Chief Digital & Information Officer

Job Purpose :

The Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO) is accountable for shaping and executing the organizations technology and digital strategy in alignment with business priorities. This role oversees enterprise systems (ERP and non-ERP), IT infrastructure and security, digital innovation, and retail technology. The CDIO ensures delivery of scalable, secure, and business-aligned IT solutions, and drives cross-functional transformation, innovation, and resilience across the enterprise.

CDIO works closely with CXOs, functional heads, and technology partners to deliver superior stakeholder experiences and sustained competitive advantage through digital enablement.

Principal Accountabilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Define and lead the enterprise-wide digital strategy to support short and long-term business goals
• Drive innovation through emerging technologies and digital platforms
• Partner with CXOs to identify business needs and digital opportunities
• Orchestrate the technology roadmap across ERP, infrastructure, and business applications through respective vertical heads (including for retail vertical)
• Ensure all IT and digital programs are prioritized, sequenced, and aligned to business growth objectives

ERP & Business Application Oversight

• Ensure successful planning, implementation, and adoption of SAP and its integration with business processes
• Track effective development, implementation, and governance of platforms like CRM, HRMS, and other business-critical applications
• Harmonize application governance, architecture, and life-cycle management across ERP and non-ERP portfolios

Infrastructure, Operations & Cybersecurity Governance

• Monitor enterprise IT operations to ensure system uptime, performance, and support
• Govern cybersecurity frameworks, threat mitigation protocols, incident response, and IT policy enforcement
• Ensure infrastructure scalability and resiliency to support ongoing and future business needs

Retail IT & Tech-Enabled Scale

• Lead retail expansion, implement LS Retail/POS systems, CRM, loyalty programs, and operational analytics
• Ensure seamless integration between store systems and enterprise infrastructure
• Facilitate business continuity, user satisfaction, and cost-effective operations across retail tech landscapes

Digital Transformation & Innovation

• Identify digitalization opportunities across functions, lead implementation of initiatives like automation, data lakes, customer engagement platforms, and analytics
• Create a structured digital innovation pipeline and leverage external ecosystems (startups, SaaS, partners)

Data Governance & Analytics

• Establish data governance frameworks, policies, and standards for quality, access, and retention
• Oversee enterprise-wide adoption of data platforms and analytics to improve decision-making and reporting

Technology Portfolio & Investment Management

• Govern the overall technology portfolio, balancing growth and risk
• Track overall health of all projects, resource utilization, and ROI for IT investments
• Monitor performance of external vendors and ensure contractual and SLA adherence

People & Culture

• Build and mentor a high-performing IT leadership team
• Drive talent development, succession planning, and a culture of innovation within IT
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

(Minimum acceptable proficiency for this job which best indicates the education and/or experience requirements of this job and not the incumbent).

1. Education: Bachelors or Masters degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. MBA preferred.

2. Experience:

• 20+ years of overall IT and digital leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven experience in leading large-scale ERP implementations (preferably SAP), infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity, and digital transformation
• Experience managing cross-functional IT teams and vendor ecosystems

3. Key Capabilities

• Strategic Thinking and Execution
• Business Acumen and Stakeholder Management
• Innovation and Change Leadership
• Risk and Governance Orientation
• Strong Communication and People Leadership

4. Domain Knowledge

Experience in good FMCG/Food industry. Good understanding of:

• Exposure of Distribution networks in Consumer industry
• Forward integration with distributors/retailers
• Consumer facing initiative. Consumers at different levels like distributors as well as end customers.
• Various trade chains GT/MT/Inst etc
• Understanding of integration with E-commerce / Quick Commerce
• Employee facing initiatives
• Budgeting / Forecasting methods

Experience in Retail / QSR Industry will be added advantage :

• QSR Billing systems
• Suggestive billing – cross sale/up sale
• Use of AI for suggestive billing as well as stocking.
• Integration with third party like Swiggy / Zomato /Urban piper
• Loyalty programs
• End consumer facing initiatives