Chief Information Officer
Job Description
Reporting directly to the Chief Finance Officer, the CIO will spearhead Sephora Middle East’s core Technology strategy while collaborating closely with regional business stakeholders and the EME/Global Tech team in France. This role spans 6 countries (UAE, KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) and 7 legal entities in a highly dynamic retail environment, leading a team of 11 technology professionals.
The role’s mission is to ensure technology becomes a strategic enabler, driving maximum value to facilitate business success while delighting both customers and employees through seamless innovative solutions.
Key Accountabilities
STRATEGY
- Develop and execute a forward-thinking technology strategy that supports Sephora Middle East’s growth ambitions while adhering to Global Tech guidelines.
- Define detailed plans and set timelines for the implementation of technical capabilities across the region.
- Continuously refine and improve the regional technology roadmap to maintain relevance and impact.
BUSINESS SUPPORT
- Ensure the technology roadmap and capabilities aligns with Sephora’s Retail and Digital ambition, delivering a seamless customer experience.
- Drive platform stability and reliability to support optimal operations and customer satisfaction.
- Enhance operational efficiency through tech-enabled solutions, empowering Sephora’s workforce.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to align technology with business objectives and address both short- and long-term needs.
- Own and communicate the regional tech’s priorities, progress, and achievements to global and regional leadership.
- Leverage stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement of solutions and technologies.
OPERATIONS & PROCESSES
- Contribute to the development of Sephora OneTech Operating Model, optimizing shared capabilities within LVMH & Sephora.
- Maximize global solutions and resources to enhance regional economies of scale and competence.
- Ensure business continuity and cyber resilience across regional operations.
- Manage the deployment of technology initiatives, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence & effective risk management.
- Identify and harness emerging technological opportunities to maintain competitive leadership.
TEAM LEADERSHIP
- Set ambitious goals for the technology team and ensure achievement within allocated budgets and timelines.
- Foster a high-performance culture within the team, creating strong ties within the global Sephora OneTech community.
- Actively mentor and develop team members to support their professional growth and align efforts with business priorities.
Skills And Qualitifcations
- Master’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field.
- Over 15 years of technology leadership experience, leading cross-functional teams in complex, multi-country environments.
- Proven expertise in leading and scaling high-performing technical teams across solutions design, development, product management, data platforms, security, and infrastructure operations.
- Experience in managing third-party integrations and optimizing partner collaborations.
- Strong customer focus, with the ability to design and deliver customer-centric technology solutions.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Visionary leadership: Unafraid to challenge norms, think outside the box, and push boundaries to drive innovation.
- Decisive & results-oriented: Ability to make timely, effective decisions and deliver on ambitious goals.
- Collaborative & inclusive: Builds trust and fosters collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders within &beyond Sephora.
- Energetic & passionate: Operates with a can-do mindset and enthusiasm for collective success.
- Adaptable & resilient: Thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Most importantly, She/he need to have excellent authentic communication and influencing skills and be energized by working in a fast paced, dynamic environment.