Regional Head of IT

We are looking to appoint a Regional Head of IT accountable for managing IT Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Digitalization, and Data capabilities under the Wismettac Group IT/Digital direction and guidelines, based in Los Angeles, US. The successful candidate will be a strategic partner to the business, co-leading digital and transformation projects to drive significant business value.
Wismettac is driving the digitalization of the current business boundaries to pursue radical efficiency in operations. IT is partnering with businesses to manage various transformation projects while maintaining existing IT service operations. The role should cover the whole business area, including SCM, Sales & Marketing, and back-office functions like HR, Finance, etc.
This role works closely with the Japan IT team to shape the organization's future by implementing innovative IT services and technologies. This support will drive the growth of regional business operations. The role will ensure team and individual performance to achieve business objectives. This role partners with the leadership team to identify business priorities and areas for innovation. The role has several direct reports, with a key focus on providing developmental opportunities to grow individuals and offering coaching. This position reports operationally to SVP SCM, Wismettac Asian Foods, Functionally to CDO
Key Responsibilities:
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with leadership members in the US, Canada, and Latin America, fully contributing to strategy definition and delivery. Support business change by acting as a single point of contact for senior stakeholders, facilitating synergies, and ensuring alignment.
• Represent Digital and IT to secure commitment to initiatives by demonstrating expert service knowledge and showcasing the benefits of IT services to customer groups.
• Foster proactive collaboration and communication to ensure the identification of best practices and synergies.
• Proactively engage with regional IT functions to ensure that global plans effectively consider regional business strategies, requirements, and constraints.
• Work with the Japan IT team to ensure that IT delivery to the business is operating effectively, actively manage overall satisfaction with IT services, and proactively identify and address risks, issues, and improvement opportunities.
• Attract, lead, develop, and motivate talented staff to achieve objectives and deliver competitive advantage.
• Ensure the IT budget is effectively managed, monitored, forecasted, and controlled.
Key Scopes:
• IT Project Management - Lead and coordinate IT/ Digital projects and initiatives.
• Business Application Management with Japan and regional IT - upgrades, implementation, and modification of the existing IT services.
• IT Infrastructure Management with Japan IT and local partners - oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the company's IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and systems, to ensure reliability, scalability, and security.
• IT Security - Develop and implement IT security policies, procedures, and controls to protect the company's data, systems, and networks from cyber threats, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Business Continuity Planning - Develop and maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Vendor Management - Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with IT vendors, service providers, and consultants, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and solutions.
• IT Strategy - Development and implementation together with the Japan team.
• IT Governance under the global direction and guidelines.
Experience/ Training/ Education
• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
• 7 of experience leading IT teams with a demonstrable track record.
• Strong experience in developing relationships with senior internal customers and suppliers.
• Deep experience in understanding (external) customer journeys and designing new customer experiences.
• Experience in SCM, Food, and trading business domains.
• Experience in handling the project and operational management of ERP systems
• Experience leading projects across countries is advantageous
Knowledge, Skills, and Ability
• Advanced proficiency in strategic planning, change enablement, and innovation
• Strong technical expertise in IT infrastructure, systems administration, cybersecurity, and Business Application
• Strong track record of delivering Digital solutions with clear outcomes including exploiting global capabilities
• Understanding and experience with Japanese and Asia culture and communication/language
• Proficient in database management, system in