IT EMEA Director

Elite Associates is proud to be supporting a leading international beauty group in the search for an experienced EMEA Technology Director. The role will be responsible for defining and executing the regional technology agenda, acting as a strategic technology partner to senior business leadership across the region

This is a highly visible leadership position, combining technology strategy, business partnership, transformation, operations and people leadership within a complex international and matrix environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the EMEA Technology function and act as a strategic technology partner to regional senior leadership.
• Build strong relationships with key business stakeholders and contribute to regional leadership discussions and decision-making.
• Translate regional business priorities into technology roadmaps and investment priorities, while ensuring alignment with global technology strategy.
• Drive technology transformation initiatives across areas such as Data & Analytics, AI, digital platforms and consumer-facing technologies.
• Manage technology demand across the region, prioritizing initiatives according to business impact, feasibility and strategic value.
• Lead regional technology portfolio and project planning, ensuring the appropriate resources are allocated to priority initiatives.
• Oversee day-to-day technology operations, infrastructure, service delivery and end-user support, ensuring high service quality and business continuity.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology to drive growth, improve operational efficiency and foster innovation.
• Define and manage the regional Technology CAPEX and OPEX budget.
• Develop and manage the regional technology organization, including talent planning, capability development and team effectiveness.
• Ensure adherence to technology standards, cybersecurity policies and governance frameworks, working closely with business teams to maintain compliance.
• Manage strategic technology partners and vendors, including contracts, performance and negotiations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or a related discipline; a Master’s degree is a plus.
• 15+ years of experience in technology leadership, ideally within premium consumer, beauty, fashion, retail or FMCG environments.
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, ERP, IT operations and digital transformation.
• Experience leading multi-country or regional technology organizations and cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to operate effectively within a matrix and international organization.
• Strong track record of aligning technology strategy with business objectives and delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Solid experience in vendor management, sourcing and contract negotiations.
• Strong understanding of Data & Analytics, AI and emerging technologies.
• Fluent in English; French or Spanish would be an advantage.
• Experience with ITIL, Agile methodologies and cybersecurity frameworks is a plus.

NB : Due to the high volume of applications, we may not be able to contact every applicant individually. We will prioritise candidates who closely match the requirements of the role and will be in touch with those selected to discuss the opportunity further.