Chief Information Officer (CIO) - Manufacturing & SAP Transformation

Chief Information Officer (CIO) – Manufacturing & SAP Transformation

Our client, a leading manufacturing and industrial group, is seeking an accomplished Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead its enterprise technology strategy, digital transformation agenda, cybersecurity, data and analytics, and global SAP programme.

This is a high-impact executive role for a commercially astute technology leader who can connect technology strategy with business growth, operational performance, innovation and shareholder value.

A major focus will be the successful delivery and optimisation of SAP S/4HANA, alongside the development of a secure, scalable and resilient technology environment across multiple business units and geographies.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Group-wide technology and digital strategy.
• Act as strategic adviser to executive leadership on technology, AI, cybersecurity, data and emerging technologies.
• Lead the Group’s SAP S/4HANA transformation, including implementation, optimisation, adoption and benefits realisation.
• Drive digital innovation and technology-enabled operational excellence across manufacturing and supply-chain operations.
• Define and oversee the Group’s cybersecurity, IT risk, disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.
• Lead enterprise architecture, infrastructure, cloud, applications, networking, end-user computing and service management.
• Define and execute the data, analytics and AI strategy.
• Develop robust business cases for major technology investments and ensure measurable ROI.
• Lead technology governance, architecture standards, internal controls and IT audits.
• Manage significant IT budgets, vendors, licences, sourcing and commercial negotiations.
• Build and develop a high-performing, future-ready technology team.
• Provide clear executive and Board reporting on technology strategy, transformation programmes, cybersecurity, risk and benefits realisation.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an experienced technology executive with:

• Relevant degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Management or related field.
• Postgraduate business or technology qualification advantageous.
• Minimum 10 years’ progressive IT leadership experience, including at least 5 years at senior executive level.
• Proven leadership of a major SAP S/4HANA or comparable ERP transformation across multiple business units or geographies.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, procurement, sales, distribution and aftermarket-service processes.
• Demonstrated experience across:
  • Enterprise technology strategy
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data and analytics
  • ERP
  • Cloud
  • Infrastructure
  • Enterprise architecture
  • Applications
  • IT service management
  • Vendor and commercial management
• At least one recognised senior-level certification in information security, IT governance, IT risk, IT audit or enterprise architecture.
• ITIL, COBIT, SAP, cloud or project-management certifications advantageous.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including significant budget and investment responsibility.
• Proven experience engaging and influencing executives, Boards and senior non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead geographically dispersed, multidisciplinary teams.

Key Leadership Attributes

The successful CIO will be:

• Strategic and commercially minded.
• Strong in transformation and change leadership.
• Comfortable balancing innovation with operational reliability and security.
• Able to translate complex technology into clear business outcomes.
• Confident influencing at executive and Board level.
• Strong in stakeholder, vendor and commercial negotiations.
• Focused on measurable business value, not technology for technology’s sake.

Why This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to shape the future technology landscape of a complex manufacturing group and lead major enterprise transformation across SAP, digital, data, AI, cybersecurity and technology operations.

• Location: Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Industry: Manufacturing / Industrial / Engineering
• Role Type: Permanent
• Level: Executive Leadership
• Travel: Local and international travel required

To apply: Send your comprehensive CV to Sign in to view email (

Reference: CIO_GPZN)

• Location: Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Industry: Manufacturing / Industrial / Engineering
• Role Type: Permanent
• Level: Executive Leadership
• Travel: Local and international travel required

To apply: Send your comprehensive CV to Sign in to view email (

Reference: CIO_GPZN)