Job Description: Group Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Position: Group Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Experience: 18-25 Years

Location: Chennai

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role:

We are seeking a visionary and business-oriented Group Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the organization's enterprise-wide technology strategy, digital transformation initiatives, and IT governance. The CIO will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, aligning technology investments with business objectives while driving innovation, operational excellence, cybersecurity, and scalable digital platforms across the group.

The ideal candidate should possess extensive experience in enterprise IT leadership, digital transformation, infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity, ERP ecosystems, data strategy, and stakeholder management across multiple business units.

Key Responsibilities (KRAs):

- Develop and execute the organization's long-term IT and digital transformation strategy aligned with business goals.

- Lead enterprise-wide technology modernization initiatives including cloud adoption, automation, AI, analytics, and emerging technologies.

- Drive IT governance, architecture standards, and technology roadmaps across all group companies and business functions.

- Manage enterprise applications including ERP, CRM, HRMS, SCM, and other mission-critical platforms.

- Establish and oversee cybersecurity strategy, information security policies, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

- Build a robust enterprise data strategy including data governance, business intelligence, and advanced analytics capabilities.

- Lead infrastructure management covering cloud environments, data centers, networks, end-user computing, and disaster recovery.

- Partner with business leaders to identify technology-driven opportunities for operational efficiency and revenue growth.

- Manage IT budgeting, cost optimization, vendor management, contract negotiations, and technology investments.

- Drive enterprise architecture and application integration strategies for scalable business operations.

- Establish IT service management frameworks and ensure high availability, reliability, and performance of technology services.

- Lead digital workplace initiatives to improve employee productivity and collaboration.

- Develop governance frameworks for project execution and oversee large-scale technology implementations.

- Build and mentor high-performing technology leadership teams while fostering innovation and continuous learning.

- Present technology strategy, risks, and transformation progress to executive leadership and the Board.

Required Skills & Competencies:

- Strong leadership experience in enterprise IT strategy and digital transformation.

- Expertise in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.

- Deep understanding of enterprise architecture and large-scale system integration.

- Experience managing ERP ecosystems such as SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics.

- Strong knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, information security governance, and compliance standards.

- Experience with AI, automation, analytics, and digital innovation initiatives.

- Expertise in IT infrastructure, networking, virtualization, and hybrid cloud environments.

- Strong understanding of data governance, business intelligence, and enterprise analytics.

- Experience in IT financial planning, budgeting, and technology investment optimization.

- Excellent vendor management and strategic sourcing capabilities.

- Knowledge of ITIL, COBIT, TOGAF, and enterprise governance frameworks is preferred.

- Strong program management and change management skills.

- Excellent communication, executive stakeholder management, and decision-making abilities.

- Ability to lead large, geographically distributed technology teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

- MBA or Master's degree in Technology Management or Business Administration is highly preferred.

- Certifications such as PMP, ITIL, TOGAF, CISSP, CISM, AWS/Azure Architect, or equivalent will be an added advantage.

Preferred Industry Experience:

Candidates from one or more of the following sectors will be preferred:

- Conglomerates / Diversified Business Groups

- Manufacturing

- Real Estate & Infrastructure

- BFSI

- Retail & E-commerce

- Healthcare

- Logistics & Supply Chain

- Technology Services / Global Capability Centers (GCCs)

What Success Looks Like:

- Enterprise-wide technology strategy successfully aligned with business objectives.

- Improved operational efficiency through digital transformation and automation.

- Robust cybersecurity posture with effective risk management and compliance.

- High availability and performance of mission-critical IT systems.

- Optimized IT investments delivering measurable business value.

- Strong technology leadership culture that enables innovation and scalable growth.