JOB SUMMARY:
The Head of IT will lead the IT structures and manage the company's technology operations. The individual will oversee the implementation of the IT strategy, actively manage business application portfolio, IT infrastructure, and ensure robust and secure systems to meet the organization's business needs. This role requires both a visionary approach to future technologies and the ability to handle daily IT operations efficiently. Key to the position will be managing a team across multiple regions, supporting the company's digital transformation initiatives, and maintaining a focus on cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and IT governance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
IT Strategy & Leadership:
Contribute to EMEA Tech regional strategy.
Translate EMEA Tech strategy to local initiatives aligned with the local business priorities and plans.
Identify, recommend, and implement new technologies and processes to enhance operations and client offerings.
Partner with senior leadership in the region and local organisation to advise on the potential use of technology to meet business objectives.
Oversee the county digital acceleration efforts, ensuring smooth integration of new platforms/technologies.
Application Portfolio Management:
Manage local application portfolio, actively driving consolidation and legacy decommissioning efforts as well as necessary upgrades and updates of application landscape/key components and platforms.
Coordinate efforts and initiatives related to implementation and rollout of global technology solutions and services.
IT Infrastructure & Operations:
Work closely with regional infrastructure leads on design, implementation, and management of IT infrastructure, including cloud services, networks, and telecommunications systems.
Ensure and monitor availability, performance, and security of all systems and services used by local users.
Oversee the daily operations of the IT department, including troubleshooting, system updates, and maintenance.
Workplace Service Coordination:
Liaise with regional head of digital workplace service on service roadmap, user/colleague experience and onboarding assurance, performance, and availability monitoring.
Act as local host/line manager of local IT support team.
Team Management & Development:
Manage and develop a multi-disciplinary IT team, fostering a high-performance culture.
Conduct performance reviews, mentor staff, and ensure appropriate training and development opportunities.
Lead cross-functional teams on IT projects across different business units and geographies in close collaboration with Regional Team and local COO (ABS partnership).
Cybersecurity & Risk Management:
Work closely with country GSS team to ensure that the organization's IT environment is secure and meets all relevant regulatory, legal, and corporate requirements.
Develop and implement cybersecurity policies and risk mitigation strategies.
Oversee disaster recovery planning and business continuity processes.
Budget & Vendor Management:
Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective technology solutions.
Drive local vendor consolidation and collaborate closely with regional structures as well as global procurement category leads.
Monitor contracts, service-level agreements (SLAs), and ensure timely delivery of technology services.
Compliance & Governance:
Ensure compliance with industry regulations, data protection laws (such as GDPR), and corporate governance.
Maintain documentation for IT processes, risk assessments, and compliance initiatives.
Manage IT audits and interface with auditors and regulatory bodies.
Innovation & Digital Transformation:
Act as an ambassador of Global and Regional Technology Solutions, work closely with Global Solution Lines structures to promote and transition to target IT architecture.
Partner with country ABS and business structures to translate and prioritize local demand in global Solution Lines product backlogs in close collaboration with EMEA Demand Harmonization function.
Lead initiatives that support digital innovation and the transformation of business processes through technology.
Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies and assess their relevance for the company.
Implement scalable solutions to improve client service, operations, and overall organizational efficiency.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (Master's preferred).
10+ years of IT experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role working preferably in the financial services industry (insurance) or global consulting firm.
Proven experience in developing and implementing IT strategies that support business goals.
Extensive experience in managing IT infrastructure, cloud services, and cybersecurity.
Familiarity with regulatory environments such as GDPR, ISO standards, and IT governance frameworks (e.g., COBIT, ITIL).
Strong project management skills, with a track record of delivering complex IT projects on time and within budget.
Demonstrated ability to manage a large, diverse IT team across multiple regions.
Excellent communication skills, capable of translating technical issues into business language for non-technical stakeholders.
Fluent command of Spanish and English language (French and or Portuguese would be a great plus).
DESIRED COMPETENCIES:
Strategic thinking with strong business acumen.
Ability to influence and drive change in a multinational organization.
Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
Experience with digital transformation, automation, and emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, or big data analytics.
Strong vendor management and contract negotiation skills.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Based in Madrid with seldom need to travel to other regions and countries (within EMEA).
Flexibility to work outside standard hours for global coordination.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
The role is critical in ensuring that the company's technology services and systems support global operations. The successful candidate will need to navigate the complexities of operating in various regulatory environments and ensure the secure and efficient operation of IT infrastructure across the company.
BENEFITS:
Hybrid role.
Totally free health insurance.
Annual bonus.
Flexible benefits.
Discount club with BigPocket.
Car parking.
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