• Manage integration with Abu Dhabi Trade & Logistics Platform (ATLP) and other government systems.

Integration & Infrastructure Coordination

• Coordinate integration assessments between existing KEZAD Group infrastructure and new ADFH requirements.
• Collaborate with KEZAD CTO and technology team to leverage existing infrastructure and capabilities.
• Ensure seamless coordination between technology implementation and physical facility readiness for October 2026 launch.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• 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.

Team Development

• Build and lead a small digital product team as the platform scales.

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.