Head of IT

Head of IT

Our Client is a Technology Manufacturing Company. Location - West

Leads full IT function across two pillars — IT Business Applications and IT Infrastructure, Network & Operations — ensuring reliable, secure, and business-aligned technology services. The role sets IT strategy and direction, directly manages the Business Applications team and IT Infrastructure & Operations. The role will work closely with oversees all vendors leading commercial negotiations and partnering with vendors to efficiently deliver projects and upgrades, manage IT budgets, and ensure IT security and governance to support the manufacturing operations and digital agenda.

Business Application Ownership

• Own the full lifecycle of enterprise applications (SAP, SFDC, HFM, Power BI, SharePoint, etc.) and customized business IT solutions including upgrades, enhancements, and SLA compliance.

• Manage application vendors and system integrators to ensure quality delivery and value.

Business Partnership

• Partner with Functional Leads and BPOs to translate business requirements into effective, scalable IT solutions.

• Communicate IT application strategies, risks, and decisions to business stakeholders.

Leadership of IT Infra & Ops

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the IT Infrastructure & Operations, ensuring accountability for infrastructure delivery, service quality, and team performance.

• Set KPIs and governance expectations for IT Infra & Ops; review and approve infrastructure roadmaps, technology refresh plans, and major vendor decisions.

Infrastructure & Network Oversight

• Ensure robust and secure IT infrastructure across servers, storage, virtualisation, data centres, and network (LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, firewall, VPN) to support 24x7 manufacturing operations.

• Oversee endpoint environment, hybrid cloud operations, and workplace technology management.

IT Operations, Security & Compliance

• Ensure IT service delivery through effective ITSM practices (incident, change, problem, asset management) and SLA adherence.

• Own IT security posture including access controls, cyber security governance, and compliance with IT policies and audit requirements.

• Ensure disaster recovery and business continuity plans are current, tested, and executable.

AI & Digital Transformation

• Key stakeholder in AI transformation agenda — identify, prioritise, and drive AI and automation use cases across business functions, including manufacturing, finance, sales, and operations.

• Evaluate and implement AI tools and platforms (e.g. generative AI, machine learning, intelligent process automation) that deliver measurable business value.

• Build internal AI literacy and capability; work with business leaders to embed AI-driven ways of working across the organisation.

• Govern AI adoption responsibly — establish data governance, ethical AI principles, and risk guardrails for all AI initiatives.

Strategy & Governance

• Develop and maintain IT policies; lead IT audits and ensure ongoing regulatory and security compliance.

• Define and execute a forward-looking IT strategy and roadmap that balances operational excellence with digital and AI-led transformation.

• Prepare and present business cases for strategic technology investments to the senior leadership.

Leadership

• Champions an innovation and AI-forward culture; inspires teams and business partners to embrace technology-led change.

• Effective executive partner; manages vendors, integrators, and managed service providers to deliver value.

Project Management

• Governs concurrent IT and transformation projects with full oversight of scope, budget, timeline, and risk.

• Balances strategic AI and digital delivery with operational stability and day-to-day demands.

• Operates with high autonomy; accountable for full IT function performance through team leadership, vendor management, and delivery execution.

• Makes strategic decisions on technology direction, infrastructure investments, and vendor selection;

• Own the IT annual budget and workforce plan; ensure cost discipline and organizational capability aligned to strategic priorities.

• Act as the primary escalation point for application related incidents and risks.

Analytical & Problem Solving

• Analyses complex cross-domain IT issues and drives structured, data-driven resolutions.

• Sound business case development and technology evaluation skills; anticipates and mitigates risks proactively.

Soft Skills & Professional Attributes

• Clear communicator — translates technical and AI topics for business audiences; presents confidently at C-suite level.

• Accountable, composed under pressure, and committed to continuous improvement and innovation.

Requirement:

Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or Business. Certifications in SAP, ITIL, CISSP, PMP, or cloud/AI platforms (e.g. Azure, AWS, Microsoft AI) are advantageous.

More than 15 years in IT spanning both applications and infrastructure, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Proven track record managing SAP environments and IT infrastructure. Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing vendors and managed service providers.

Strong stakeholder management and executive communication. Able to influence at senior leadership level; skilled at managing across all levels and functions with high personal integrity.

Track record leading multi-functional IT teams. Skilled in coaching, performance management, and building high-performance team culture.

Experienced governing concurrent IT projects across application and infrastructure domains with full oversight of scope, budget, timeline, and risk. Able to evaluate solutions and drive business case approval.

Experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Experience with SAP upgrade or S/4HANA migration. Hands-on experience leading AI or digital transformation programmes, including deployment of generative AI, intelligent automation, or data analytics platforms. Exposure to Industry 4.0, cloud adoption, and smart factory initiatives. Network, cloud, or security management certifications.