Job Description

Foreground is partnering with a digital-first services group in the UAE to appoint a forward-thinking and execution-capable Chief Technology Officer, based in Dubai. This role is integral to the groups technology transformation, as it shifts from legacy operations toward a platform-centric, API-enabled ecosystem spanning fintech, logistics, and enterprise services.
Role Purpose
To lead the strategic design and operational execution of the groups technology agenda, overseeing infrastructure, software development, cybersecurity, data architecture, and digital product delivery, with a strong focus on business enablement and future scalability.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and own the group-wide technology strategy, aligning IT infrastructure, software engineering, and security with commercial and operational goals.
• Oversee architecture decisions across platforms, cloud systems, and integration layers, ensuring seamless connectivity and interoperability across business units.
• Lead the modernization of legacy systems, including ERP migrations, data warehousing, and cloud-native application rollouts.
• Manage the internal development and product engineering teams, ensuring Agile delivery practices, DevSecOps integration, and CI/CD pipelines are institutionalized.
• Establish enterprise data governance, cybersecurity protocols, and access management systems, in collaboration with risk and compliance teams.
• Act as the primary advisor to the CEO on digital investment prioritization, vendor negotiation, and technology partnerships.
• Build a high-performance technology leadership bench, with clear accountability for delivery, support, security, and innovation.
• Represent the group in external technology forums, investor discussions, and digital transformation dialogues within the UAE ecosystem.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 15+ years of experience in technology leadership roles, with at least 5 years as CTO, VP Technology, or Head of Engineering in complex, multi-sector environments.
• Strong experience across enterprise IT, cloud architecture (Azure, AWS), software development, and cybersecurity governance.
• Proven track record of leading technology transformations in regulated environments such as fintech, logistics, or enterprise SaaS.
• Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field, Masters preferred.
• Experience operating in GCC markets, with specific knowledge of UAE digital regulations, data protection laws, and cloud policies.

Preferred Skills & Traits

• Visionary, yet highly practical leader who can drive change across technical and business teams.
• Fluent in English, Arabic is an advantage.
• Commercially astute, with strong communication skills and the ability to engage stakeholders across boardrooms and technical teams alike.

Required Skills:
FinTech ERP CI/CD Compliance Data Warehousing Collaboration Operations Logistics Connectivity Digital Transformation Azure Business Units Pipelines Protection Agile Scalability AWS Arabic Partnerships Accountability Communication Skills Software Development Architecture Infrastructure Integration Strategy Regulations Negotiation Computer Science Security Software Design Engineering Business English Leadership Science Communication Management