Senior Manager | Technology Strategist - Oil & Gas | Riyadh/Dubai

Job Description: Senior Manager/Director, Oil and Gas Technology Strategist

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Technology Strategists with a deep understanding of the Oil and Gas sector. The candidate will have a proven track record of leading major digital transformation initiatives at a global scale, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive business growth, optimize operations, and create a sustainable competitive advantage. This role requires a blend of strategic foresight, technical expertise, and an ability to translate complex technological concepts into tangible business outcomes. The candidate will be a key leader in shaping our technology roadmap, influencing C-suite decisions, and building a culture of innovation.

Key Responsibilities* Strategic Leadership and Vision: Develop and articulate a comprehensive technology strategies aligned with the long-term business goals, focusing on digital transformation, operational excellence, and the energy transition. Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on technology trends, opportunities, and risks.

• Digital Transformation: Lead and oversee the full lifecycle of digital transformation initiatives, from ideation to implementation, across the entire value chain. Champion the adoption of new technologies to modernize operations.
• AI and Advanced Analytics: Drive the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data analytics to unlock new insights, optimize operational performance, and enable predictive capabilities. Identify and prioritize high-impact AI use cases, such as predictive maintenance, reservoir management, and supply chain optimization.
• Technology Architecture: Define and govern the enterprise technology architecture, ensuring it is scalable, secure, and resilient. Develop a technology roadmap that incorporates cloud and edge computing, IoT, and other emerging technologies to support a data-driven operating model.
• Cost Reduction and Efficiency: Identify and lead technology-driven initiatives to reduce operational costs, improve asset reliability, and enhance productivity. Leverage automation, process optimization, and intelligent systems to streamline workflows.
• IT Operating Model and Change Management: Modernize the IT operating model to be more agile, responsive, and aligned with business needs. Lead change management efforts to foster a digital-first culture, ensuring successful adoption of new technologies and ways of working across the organization.
• Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of technology strategists and architects, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and accountability.
  
  

Typical Domains and Platforms

• Domain Expertise:
• Upstream (Exploration & Production): Deep understanding of data analysis, reservoir modeling, well operations, and production optimization.
• Midstream (Transportation & Storage): Experience with pipeline monitoring, SCADA systems, logistics, and terminal management.
• Downstream (Refining & Petrochemicals): Knowledge of refinery scheduling and optimization, asset performance management (APM), and supply chain management.
• Platform Specifics:
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): experience with leading industry-specific ERPs such as SAP S/4HANA for Oil & Gas, Quorum Software, or Oracle's Energy and Water solutions.
• Cloud and Analytics: Proficient in leveraging major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) for large-scale data processing, AI/ML model deployment, and building custom analytics solutions.
• Digital Twin & Simulation: Experience with creating and managing digital twins of physical assets and processes to enable predictive maintenance and operational optimization.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in technology leadership, with a significant portion in the Oil and Gas or related heavy industries.
• Demonstrable experience in leading large-scale digital transformation programs for major global brands.
• Expertise in a wide range of technologies, including AI, ML, cloud platforms, data analytics, and enterprise architecture.
• Proven ability to design and implement technology strategies that result in tangible business value, including cost reduction, revenue growth, and operational improvements.
• Deep understanding of the oil and gas value chain and its unique operational and technological challenges.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in designing and implementing agile IT operating models.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with a track record of developing and inspiring teams.