Director – Technology Platforms & Operations

About the role

Own the design, evolution and operational excellence of Aldar's shared technology backbone, ensuring that core platforms, infrastructure and operations provide a secure, scalable and cost-effective foundation that enables business growth, digital transformation and innovation across the Group and its subsidiaries. Own the full lifecycle of Group technology platforms and operational services, balancing reliability and efficiency with continuous modernization and adoption of emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Technology Platform Leadership: Define and evolve the vision and roadmap for all Group technology and digital platforms (cloud, data, AI, integration, automation, digital identity); ensure platforms are designed for reuse, scalability, security-by-design and long-term sustainability; drive adoption across enterprise solutions and divisional teams.
• Cloud, Data & AI Foundations: Own Group cloud strategy and landing zone architecture; lead Group data/analytics platforms; establish AI-ready foundations (data pipelines, MLOps, emerging AI platforms).
• Integration, Automation & Identity: Own enterprise integration/API platforms; lead automation platforms (RPA, workflow, eventing); own customer/digital identity platforms.
• IT Operations & Service Excellence: Own end-to-end technology operations (infrastructure, application support, end-user services); ensure high availability and reliability; drive operational excellence and modernization.
• Financial & Vendor Management: Own platform/operations budgets including cloud spend; implement FinOps governance; manage strategic vendor and MSP relationships.
• Security, Architecture & Governance: Partner with Information Security on risk/compliance; align with Group architecture standards; manage technical debt and platform lifecycle.
• Leadership & Capability Building: Build and lead high-performing platform/operations teams; develop future leaders; foster accountability, reliability and innovation.

What this role is not: Not a keep-the-lights-on infrastructure function (mandate includes platform innovation and AI-ready foundations); not a solution delivery role (owned by Enterprise Solutions); not limited to Aldar corporate - the shared backbone serves all subsidiaries.

Requirements

• 15+ years in senior technology leadership roles within large, complex organizations
• 6+ years of managerial experience in a related field
• Experience with enterprise-scale technology platforms, cloud environments and operations; data platforms, integration and modern engineering practices; managing large vendors/MSPs
• Systems thinker with strong execution discipline; balances rigor with innovation; credible partner to senior leaders; calm and decisive under pressure; comfortable at group scale across subsidiaries
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferable