We are looking to hire a Head of Technology & Digital Transformation who will be responsible defining and executing the strategic technology and digital transformation agenda in alignment with corporate and operational objectives of a complex aviation ecosystem for our client-based Dubai.
This position is a contract role with an initial duration of 12 months and is renewable.
The position leverages deep domain expertise in aviation operations, MRO, flight operations, and aircraft engineering to drive operational resilience, safety, efficiency, cost optimization, and innovation across mission-critical aviation systems. This role will champion advanced digital and operational technologies to improve airside and landside operations, enhance on-time performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and maximize ROI from technology investments, while maintaining robust governance, scalability, and cybersecurity across the IT landscape.
Key responsibilities:
Technology & Digital Strategy (Aviation-Focused)
- Define and lead a forward-looking IT and Digital Strategy aligned with airport and airline operational priorities, covering airside operations, terminal operations, flight operations, MRO, engineering, safety, and ground handling.
- Drive enterprise-wide IT investment planning and prioritization, ensuring alignment with business-critical outcomes such as OTP improvement, aircraft availability, asset utilization, safety performance, and passenger experience.
- Translate complex airport and airline operational challenges into technology roadmaps, KPIs, and measurable outcomes.
Airport, Airline & MRO Systems Enablement
- Lead digital enablement of core aviation systems, including but not limited to:
- Airport Operational Database (AODB)
- Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM)
- Flight Operations & Crew Management Systems
- MRO / AMOS / TRAX / SAP EAM or equivalent
- Aircraft Engineering & Maintenance Planning Systems
- Baggage Handling Systems (BHS)
- Passenger Processing Systems (DCS, CUPPS, CUSS, biometrics)
- Safety, Compliance & Airworthiness systems
- Ensure seamless integration across airport, airline, and third-party systems to support real-time decision making and operational continuity.
Digital Transformation & Innovation
- Identify, design, and deliver digital transformation programs across airport operations, engineering, and flight operations, leveraging:
- Automation & workflow digitization
- Predictive maintenance and reliability analytics
- AI/ML for disruption management and resource optimization
- Data platforms and operational dashboards
- Cloud-native and mobile-first solutions for frontline operations
- Lead proof-of-concepts and pilot programs to validate operational value before enterprise-scale rollout.
Operational Excellence & Service Management
- Ensure high availability, resilience, and performance of mission-critical airport and airline systems, minimizing operational disruption, revenue leakage, and safety risks.
- Drive IT Service Management (ITSM) aligned with aviation operational needs, ensuring:
- Clearly defined and achievable SLAs
- Proactive incident, problem, and change management
- Continuous service improvement to support 24x7 airport operations
- Review service performance regularly and escalate service degradation to executive leadership when required.
Governance, Risk, Security & Compliance
- Establish and maintain robust IT governance frameworks aligned with aviation regulatory requirements and best practices.
- Ensure compliance with information security, data protection, aviation safety, and regulatory standards, including coordination with internal ISR, cybersecurity, and risk teams.
- Oversee enterprise-wide controls to ensure scalability, resilience, and cyber-security of airport and airline systems.
Vendor, Partner & Ecosystem Management
- Build and manage strategic relationships with technology vendors, system integrators, OEMs, start-ups, and aviation technology providers.
- Make informed build vs buy decisions aligned with mobile-first, cloud-first, and digital-first principles.
- Negotiate contracts, SLAs, service credits, and performance metrics; conduct regular service reviews and vendor benchmarking.
Financial & Portfolio Management
- Own the annual IT work programme for the business area and manage associated budgets.
- Ensure delivery of programs within agreed scope, cost, timelines, and quality through active participation in steering committees.
- Drive cost efficiencies, optimize resource utilization, and reduce time-to-market through technology rationalization and modernization.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership
- Partner closely with airport operations, engineering, safety, flight operations, commercial, and customer experience leaders to co-create technology solutions.
- Foster agile ways of working, cross-functional delivery models, and innovation practices.
- Provide strong people leadership by coaching and mentoring high-performing IT and digital teams, enabling continuous development, engagement, and succession planning.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline
- Master’s Degree in Engineering or MBA preferred
- Minimum 15 years of experience in IT, Digital, Product, or Technology Delivery
- At least 5 years in a senior IT leadership role leading large-scale digital or technology transformation programs
- Strong hands-on experience delivering technology programs within airport operations, airline operations, MRO, flight operations, or aircraft engineering environments
- Deep understanding of aviation operational workflows, safety, compliance, and regulatory environments
- Experience working with large, mission-critical, 24x7 operational systems
- PMP, SAFe, or equivalent delivery certifications preferred
- Strong awareness of emerging technologies including AI, data analytics, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and automation
- Fluent in English
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen
- Airport & Airline Operational Insight
- Decision
Availability:
- Preference will be given to candidates available immediately or a maximum 30 days after accepting the offer.
We are looking for a candidate who will be able to work in United Arab Emirates. Please apply with your resume and remember to provide us with your contact details.
We will review your job application within 7 working days. Should your profile fit the requirements of the role a consultant from Edari will be in touch with you to get a deeper understanding of your profile, to discuss the role in more detail and potential next steps.
