IT Head

Job Purpose:

The IT Head will lead the design, development, implementation, and operation of the entire Information Technology function for Misr Fertilizers across its Cairo office and the greenfield plant site in Ain Sokhna.

The role carries full accountability for:

• IT Strategy: Developing and executing the IT strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• SAP/ERP Landscape: Overseeing SAP/ERP systems and ensuring effective integration with business operations.
• IT Infrastructure: Managing networks, data centers, cloud environments, and IT/OT convergence.
• Cybersecurity: Ensuring information security, data protection, and risk management.
• IT Governance: Establishing and maintaining IT policies, standards, and governance frameworks.
• Greenfield Project: Leading the establishment and implementation of IT systems and infrastructure from the ground up to ensure operational readiness.

The role reports to the CFO and works closely with global IT organization to ensure alignment with group standards, policies, and best practices.

Requirements

Core Responsibilities

IT Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute the IT strategy and roadmap aligned to business objectives and global IT framework.
• Build, lead and mentor a high-performing IT team across applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity and service desk functions.
• Own the IT budget, capex/opex planning, and vendor and contract management.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO and the Egypt leadership team on technology-enabled business decisions.

Greenfield Project Delivery

• Lead end-to-end IT and OT infrastructure planning and deployment for the new Ain Sokhna plant - from site network and data center design through to go-live.
• Partner with EPC contractors, engineering teams and global IT to ensure IT/OT systems (SCADA/DCS interfaces, plant network, industrial cybersecurity) are integrated securely with corporate systems.
• Establish IT policies, standards and support models for a brand-new site with no legacy constraints.

Digitisation & Process Automation

• Lead enterprise-wide digitisation of business processes across finance, supply chain, procurement and manufacturing, reducing manual and paper-based workflows.
• Champion automation (RPA, workflow and document management tools) and digital collaboration platforms to improve efficiency, accuracy and turnaround time.
• Partner with process engineering to enable Industry 4.0/IoT capabilities at the greenfield plant - real-time production data, digital dashboards and predictive maintenance.
• Promote a data-driven culture through BI/analytics and MIS reporting that supports faster, better-informed management decisions.

SAP & Enterprise Applications

• Own the SAP landscape - implementation, rollout, upgrades and ongoing support - across finance, supply chain, manufacturing and other modules.
• Ensure business processes are digitized and standardized in line with SAP template and best practices.
• Manage other enterprise applications (HRIS, CRM, reporting/BI tools) and their integration with SAP.

Infrastructure & Operations

• Design and manage IT infrastructure - network, data center, cloud, end-user computing and telecom - for both the Cairo office and the Ain Sokhna plant.
• Ensure high availability, disaster recovery and business continuity across all sites.
• Drive infrastructure scalability to support the plant’s ramp-up from construction through full operations.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Develop and implement a cybersecurity strategy covering IT and OT environments, including network segmentation, endpoint protection, identity & access management, and incident response.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Egyptian data protection and cybersecurity regulations, alongside global security standards.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, audits and security awareness programs.

Governance, Compliance & Stakeholder Management

• Ensure IT controls support internal audit, financial controls and statutory compliance in Egypt.
• Liaise with Group IT organization to align on architecture, standards and reporting.
• Manage relationships with technology vendors, system integrators and local regulatory/telecom authorities in Egypt.

Key Interactions

Internal: CEO, Engineering, Procurement, Projects team, Operations, HR, Administration, Security teams

External: EPC contractors and subcontractors, Equipment suppliers and consultants, Regulatory and government authorities, Local communities and external stakeholders, Emergency response agencies, Auditors and certification bodies

Experience Skills / Knowledge / Competencies Performance Measures

• 15+ years of progressive IT experience, including at least 5 years heading the IT function (Head of IT / IT Director / CIO) for a medium-to-large business, preferably in manufacturing, process/chemical or fertilizer industries.
• Strong, hands-on understanding of SAP, including implementation and support experience across core modules (FI/CO, MM, PP, SD).
• Proven expertise in IT infrastructure (network, data center, cloud, end-user computing) and cybersecurity (governance frameworks, IT/OT security).
• Experience setting up IT/OT systems for a greenfield project is a strong advantage.
• Sound understanding of the Egyptian business, regulatory and telecom/vendor landscape.
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution capability
• Strong leadership and team-building skills
• Change management and process orientation
• Vendor and budget management
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, greenfield/start-up environment
• High integrity and governance mindset • Greenfield IT/OT go-live (network, data center, SCADA/DCS interfaces, ERP) delivered on schedule and within approved budget
• SAP rollout and upgrade milestones met; system availability of 99.5%+ for SAP and critical applications
• IT budget adherence (capex/opex) within ±5% of plan; vendor SLA compliance and contract savings
• Zero critical cybersecurity incidents; closure of audit and vulnerability findings within agreed timelines
• Uptime of 99.9%+ for core network and data center; DR/BCP tests completed at least annually with RTO/RPO met
• Service desk SLA adherence (90%+) and user satisfaction score of 4/5 or above
• Number of processes digitised/automated and reduction in manual, paper-based workflows vs. annual target
• Clean internal audit and IT general controls results; compliance with Group IT standards and Egyptian regulations
• Team capability: key roles staffed, training plan delivered and low attrition in IT team

Education Certification / Software Language

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering or a related field; MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.
• MS Office
• SAP (mandatory)
• Other ERP tools • English
• Arabic

Details marked (*) are not mandatory requirements but are preferences