VP Global Head

We are partnering with a leading global high-tech manufacturing and engineering client with a strong footprint in Asia, the US, and Europe. The organisation develops advanced instrumentation, sensor technologies, and smart manufacturing software that underpin some of the world’s most demanding industrial environments, including semiconductor production, advanced manufacturing, and next-generation energy systems.Despite operating at significant global scale, the business retains a lean, decentralised, and highly pragmatic culture. It combines strong financial performance with a “startup mindset,” prioritising speed, clarity, and impact over bureaucracy.The OpportunityThis is a senior, enterprise-wide digital leadership role with full ownership of the global IT and digital ecosystem. The successful leader will move the organisation from a fragmented, legacy support model to a unified, global, digital-first operation, bringing together infrastructure, enterprise applications (including SAP), and advanced data/AI capabilities.You will lead a globally distributed technology organisation and have the mandate, budget, and executive sponsorship to redesign operating models, modernise platforms, and invest where value is clear.Key Focus AreasDefining and executing a global IT & digital transformation strategyLeading an agile ERP modernisation (S/4HANA) with an internal, sprint-based delivery modelModernising end-user infrastructure, collaboration, and service managementOptimising global support models, vendor strategy, and regional hubsEstablishing strong but pragmatic governance, cybersecurity, and FinOpsEnabling AI-driven, agentic ways of working across the IT functionActing as a close partner to engineering, data science, and product teams to operationalise digital and AI solutions internallyProfile SoughtThis role is suited to a senior IT & digital technology leader who is ready to take full end-to-end ownership of a global digital and IT landscape.You will bring a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on operational credibility, with experience navigating scale, complexity, and transformation in industrial, manufacturing, engineering, or high-tech environments.Experience & ExpertiseProven leadership experience across global IT, enterprise applications, infrastructure, and digital platforms, ideally within a matrixed, multi-region organisation.A strong track record of operating model transformation, such as:Moving from decentralised/local IT to a unified global modelDesigning in-house vs outsourced support strategiesRestructuring global hubs and service delivery footprintsDirect experience leading or sponsoring ERP transformation programmes (ideally SAP S/4HANA), with a preference for Agile or hybrid delivery models over traditional waterfall approaches.Exposure to data platforms, analytics, automation, and AI-enabled systems, with the ability to partner effectively with data science and engineering teams to operationalise innovation.Solid commercial acumen, including budget ownership, vendor management, and contract optimisation at enterprise scale.Technical & Methodological FoundationA strong technical grounding (Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or similar), enabling you to engage credibly at “machine room” level when required.Deep comfort with Agile principles, modern service management, and iterative delivery, viewing governance as an enabler rather than a blocker.Practical understanding of cybersecurity, risk, and compliance within a global manufacturing or high-tech context.Why This RoleTrue autonomy to redesign a global digital functionDirect access to executive leadership and influence at enterprise levelThe chance to enable the next generation of smart manufacturing and AI-driven operationsA fast-moving environment where decisions are made quickly and impact is visible