Company Description

The client is a leading manufacturer in the playground equipment industry, known for designing and producing innovative, safe, and high-quality playground solutions for schools, parks, and communities. With decades of experience. the Client has built a reputation for excellence in craftsmanship and commitment to child development through play.

As a forward-thinking company, the Client is dedicated to combining traditional playground manufacturing with cutting-edge technology to enhance its products and processes. Currently undergoing a digital transformation, the Client aims to modernize its operations by integrating advanced ERP and CRM systems and exploring the use of AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency and innovation across the organization.

Role Description

The Client is seeking a Technical Director to lead its digital transformation efforts. The role involves modernizing the company’s legacy CRM and ERP systems, addressing technical debt, and ensuring executives have access to accurate, real-time data for decision-making. The ideal candidate will oversee the implementation of new systems, streamline operations, and position MAKR’s technical infrastructure for future growth, including AI integration. Strong leadership, hands-on ERP expertise, and a strategic approach to aligning technology with business goals are essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and Execute Technology Vision: Create and implement a forward-thinking technology vision to enhance the company's efficiency and market leadership.
• System Upgrades: Oversee the upgrade of ERP, CRM, and sales systems for seamless interoperability, ensuring support for scalable growth.
• AI and Machine Learning Integration: Lead the integration of AI and machine learning to optimize manufacturing processes, inventory management, and customer engagement strategies, ensuring systems are future-proof.
• Culture of Innovation: Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, aligning technology strategies with business goals across all departments.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing technology team that aligns with the company's values and objectives.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Strategically manage vendor partnerships and stakeholder relationships to secure optimal technological solutions and services.
• Strategic IT Planning: Oversee strategic IT planning and manage execution to ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Infrastructure Management: Ensure that system infrastructure, internet, and application services meet current and future organizational needs.
• Comprehensive IT Management: Manage all aspects of the IT function within the group of companies.
• Technology Implementation: Identify, communicate, and implement new technologies to enhance the long-term operational and strategic goals of the group.
  

Qualifications:

1. Deep Technical Expertise in ERP Systems:

• Hands-On Experience: The candidate should have a proven track record of leading and executing ERP system implementations from start to finish, with a strong understanding of the technical and operational aspects.‍
• Comprehensive Knowledge of ERP Solutions: They should be well-versed in a variety of ERP systems – the ideal candidate should be able to critically assess and select the most appropriate ERP system based on the company’s specific needs, constraints, and goals.‍‍
• ‍Customization and Integration Skills: Expertise in customizing ERP solutions to fit the unique requirements of the organization, ensuring that the system integrates seamlessly with existing technologies and processes.
• ‍Migration Experience:: Proven experience in managing data migration processes, including ensuring data integrity, data transformation, and seamless migration from legacy systems to new platforms, while minimizing disruption to operations.‍
  

2. Strategic Understanding of Organizational Needs:

• Alignment with Business Goals: The candidate should have a strong ability to understand and align the digital transformation efforts with the Client's long-term business objectives, including scalability, efficiency, and competitiveness in the market.
• Awareness of Technical Debt and Legacy Systems: They should demonstrate an understanding of the challenges posed by legacy systems and technical debt, with a clear strategy to modernize and streamline the Client's technical infrastructure.

3. Advanced Knowledge of AI and Digital Transformation:

• AI Integration Expertise: The ideal candidate should have a solid grasp of AI technologies, including different models, architectures, and how these can be integrated into the Client's systems to enhance operational efficiency and innovation.
• Forward-Thinking and Innovative: They should be capable of identifying opportunities where AI and other emerging technologies can be leveraged to drive the company’s growth and improve its competitive edge.‍

‍4. Strong Leadership and Project Management Skills:

• Proven Leadership in Technical Teams: The candidate should have demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Collaborative Approach: They should be able to work closely with executives and other departments to ensure that technical solutions are aligned with business needs and that there is buy-in from all stakeholders.

5. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Abilities:

• Analytical and Strategic Thinking: The candidate should possess strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex technical challenges and devise effective solutions that are both innovative and practical.
• Adaptability and Agility: Given the dynamic nature of digital transformation, the candidate should be adaptable, able to pivot strategies as necessary, and quickly respond to new challenges or opportunities.‍

6. Focus on Tailored Solutions Over External Dependence:

• In-House Development Preference: The ideal candidate should have a bias toward developing solutions in-house, tailored specifically to the Client's needs, rather than relying heavily on external consultants. This ensures that the solutions are deeply integrated and fully aligned with the company’s objectives.
• Cost-Conscious and Efficient: They should be mindful of costs, aiming to deliver high-quality solutions that are cost-effective and provide a strong return on investment for the company.

7. Effective Communication and Stakeholder Management:

• Clear and Persuasive Communication: The candidate should be able to clearly articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring that executives understand the value and implications of technical decisions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: They should be adept at managing stakeholder expectations and ensuring that all parties are kept informed and engaged throughout the digital transformation process.‍

‍8. Eduction and Experience:

• Educational Background: Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, with a strong foundation in business, accounting, or finance preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 10+ years in technology leadership roles, with proven experience in the manufacturing sector or related industries.