Digital & IT Strategy and Project Governance Director

Responsibilities:

• Define the Digital & Technology Strategy and develop the Demand Management & Roadmap in partnership with the Head of Digital & IT and business leaders across brands.
• Define and govern Enterprise Architecture standards to ensure all company systems are systematically integrated and scalable for future business growth.
• Manage the organization's overall IT Portfolio, setting priorities, approving, and tracking cross-team project progress (Enterprise Applications, Restaurant Technology, Infrastructure).
• Manage the overall IT budget (IT Portfolio & Budget Management), control spend within approved budget, and track Value Realization of projects post go-live.
• Manage all Vendor & Sourcing relationships for the Digital & IT function, including contract negotiation, SLA tracking, and regular vendor performance evaluation.
• Oversee Service & Experience Design to elevate the digital experience for both internal employees and customers across all brands.
• Drive Digital Innovation — research and monitor emerging technology trends (e.g., AI, Automation) and apply them to business development and competitiveness.
• Manage the Digital & IT Project Management team to deliver projects on plan, quality, budget, and timeline through Stage-gate Governance.
• Establish the IT Governance Framework, policies, and operating standards aligned with company requirements and international standards (e.g., ISO 27001).
• Represent the Digital & IT function in senior management meetings (Monthly Business Review) to report on strategy, project, and budget progress.
• Develop and evaluate team members to build career growth and continuity within the team (Succession Planning).
• Lead Technology Due Diligence for M&A, joint ventures, and new brand expansion, working closely with the Head of Strategy, JV and Channel Management.
• Facilitate the IT Steering Committee across all company brands to align technology priorities, resolve cross-brand resource conflicts, and set consistent technology standards.
• Own enterprise-wide Technology Risk & Business Continuity management, including cybersecurity governance, PDPA compliance, and Disaster Recovery readiness across both in-house and outsourced systems.
• Define and track Technology Investment ROI/KPIs for major programs, and present portfolio health and realized value to the Executive Committee/senior management on a regular basis.
• Plan workforce needs and build organizational capability within the Digital & IT function, including recruitment and development strategy for high-skill technology talent.
• Build and manage strategic partnerships with technology vendors, startups, and innovation ecosystem players to create a pipeline for adopting new technologies (e.g., AI, Automation).
• Lead Change Management for major Digital Transformation initiatives to ensure adoption across head office, store operations, and franchise partners across all brands.

Qualifications:

• Minimum10 years of experience in Information Technology, Digital Transformation, IT Strategy, Technology Consulting, Enterprise Architecture, IT Governance, Program/Portfolio Management or related disciplines.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership/management role with responsibility for complex technology portfolios and cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience developing enterprise Digital/IT strategy and multi-year technology roadmaps.
• Strong experience in large-scale technology transformation and program governance, preferably across ERP, digital/customer platforms, restaurant/retail technology, data/AI and infrastructure.
• Experience in IT portfolio management, investment planning and technology budgeting.
• Strong experience managing technology vendors, outsourcing partners and complex commercial relationships.
• Experience working with senior business executives and translating business strategy into technology priorities.
• Experience in retail, consumer, hospitality or other multi-site businesses would be highly advantageous.