Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks company, invites you to be part of its transformative journey. From the timeless legacy of Arthur Guinness to the global success of Smirnoff®, Guinness®, Johnnie Walker®, Tanqueray®, and Baileys®, our story is one of passion, innovation, and purpose. We are driven to celebrate life, every day, everywhere, and our mission continues to thrive through the vibrant people who bring our brands to life.
At the heart of this success lies our Digital and Technology (D&T) division — a global function that fuels our ambition to become the most data insights-driven consumer products company. We are building a future where data and technology are at the core of every decision, experience, and relationship — with our consumers, customers, and suppliers.
To drive this vision across the African region, we are hiring a Head of Africa Delivery and Change. This pivotal role will oversee the successful implementation of technology-led business solutions that ensure long-term value for Diageo in Africa.
If you are passionate about digital transformation, possess deep experience in program delivery within large and complex environments, and thrive in fast-paced, multicultural settings — this could be your next big step.
Position: Head of Africa Delivery and Change
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Reports To: Regional Director
Department: Digital and Technology (IT)
Job Type: Full-time
Application Deadline: May 8, 2025
About the Role
The Head of Africa Delivery and Change is responsible for the regional execution of Diageo’s Digital & Technology roadmap across Africa. You will lead the Regional D&T team, ensuring that technology initiatives are effectively prioritized, governed, and executed to drive significant business outcomes across multiple countries and business units.
Key Responsibilities
1. Portfolio Delivery Management
- Oversee the execution of the D&T regional delivery portfolio, including both strategic projects and business-as-usual (BAU) initiatives.
- Manage interdependencies across regional programs and identify synergies in resource allocation and project execution.
- Work with the Program Management Centre of Excellence to mobilize new initiatives, refine business cases, and secure appropriate resources.
- Proactively identify risks and issues, implementing mitigation strategies to ensure the timely and quality delivery of outcomes.
- Hold project and program leads accountable for risk management, progress tracking, compliance (including CARM), and decision-making.
2. Stakeholder Relationship Management
- Partner with the Strategic PMO to evaluate and prioritize workstreams in the regional portfolio.
- Influence decision-making at Value Stream Boards, aligning regional priorities with global D&T strategies.
- Develop strong relationships with value stream leads, solution managers, project teams, and senior business stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for all regional initiatives.
- Proactively manage stakeholder expectations, communicate project status, and address concerns or escalations effectively.
3. Process Improvement and Optimization
- Continuously review and refine delivery methodologies, tools, and governance frameworks to increase project success rates.
- Champion the use of best practices across the region, fostering a culture of excellence in delivery execution.
- Promote innovation and continuous improvement within project delivery processes.
4. Performance Monitoring and Reporting
- Establish performance review frameworks and conduct regular assessments of project delivery outcomes.
- Track and analyze key performance indicators including delivery timelines, budget adherence, and resource utilization.
- Provide insightful reports to senior leadership, offering recommendations for optimization and risk mitigation.
- Ensure visibility of regional delivery status and outcomes to all key stakeholders.
Scope and Complexity
- Market Complexity: You will manage a diverse portfolio of initiatives spanning multiple countries, functions, systems, and processes. This role involves navigating mid-to-high risk environments with significant operational complexity.
- Financial Oversight: Manage an annual Digital & Technology budget exceeding £10 million. You will be responsible for ensuring effective and efficient use of funds while identifying opportunities for investment or cost-saving.
- Leadership Expectations: Lead a cross-functional, regionally dispersed team. Influence without authority across multiple functions and geographies. Ensure that quality outcomes are achieved in alignment with both regional and global strategies.
What We’re Looking For
While specific qualifications are not listed for this role, the ideal candidate will have:
- Significant experience in program and stakeholder management in large, matrixed organizations.
- A successful track record in leading large-scale technology transformation programs using both Agile and traditional methodologies.
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with the ability to motivate and coordinate teams across functions and geographies.
- Excellent influencing skills with a pan-cultural awareness, especially in navigating complex and ambiguous environments.
- A passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and excellence in execution.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving, risk management, and organizational alignment.
- Familiarity with current and emerging digital and consumer technology trends.
This role will require occasional travel across the region to support project delivery and stakeholder engagement.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At Diageo, we celebrate diversity in its broadest sense. Our people are central to our purpose of celebrating life, every day, everywhere. We believe in an inclusive culture where every individual can thrive by being their authentic self. We welcome applicants from all walks of life — regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or background.
Creating an environment of belonging and empowerment is central to our ambition to become the best performing, most trusted, and respected consumer products company in the world.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to lead regional digital transformation efforts that deliver real business value, we encourage you to apply.
