Head, Digital & Innovation Services

Job Description

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Technology Roadmap & Digital Product Development

• Define, develop, and execute a multi-year technology roadmap and digital solutions architecture tailored for ADE's core operational pillars, ensuring seamless alignment with broader enterprise goals and scalable growth.

• Identify, evaluate, and pilot emerging, cutting-edge technologies (such as predictive maintenance AI and IoT) to maintain market competitiveness and future-proof ADE's operational infrastructure.

Digital Transformation & Process Efficiency

• Drive end-to-end digitization across all MRO operations and business processes to eliminate manual bottlenecks, significantly enhancing workforce productivity, operational safety, and overall employee experience.

• Establish central data architecture standards to ensure complete data visibility, real-time availability, and organizational transparency for operational decision-making.

• Maximize efficiency and user adoption of critical enterprise tools (including AMOS and in-house developed applications such as ELEVADE and AEROTRADE) through continuous system refinement, process integration, and targeted training programs.

Driving AI Adoption

• Champion and execute a cross-functional AI strategy across all ADE business units, fostering a data-driven culture and modernizing traditional MRO workflows.

• Identify high-value AI and machine learning use cases, moving them efficiently from proof-of-concept into full operational production to yield tangible efficiency gains.

Complying to EASA Part-IS

• Act as the Nominated Post-holder for the relevant aviation authorities.

• Establish robust oversight for external technology suppliers to ensure full compliance with EASA Part-IS requirements and information security benchmarks.

• Formulate and maintain strict information security governance models to mitigate cyber risks across digital platforms and MRO technology operations.

• Ensure complete compliance with international aviation regulations, internal security mandates, and regional legal frameworks governing digital systems.

• Lead company-wide training and awareness programs to embed cybersecurity and data privacy best practices into daily operational routines.

• Prepare the organization for upcoming information security-related regulations from other authorities.

ICT Operations

• Liaison to Group ICT and Group Information Security team

• Lead regulatory and internal IT General Controls (ITGC) audits, ensuring zero major non-conformances and maintaining audit-ready operational status.

• Develop, regularly test, and maintain Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) frameworks for all core ICT infrastructure and operational tools.

• Implement comprehensive endpoint monitoring and threat response solutions to safeguard hardware, software, and operational data across all locations.

• Oversee enterprise cloud, network, and on-premise infrastructure to maintain high availability, scalability, and optimal system performance for MRO activities.

Digital as a New Revenue Stream

• Productize internal software and digital platforms, driving commercialization initiatives to target external aviation markets and generate direct revenue.

• Position ADE as a digital tech leader in the MRO industry by showcasing innovative proprietary capabilities and solutions at global trade events and industry forums.

• Identify, establish, and negotiate strategic technology partnerships and alliances to accelerate time-to-market for new commercial software offerings.

DUTIES

• Provide executive leadership, operational oversight, and strategic direction for the Digital and Innovation Services Department, cultivating high-performing team leadership.

• Manage departmental OPEX/CAPEX budgets, hardware/software assets, and talent allocation to ensure optimal operational readiness and deliver projects on schedule.

• Lead cross-functional digital transformation initiatives across all departments and AOCs to standardize operations, reduce turnaround times, and drive overall operational cost efficiency.

• Formulate, implement, and monitor short- and long-term tech strategy, digital product development schedules, and go-to-market execution plans for proprietary operational software.

• Build key external relationships within the aviation tech ecosystem while conducting competitive intelligence to keep ADE solutions aligned with evolving market needs.

• Instill a customer-centric delivery mindset across all digital teams to ensure software, infrastructure, and support services consistently meet end-user expectations.

• Establish clear performance metrics (KPIs/SLAs) to guarantee high-quality, cost-effective, and timely delivery of digital products and IT operational services.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline.

• Recognized professional certifications in digital transformation, agile methodologies, or project leadership (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, TOGAF).

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive technology and digital transformation experience, including at least 5+ years in a strategic senior leadership role managing cross-functional aviation/MRO engineering and ICT teams.

• Proven track record in the aviation or aerospace sector, with specialized expertise in commercial MRO operations, digital fleet management, and enterprise maintenance platforms (e.g., AMOS).

• Deep technical mastery in driving the strategic deployment of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, IoT, Cloud Computing, and Enterprise Data Architectures.

• Comprehensive governance experience in international aviation regulations, IT General Controls (ITGC), cybersecurity resilience, and regulatory compliance frameworks (including EASA Part-IS).

• Visionary leadership and strategic acumen with a track record of scaling digital ecosystems, driving operational efficiencies, and productizing technology into new commercial revenue streams.

• Outstanding executive communication and stakeholder management skills, with demonstrated success influencing board-level strategy, managing vendor partnerships, and spearheading organizational change.

• High degree of agility and innovative problem-solving capability to navigate rapidly evolving tech landscapes and turn emerging trends into actionable business strategies.

• Strong cultural alignment with a continuous-improvement mindset, placing an uncompromising focus on safety, operational quality, customer orientation, and inclusive team empowerment.

• Proven expertise in managing multi-generational and multi-discipline teams to achieve a common goal.