The head of IT Infrastructure is responsible for overseeing the planning, design, implementation and maintenance of UI’s entire IT Infrastructure. This role which reports to the Group CTO, ensures that all systems from Data Centres and Networs to Cloud Services operate at peak efficiency, mitigate risks and align with business strategy. The role combines strategic leadership with a hands-on approach to Infrastructure management in order to ensure that UI’s IT systems are secure, reliable and scalable.
The successful candidate will run the Network, Database, SysAdmin and End User teams at UI. Be responsible for over 40 FTEs and several contract resources as well as third party service providers.
Your responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Planning:
* Develop and execute a comprehensive IT infrastructure strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
* Create roadmaps for future infrastructure projects to enable scalability and support growth initiatives.
* Evaluate emerging technologies and trends, ensuring the organization stays at the forefront of innovation.
Infrastructure Management:
* Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of data centers, servers, networks, cloud and end-user environments
* Ensure systems are robust, secure, and compliant with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
* Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
Security & Compliance:
* Implement and uphold cybersecurity policies and procedures to protect organizational data and IT assets.
* Monitor system performance and security, proactively identifying and addressing vulnerabilities.
* Partner with security teams to conduct risk assessments and audits.
Team Leadership & Collaboration:
* Lead, mentor, and manage a skilled team of IT professionals.
* Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the IT department.
* Work closely with cross-functional teams, including application development, business operations, and executive leadership, to ensure IT initiatives support organizational goals.
* Drive transformation towards a collaborative global IT (fostering digital leadership skills and self sufficiency, removing silos and promoting international collaboration e.g., with partners)
Vendor & Budget Management:
* Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers to ensure quality and cost-effective IT solutions.
* Develop, manage, and monitor the IT infrastructure budget, negotiating contracts and service level agreements as needed.
* Continuously identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and operational excellence.
Operational Excellence:
* Establish metrics and KPIs to monitor infrastructure performance and efficiency.
* Oversee the lifecycle management of IT assets, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing downtime.
* Drive regular reviews and updates of IT policies, procedures, and documentation.
Service Management
* Ensure Compliance with Intercompany SLAs for all infrastructure services
* Act as an escalation point for all Infrastructure Service Outages
* Manage third parties contracted to provide Infrastructure services
Your skills:
Education:
* Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
* A Master’s degree or relevant advanced certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert, Cisco Certified Network Professional) are highly desirable.
Experience:
* Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive experience in IT infrastructure roles.
* At least 3 years of leadership experience managing large-scale IT projects and teams.
* Demonstrated success in managing and scaling complex IT environments within fast-paced or high-stakes industries.
Technical Skills:
* In-depth knowledge of network architecture, cloud platforms, data center operations, and cybersecurity best practices.
* Experience with virtualization technologies, storage solutions, and enterprise software platforms.
* Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements and industry standards.
Soft Skills:
* Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across various levels of the organization.
* Proven leadership skills, including team building, mentorship, and performance management.
Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities in a dynamic environment.