Director of Information Technology - Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah

Company Description

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Job Description

The Director of Information Technology is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation, security, maintenance, and continuous improvement of all information technology systems across the hotel. The role ensures that technology effectively supports hotel operations, enhances guest experience, safeguards business information, and complies with Accor standards and local regulations.

The Director of Information Technology provides strategic leadership in technology initiatives, digital transformation, cybersecurity, infrastructure management, and hotel systems while ensuring uninterrupted business operations.

Key Responsibilities, among others:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement the hotel's Information Technology strategy aligned with Accor's standards
• Serve as the hotel's technology advisor to the General Manager and Executive Committee.
• Recommend innovative technologies that improve operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, data security and profitability.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives across all departments.
• Prepare and manage the annual IT operating and capital expenditure budgets.
• Ensure compliance with Accor IT governance, cybersecurity policies, and corporate technology standards.Hotel Systems & Infrastructure:

• Ensure the efficient operation of all hotel technology systems
• Ensure preventive maintenance programs are established and executed for all IT hardware and infrastructure.
• Coordinate timely repair and replacement of faulty hardware and software.
• Maintain system availability and minimize operational downtime.Cybersecurity & Risk Management:

• Develop and maintain robust cybersecurity practices to protect hotel systems and confidential information.
• Ensure user access controls are maintained and periodically reviewed.
• Implement data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity procedures.
• Coordinate responses to cybersecurity incidents and system failures.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and Accor information security requirements.
• Conduct regular IT security audits and risk assessments.Systems Administration:

• Ensure all hotel applications remain current with approved software releases.
• Coordinate implementation of software upgrades and new technologies.
• Manage system licenses, maintenance agreements and vendor contracts.
• Ensure accurate system documentation and operating procedures are maintained.
• Establish emergency procedures to maintain hotel operations during IT outages.
• Coordinate technology support with Regional IT and approved vendors.Operational Support:

• Provide leadership and technical support to all hotel departments.
• Ensure prompt resolution of user support requests.
• Coordinate technology requirements for conferences, events and VIP visits.
• Support operational departments in maximizing technology utilization.
• Maintain accurate databases and reporting systems for management.Vendor & Project Management:

• Manage relationships with technology suppliers and service providers.
• Negotiate service agreements and monitor vendor performance.
• Lead IT-related hotel projects including renovations, system implementations and new openings.
• Coordinate installation, testing and commissioning of new technology solutions.Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure all software licensing remains valid and compliant.
• Support Internal Audit, External Audit and Regional IT reviews.
• Maintain compliance with local regulations, information security standards and company policies.
• Ensure accurate inventory management of IT assets and equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems or related discipline.
• Minimum 8–10 years of Information Technology experience within the hospitality industry.
• Minimum 3–5 years in a senior IT leadership role within a luxury hotel.
• Fluent in English and Arabic.

Additional Information

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.