Role description:
• Own the performance of Group IT shared services. Set priorities, agree service levels and use service reporting to drive improvements in reliability, efficiency and service quality.
• Lead and develop the Group IT team. Set objectives, delegate responsibilities and align internal resources and specialist providers with service and project priorities.
• Manage supplier relationships, contracts and service commitments. Review performance, resolve escalations and secure value from outsourced services.
• Deliver approved infrastructure and shared-service transformation, including modernisation, migration and consolidation. Ensure business readiness, continuity and effective operational handover.
• Define shared IT service and infrastructure standards. Partner with country IT teams to align local practices and integrate with Group services.
• Oversee the reliability, capacity and scalability of the infrastructure supporting operational monitoring and data platforms. Coordinate requirements and changes with Operations as the platform and application owner.
• Lead major incident coordination for shared services, communicate business impact and ensure recurring problems are resolved.
• Prepare budget proposals and investment business cases; manage approved expenditure, forecasts, licences and subscriptions.
• Ensure shared services meet Group cybersecurity requirements, with effective access controls, risk management, change control and tested recovery arrangements.
Qualifications:
• A degree in IT, engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• A strong record in IT operations, infrastructure or service delivery, typically 8+ years, including at least 3 years leading technical teams or service providers. Equivalent demonstrated experience will be considered.
• Experience managing shared IT services in an international organisation and working effectively with business functions and local IT teams.
• Proven delivery of infrastructure modernisation, cloud or workplace migrations, and measurable service improvements.
• Experience managing budgets, contracts and investment proposals, with the ability to explain technical choices and costs to business stakeholders.
• Sound technical judgement across on-premises and cloud infrastructure, Microsoft workplace and identity services, networking, cybersecurity and service continuity.
• Practical IT service management experience, including service levels, incident and problem management, change control and supplier performance.
• Preferred: ITIL Foundation or higher certification. Relevant project management, cloud or security certifications are an advantage.
• Preferred: experience in telecommunications, infrastructure services or another distributed operational business.
• Clear communication, effective people leadership and sound judgement in prioritising work and allocating internal and external resources.
• Languages spoken: professional working proficiency in English. French is a plus.
• Based in Romania and willing to travel internationally, including Africa.