Chief Digital Officer

Role OverviewThe Chief Digital Officer (CDO) will serve as the strategic architect of digital transformation across the Fornax Group. While the Group is not a technology company at its core, the CDO will lead the seamless integration of digital tools, platforms, and ecosystems to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and competitive positioning across all subsidiaries.This is not a traditional role. The focus is on business-aligned digital leadership - driving adoption, exploring fit-for-purpose alternatives, and identifying external partners/organizations that can augment our service delivery without building everything in-house.Key Responsibilities1. Digital & AI Strategy Roadmap Ownership- Develop and execute a Group-wide digital and AI transformation strategy that places AI at the centre of value creation, aligned with the unique business objectives of each subsidiary.- Identify high-impact AI and digital levers (Generative AI, predictive analytics, intelligent automation/RPA, computer vision, NLP, cloud AI platforms, etc.) that directly amplify core services in BPO, staffing, corporate services, and sales enablement.- Build a prioritized AI-first digital roadmap with measurable ROI, pilot-to-scale milestones, ethical AI guidelines, and risk mitigation frameworks.2. Drive Digital & AI Adoption Across the Enterprise- Lead enterprise-wide AI adoption and cultural change, enabling leadership and frontline teams to leverage AI tools for smarter decision-making and process excellence.- Spearhead AI proof-of-concept (PoC) and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) initiatives - e.g., AI-powered chatbots for customer service, predictive talent matching, fraud detection in payroll, or demand forecasting in sales.- Establish AI governance, literacy programs, and adoption KPIs (e.g., % of processes augmented by AI, reduction in manual effort, accuracy gains) to track and accelerate enterprise-wide uptake.3. Evaluate & Recommend AI-Centric Digital Alternatives- Continuously scan and assess AI-first solutions and platforms (e.g., enterprise GenAI tools, industry-specific AI models, low-code AI builders, RPA+AI stacks) for cost, scalability, data privacy, and seamless integration.- Lead rigorous vendor/AI solution evaluations, RFI/RFP processes, proof-of-value testing, and total-cost-of-ownership (TCO) analysis with a clear focus on business outcomes. - Provide data-backed build vs. buy vs. partner recommendations, prioritising off-the-shelf or partner-delivered AI capabilities over custom development.4. Partner Ecosystem & Augmentation Strategy- Identify and evaluate external organizations, startups, and tech firms whose capabilities can augment Fornax Group's core offerings (e.g., AI-driven BPO, predictive staffing analytics, digital sales platforms).- Lead strategic partnerships, joint ventures, or minority investments in digital enablers.- Negotiate SLAs, integration roadmaps, and co-innovation clauses with partners.5. Innovation & Future-Readiness- Establish a Digital Centre of Excellence (Coe) to pilot emerging technologies.- Foster a culture of data-driven decision-making by democratizing analytics across functions.- Monitor regulatory, cybersecurity, and ethical implications of digital Industry Experience: Proven experience in the Staffing and BPO sectors, with a deep understanding of its operational and technological needs.- Digital Expertise: Strong knowledge of technology solutions relevant to workforce management, such as HRIS, CRM, automation tools, or data analytics platforms.- Cost-Conscious Innovation: Demonstrated ability to design and implement cost-effective technology solutions tailored to business needs.- Analytical Skills: Expertise in assessing technology landscapes, identifying gaps, and proposing actionable improvements.- Communication: Excellent ability to present complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborate across teams.- Problem-Solving: Strong strategic thinking with a focus on pragmatic, results-driven solutions.- Education: Bachelor's degree in IT, Business, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in technology or business management are a plus.Preferred Skills- Hands-on experience rolling out enterprise AI initiatives (GenAI, predictive models, intelligent automation) with measurable P&L impact.- Strong business acumen and ability to demystify AI for non-technical stakeholders.- Proven expertise in AI vendor evaluation, partnership building, and ecosystem orchestration.- Exceptional stakeholder management - C-suite to frontline.- Familiarity with modern AI ecosystems (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Cloud AI, Microsoft Azure AI, Hugging Face Enterprise, etc.).- Exposure to AI use-cases in BPO/staffing/services domains. (ref:iimjobs.com)