Chief Information Officer

Job Description

• We are seeking a visionary technology leader to drive Airports Company South Africa’s digital transformation (5 year contract). Are you ready to shape a smart airport network, strengthen cyber resilience and use technology and data to improve the experience of every passenger, airline and tenant?

Key Performance Output

In this pivotal leadership role, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the successful individual will provide executive leadership and strategic direction for ACSA’s information technology, digital transformation, data, information security and technology operations, focusing on the following:

• Develop and implement an ICT and digital strategy and roadmap that translates the Corporate Plan into prioritised technology investments and measurable business outcomes, and govern the enterprise architecture;
• Develop and execute the enterprise-wide smart airport roadmap, implementing AI, IoT, automation, biometrics, digital twins and a connected airport operations centre;
• Own all ICT services and platforms and maintain the availability of mission-critical airport systems, including tested business continuity and disaster recovery;
• Develop and implement a cyber security strategy based on zero-trust principles, and coordinate cyber incident response with national cyber security structures and aviation regulators;
• Ensure compliance with POPIA, ICAO aviation cyber security requirements, ISO 27001 and other applicable standards;
• Implement an enterprise data strategy and governance framework, deliver business intelligence and predictive analytics, and establish an AI governance framework;
• Deliver a seamless, contactless passenger journey and enable non-aeronautical revenue growth through digital channels;
• Develop and manage the ICT OPEX and CAPEX budgets, plan ICT capital investment through the Permission process and drive value-for-money procurement in line with the PFMA and PPPFA;
• Establish an ICT governance framework aligned to King IV, the PFMA, COBIT and ISO 38500, and oversee ICT contract and supplier performance management;
• Report to Executive Management, the Audit and Risk Committee and Board structures on ICT governance, cyber security posture, technology risks and performance; and
• Lead, develop and coach a high-performing ICT team.

Technical Skills and Experience

The following skills and experience or the equivalent of such will be required:

• A relevant Honours Degree (NQF Level 8) in information technology, computer science or equivalent is essential;
• A Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Business Leadership (MBL) or a master’s degree in information technology, computer science or equivalent (NQF Level 9) is advantageous;
• Registration with the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) or other relevant professional bodies;
• A total of 13 years’ experience, including 8 years in business-facing ICT management and governance and 5 years at senior management level;
• Strong knowledge of IT strategy, governance, resilience and operations, including enterprise architecture, information security, service integration and strategic sourcing;
• Executive-level capability in digital transformation, complex programme delivery, cyber risk and commercial management;
• Working knowledge of the aviation, transport or airports industry and an appreciation of public sector dynamics; and
• Knowledge of the ACSA Act, Companies Act, B-BBEE, PFMA and PPPFA legislation, and of ACI, ICAO, CAA and IATA requirements.

Competencies

• The ideal individual is a strategic and tactical thinker who can translate business vision into technology programmes, and an innovative leader who drives change. It is an individual with strong analytical, problem solving and risk management abilities, who communicates clearly, builds networks and manages conflict constructively. The individual must make sound decisions in a complex, regulated environment.