Global IT & Data Governance Director - Netherlands

We are excited to be searching for a proactive and pragmatic Global IT & Data Governance Director with an interest to join our team, and we hope it's you!

Your role

This role is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational management of the IT function within the organisation. This role drives the execution of the IT and data governance strategy, ensuring compliance with best practices and relevant regulations while keeping abreast of emerging technologies and best practices to drive innovation across the IT function.

This includes leading continuous improvement efforts within IT systems, processes and services to enhance performance and support organisational growth along with the following key responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

• ICT Strategy and Leadership: Develop, communicate, and execute IDH's IT strategy in collaboration with organizational leaders, driving security, digital transformation, and global operational support across Africa, Asia, and Latin America
• Roadmap Implementation: Create and execute a forward-looking IT roadmap focusing on infrastructure, systems, and processes to align with organizational goals
• ICT Governance: Establish an internal governance structure, providing regular updates, insights, and recommendations to leadership teams
• Data Governance: Develop a robust data governance strategy to ensure security, privacy, quality, and compliance. Collaborate with stakeholders to define data ownership, policies, and standards
• Regulatory Compliance: Work with Legal team to ensure compliance with international data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR) and implement data access protocols for internal and external users
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Promote a culture of data integrity and accessibility through effective tools and practices
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a globally distributed IT team, fostering collaboration and ensuring effective decision-making
• Cloud-Based Environment: Oversee IDH's fully cloud-based technology environment, leveraging the Microsoft suite for efficiency and scalability
• Application Integration: Optimise the integration of masterdata of key applications (Salesforce, Exact, HiBob) to maximize value and streamline operations
• Vendor and Service Management: Manage relationships with third-party providers, including outsourced infrastructure, service delivery, and IT roadmaps for hardware and software
• Cybersecurity: Implement cybersecurity measures to mitigate potential threats, develop risk management strategies, and conduct periodic IT risk assessments
• Employee Awareness: Lead IT security awareness campaigns, educating employees on risks, breach protocols, and best practices

Who you are

You thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments where managing multiple priorities is a constant challenge. With a clear strategic vision on 'how good looks like', you balance immediate demands with long-term goals, ensuring that the IT function remains aligned with organisational priorities and continues to drive innovation and value.

You possess the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. By translating technical insights into actionable strategies, you foster understanding and collaboration across diverse teams.

As a natural leader, you inspire and guide teams with clarity and purpose. Your ability to navigate diverse perspectives ensures that all voices are heard while maintaining focus on delivering outcomes. Combining strategic thinking with a hands-on approach, you excel at driving forward-looking IT strategies while ensuring seamless day-to-day operations.

With strong communication skills, you are a bridge between technical and non-technical domains, adept at influencing decisions and aligning stakeholders to achieve common goals. In every challenge, you bring a solutions-focused mindset, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, ensuring that IT not only supports but also drives organisational success.

What you bring

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field; MBA or relevant master's degree is a plus
• Certifications in cloud computing (e.g., Microsoft Azure), cybersecurity (e.g., CISSP), or data governance (e.g., CDMP) is a plus
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive IT leadership experience in a mid to large-sized international organization
• Expertise in developing IT policies, procedures, and governance frameworks
• Solid understanding of cloud technologies, proven experience in managing cloud-based environments (Microsoft suite required) and global technology deployments
• Strong background in data governance, data security, and regulatory compliance
• Solid understanding of infrastructure management. Experience in managing outsourced IT infrastructure and service desks
• Familiarity with key enterprise applications preferred (Salesforce, Exact, HiBob)
• Proven experience in managing and mentoring teams, with a focus on professional growth and performance
• Experience working in international, multi-site environments. Demonstrated ability to manage global teams and work cross-culturally
• Fluent in English; additional languages are a plus

We offer you

A challenging, pivotal role within an impacting, international organisation – and:

A salary range between EUR 5,381 - 6,726 (excluding 8% holiday allowance) per month (based on a 40-hour work week), job level 19. The job level is evaluated based on IDH's methodology; the successful candidate will be placed within the range depending on relevant work experience. The selection process is conducted, applying STAR interview methodology.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Vacation: 26 of paid vacation leave per year (100% FTE). Plus, earn 2 extra vacation days if you use your full allowance within the calendar year. Additionally, IDH offers the flexibility to buy or sell up to 6 days of vacation annually, allowing you to tailor your time off to your personal needs.
• Health Insurance Support: IDH contributes €66.14 net per month towards your health insurance premium, helping you maintain optimal health coverage. (for 2025, the figures may be outdated.)
• Robust Pension Scheme: A comprehensive pension scheme with considerable contribution by the employer and 3.5% employee contribution, ensuring financial stability during your retirement.
• Commuting support: Provide NS Business Card or full reimbursement of commuting costs. Choose between receiving €0.23 per kilometre or opting for second-class public transport, making your journey to work hassle-free.
• Supportive Work Environment: IDH provides all the necessary work supplies depends on the role (laptop, phone, etc.) to ensure you have everything you need to excel in your role and Flexible Working Hours and Hybrid Work Model
• Work-from-Home Allowance: Receive a monthly work-from-home allowance of €16.53 net, acknowledging the changing work landscape and supporting your remote work setup (max 50% of time).
• Health and Wellness: Prioritise your physical well-being with a sports club/health club allowance of €38.58 gross per month, enabling you to invest in your fitness and overall health.
• Nutritious Work Environment: Enjoy a range of perks at the Utrecht office, including fresh fruits, organic coffee and tea, fresh mint, and ginger tea, promoting a nourishing and supporting work atmosphere.

Interested?

Would you like to apply? Click the Button or follow this link and submit your application in English.

We encourage applicants to respond before 17/02/2025. In the event that the right applicant is found, the application link may be closed earlier.

Who we are

IDH seeks to transform markets through collaborative innovation, convening and investment in inclusive and sustainable solutions that enable businesses to create value for people and planet. To achieve this, IDH brings together coalitions of committed stakeholders from across global value chains towards joint visions and program agendas for sustainable trade.

IDH's international presence extends to multiple regions and landscapes, facilitated by a network of around 400 staff including experts who are embedded in key agricultural, manufacturing, apparel and commodity value chains. In 15 years of operation, IDH has mobilized private sector investment and support to test and innovate new business models designed to create better jobs, better incomes, a better environment, and gender equity for all.

Important note

In order to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we do not proceed your applications via email/ LinkedIn with attached CVs, and motivational letters. We kindly request that you submit your application link shared as above. This process ensures that we can review your application while safeguarding your personal information in accordance with GDPR regulations.

For the successful candidate, a certificate of conduct (verklaring omtrent gedrag) is required to submit as a part of IDH onboarding procedure.

For more questions about the role and organisation, please contact Conrad Willars at willars@idhtrade.org

Our commitment to safeguarding

The offer of the role will be made subject to receipt of satisfactory references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification checks and other safeguarding checks including background checks overseas (where appropriate). IDH also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants' previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

At IDH, we're committed to equal employment opportunity, and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We strive to be a more equal opportunity workplace every day.