Head of IFF and Datalinks
Head of IFF and Datalinks
Cape Town, ZA
About the role
The Head of IFF and Datalinks is accountable for the strategic, operational, and financial leadership of a portfolio of advanced defense electronics products. The role ensures full lifecycle ownership from concept through delivery and sustainment aligned to business objectives, technical excellence, and customer requirements.
This position carries full Profit and Loss (P&L) accountability, leads systems engineering and product teams, and drives cross-functional collaboration to enable sustainable growth, innovation, and competitive positioning within the defense market.
Qualifications and experience required:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electronics, Systems, or related field).
- Master’s degree or MBA will be advantageous.
- Proven experience within the defense or high-technology industry.
- Proven track record in leading cross-functional engineering and product teams.
- Strong background in systems engineering and complex defense product development is advantageous.
- Demonstrated experience working with international customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Technical skills required:
- Strong analytical capability with advanced problem-solving skills in complex environments.
- Demonstrated ability in systems thinking, product design oversight, and technical troubleshooting.
- Commercial and business acumen with a proven ability to translate technical strategy into financial outcomes.
- Ability to build and sustain high-performing, cross-functional relationships across departments.
- Proven leadership capability in mentoring, coaching, and developing technical teams.
- Strong technical and business communication and writing skills.
- Ability to operate effectively within regulatory frameworks while driving innovation.
- Demonstrated capability to manage ambiguity, complexity, and non-standard problem scenarios.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategy and Operational Management
- Financial and Budgetary Accountability
- Client Relationship Management
- Product Roadmap and Technical Leadership
- People leadership
Job Segment:
Database, Systems Engineer, Product Development, Relationship Manager, Engineer, Technology, Engineering, Research, Customer Service