Role Overview
The Vice President of Digital and Technology at Miral Destinations will lead the strategy and management (design, development, implementation and maintenance) of digital and information systems, e-commerce platforms, technology architecture, and infrastructure across the MD business. This role will oversee end-to-end technology operations, including software and IT applications support, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, project management, CRM, and database management. The VP will ensure that digital and technology initiatives align with business objectives, enhance customer experience, and drive operational efficiency. Additionally, this executive role involves managing vendor relationships through procurement processes and effectively communicating with internal and external stakeholders to promote a cohesive and integrated digital strategy. The ideal candidate must be able to build technology use cases, business cases for introducing new / upgrading existing technology and on-boarding relevant team members or agencies. The candidate must showcase the ability to work with enterprise architecture with experience in travel, tourism and hospitality distribution technology.
Role Scope
Strategic Leadership and Technology Vision
- Develop and execute a comprehensive digital and technology strategy that supports Miral Destinations’ business goals and growth objectives.
- Lead digital transformation initiatives to modernize systems, enhance digital e-commerce capabilities, and drive customer engagement.
- Act as a technology visionary, identifying opportunities for innovation and ensuring Miral Destinations remains at the forefront of digital trends in the tourism and hospitality sector.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Digital and Technology team.
Information Systems Design, Development, and Implementation
- Oversee the design, development, and integration of organizational information systems that optimize business processes and data accessibility.
- Ensure all systems are aligned with business functions (finance, HR, marketing, operations, etc.) to improve overall efficiency and decision-making.
- Lead digital transformation projects to ensure seamless integration of new technologies into existing systems, supporting scalability and adaptability.
- Websites, apps and all other Digital applications both internal and external
Digital and E-Commerce Strategy Implementation
- Support Digital and eCommerce Strategy with technological solutions that bring the business vision to life.
- The candidate should be able to demonstrate experience in travel / hospitality technology setup, enhancements and transformation.
- As part of the role, the candidate must create a technological strategy that meets the business distribution demands.
- The candidate must have an innovation mindset with a keen eye on the evolution of technology in the market, identify technology that aids the business growth and build business cases to onboard innovative technology.
Technology Architecture and Infrastructure Management
- Design and maintain a secure, scalable, and resilient technology architecture that supports business operations and growth.
- Oversee the management of IT infrastructure, including cloud environments, networks, hardware, and servers, to ensure high performance and reliability.
- Lead the organization’s cloud strategy, balancing flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness to meet business needs
Software, IT Applications, and Support
- Oversee the development, deployment, and maintenance of software applications and IT systems, ensuring they are reliable, user-friendly, and aligned with business goals.
- Implement best practices in software development, including Agile methodologies, DevOps, and CI/CD, to support continuous improvement and efficiency.
- Lead IT support operations, providing timely and effective helpdesk services, incident resolution, and user support to maintain productivity.
Data Platform Management including CRM and SCV
- Manage the operational aspects of CRM systems and databases, ensuring accurate, secure, and accessible customer data for marketing, sales, and customer support.
- Optimize CRM functionality to support customer engagement strategies, data-driven decision-making, and personalization of services.
- Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and compliance within CRM and database systems to meet business and regulatory requirements.
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
- Develop and enforce cybersecurity policies and procedures to protect Miral Destinations’ digital assets, customer data, and organizational information.
- Lead risk management strategies, including threat assessment, data privacy compliance, and disaster recovery planning.
- Ensure the organization’s digital ecosystem meets regulatory standards and best practices in cybersecurity and data protection
Marketing Automation
- Oversee integration of all digital and physical data points
- Implement metrics to ensure accuracy/ quality
- Oversee and Develop Integration between Data platform and Marketing automation tool
Project Management and Execution
- Oversee the planning, prioritization, and delivery of technology projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, adherence to budgets, and quality standards.
- Establish project management frameworks, KPIs, and timelines to track the progress and success of key initiatives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure all projects meet stakeholder requirements and are delivered on time.
Vendor and Partner Management
- Build and manage relationships with key technology vendors, service providers, and third-party partners to support the organization’s digital goals.
- Negotiate contracts, manage vendor performance, and ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs) to maximize ROI.
- Evaluate and onboard new vendors and technology solutions that align with Miral’s strategic priorities and enhance digital capabilities.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
- Act as a primary technology liaison with executive leadership, providing regular updates on digital initiatives, technology performance, and security posture.
- Engage with internal stakeholders across departments to align technology initiatives with business needs and objectives.
- Communicate complex technology strategies, project progress, and goals effectively to various audiences, ensuring transparency and alignment.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Advanced degree or certification in technology management, digital transformation, or cybersecurity is preferred.
- 12+ years of experience in IT, digital strategy, or technology leadership roles, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.
- Proven track record in leading digital transformation initiatives, implementing and maintaining - ticketing systems, Point of Sale systems, travel distribution systems, content management systems, managing e-commerce platforms, data and analytics platforms, and overseeing CRM and database management.
- Experience managing large-scale technology projects, including project planning, vendor management, and budget oversight.
- Strong background in cybersecurity, data privacy, and compliance within a corporate setting.
Skills
- Strategic Vision: Ability to create a comprehensive digital strategy aligned with business goals, while driving transformation and innovation.
- Technical Proficiency: Extensive knowledge in information systems, IT infrastructure, software development, cybersecurity, and CRM management.
- Project Management: Proficient in project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) with experience in executing complex projects.
- Vendor and Partner Relations: Skilled in negotiating contracts, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring high-quality performance.
- Cybersecurity and Compliance: Proficiency in cybersecurity practices, data protection laws, and risk management to safeguard digital assets.
- Stakeholder Communication: Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence executive stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
- Analytical and Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills to assess complex issues, develop solutions, and make data-driven decisions.
Personal Attributes
- Customer-Centric: Committed to enhancing customer experiences through digital platforms and data-driven insights.
- Collaborative: Able to build strong relationships with stakeholders across departments, fostering a unified approach to digital initiatives.
- Results-Oriented: Focused on delivering high-impact outcomes that drive business growth and operational efficiency.
- Innovative: Passionate about exploring new technologies and trends to maintain Miral Destinations’ competitive advantage.
- Proactive: Forward-thinking and able to identify opportunities and risks in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
