Group Head of IT

Please note that this position is based in the Middle East, Qatar, and all relocation costs will be covered.

This is a hands-on technical and management role focused on leading IT infrastructure, ensuring operational excellence, and aligning technology with business objectives. The role demands proactive leadership in managing a team of IT personnel, establishing standards, and maintaining the security and robustness of IT systems.

Job Purpose

The Group Head of IT is responsible for:

• Proactively managing IT technologies and a team of technical IT infrastructure personnel.
• Developing and establishing IT infrastructure standards and procedures.
• Analyzing, designing, deploying, and operating IT software and hardware systems that support businesses.
• Ensuring the robustness and security of the IT infrastructure.

Key Relationships

• Internal: Executive Management, Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Heads, Heads of Departments (HODs).

Key Responsibilities and Duties

The role encompasses operational management, strategic planning, and team leadership. Responsibilities are categorized below for clarity.

Operational Management

• Oversee all aspects of IT department operations, including IT infrastructure, communications (LAN, WAN, email, etc.), databases, backup and recovery, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the IT group, including handling downtime, reporting service levels, defining and tracking IT operational metrics, and providing status updates to management.
• Prepare overall status and activity metrics that document and track the delivery of IT services, planned and unplanned system outages, and other key IT performance indicators.
• Maintain overall security of the network, systems, and data.
• Own and maintain strict controls on data/system backups and recoverability.
• Manage staff members in their daily activities as well as support business projects.
• Develop and manage relationships with vendors to support staff growth and systems maintenance.
• Manage overall capacity utilization of the server/hardware environment, ensuring optimization to meet business requirements.
• Undertake risk assessments of both hardware and software for internal and external business clients.
• Oversee outsourced software development relationships, including development and delivery.
• Ensure a proactive approach to staying up to date on current projects in progress, projects in the pipeline, operational issues, industry technology trends, and the applicability of software/hardware solutions.

Strategy and Planning

• Contribute to the development of IT departmental strategies to align with the overall business strategy.
• Develop and implement hardware and software standards for networks, services, databases, wireless technology, file and print services, etc.
• Develop and implement data retention standards; develop and maintain an overall backup and recovery strategy (including Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity).
• Develop, implement, and maintain processes and procedures for effective delivery of services and compliance with regulatory guidance.
• Establish and implement 'best practice' standards as well as departmental policies and procedures.
• Hold overall responsibility for strategic planning for system upgrades.
• Determine, recommend, and implement hardware and software upgrades for business applications, server hardware, network equipment, desktops, laptops, etc.

Team Management

• Oversee the quality of work and productivity of team member(s) and provide guidance and direction wherever necessary.
• Any other tasks, duties, and responsibilities that may be added from time to time as relevant to business requirements.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Significant experience in managing IT projects from inception to delivery, either in a web development or systems management environment.
• Exceptional hands-on experience with software development or systems management.
• Large awareness of current technology and a passion for seeking information on upcoming technologies.
• Documented working experience with Microsoft Windows Environments, including MS-SQL 2003, Microsoft Exchange 2003, Internet Information Server, and other applications.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows configuration, installation, maintenance, support, and troubleshooting of TCP/IP networks supporting VOIP telephony, microcomputers, and other systems; system development, complex project management, knowledge of CISCO network hardware, Citrix Virtualization, client/server technology, and Internet/intranets.
• Awareness of or experience managing/developing open-source software.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues to non-technical colleagues; must be creative, with initiative and drive.
• Proactive approach and team player mindset.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications and Experience Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent is essential.
• Master's Degree in the above fields is preferred.

Certifications

• Certifications in Microsoft/Citrix technologies are required.
• ITIL or PMI Certification is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 10–15 years' experience in technical operations, strategy, and planning management.
• Must have working experience with Microsoft Windows Environments, including MS-SQL 2003, Microsoft Exchange 2003, Internet Information Server, and other applications.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows configuration, installation, maintenance, support, and troubleshooting of TCP/IP networks supporting VOIP telephony, microcomputers, and other systems; system development, complex project management, knowledge of CISCO network hardware, Citrix Virtualization, client/server technology, and Internet/intranets.
• Awareness of or experience managing/developing open-source software.
• Significant experience in managing IT projects from inception to delivery, either in a web development or systems management environment.

Additional Notes