Lead - IT

Role & responsibilities

This position will lead the planning, implementation, and management of IT systems and infrastructure to support the Regional Duty-Free (Hyderabad, Kannur, Goa, Vizag) and other duty-free businesses in pipeline.

This includes overseeing enterprise applications such as Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision), Business Central and LS Retail, ensuring robust Network Infrastructure, maintaining compliance with airport/customs protocols, and delivering secure, scalable, and customer-centric technology solutions.

Strategic IT Leadership

• Define and implement a long-term IT roadmap aligned with business strategy in a Duty Free retail environment.
• Champion digital transformation initiatives across retail, warehousing, and backend operations.
• Serve as the technology advisor to the leadership team, ensuring innovation and agility in IT initiatives.

Enterprise Systems Management

• Manage the end-to-end implementation, optimization, and support of Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) & Business Central across Finance, Inventory, Procurement, and Sales functions.
• Oversee LS Retail (POS & back-office) systems across airport stores, ensuring real-time data synchronization, pricing accuracy, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure seamless integration of ERP, LS Retail, CRM, eCommerce platforms, and reporting systems.

IT Infrastructure & Networking

• Design, implement, and maintain secure, scalable, and high-availability network infrastructure across Duty Free stores, warehouses, and corporate locations.
• Oversee firewalls, VPNs, WAN/LAN, routers, switches, and wireless infrastructure.
• Ensure network uptime, performance optimization, and secure access controls to support 24/7 retail operations.

Retail & Airport Tech Ecosystem

• Lead implementation and support of technology for point-of-sale, inventory, customer engagement, and mobile applications.
• Ensure technology alignment and compliance with airport authorities, customs systems (e.g., ICEGATE), and duty-free regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with business units to leverage analytics and business intelligence for sales and inventory optimization.

Cybersecurity & IT Governance

• Develop and enforce cybersecurity policies and risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy laws, IT audits, and industry-specific regulations.
• Maintain business continuity plans, including disaster recovery systems and incident response protocols.

People & Vendor Management

• Lead and mentor a team of IT professionals across ERP, retail systems, networking, and support.
• Manage IT vendor relationships, contracts, SLAs, and negotiations with ERP/LS Retail consultants, infrastructure providers, and security vendors.
• Oversee IT budgets and ensure cost-effective technology investments.

Preferred candidate profile

• Bachelors / master's degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field
• 12-18 years of IT experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role in retail, travel retail, or airport-based operations.
• Proven experience of 8 to 10 years in Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) and LS Retail implementation and support.

• Strong expertise in Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) ERP financials, warehousing, logistics, and reporting.
• Deep understanding of LS Retail – POS configurations, store operations, promotions, and back-office.
• Sound knowledge of network architecture, security protocols, routers/switches, and enterprise connectivity. Familiarity with systems integration, API management, Power BI, and SQL-based reporting.