Purpose of the Role
The Group IT Operations Director is responsible for IT Operations across the Companys-Group. S/he oversees the complete IT Infrastructure and is responsible for optimal performance and availability of IT systems and applications. The Group IT Operations Director works in close cooperation with the local (country based) and group IT teams to plan, coordinate, direct, and design all operational IT activities as well as provide direction and support aligned with the business objectives and goals.
The Group Director IT Operations will report directly to the group VP IT and works closely with key stakeholders at group and country level to identify, recommend, develop, implement and support cost-effective technology solutions. Will need to collaborate across the group in defining the scope of work for IT operations & support, workloads, staff utilization and processes.
S/he will define, set up and implement procedures, policies and processes across the group in combination with the appropriate Service Level Agreements and according KPI’s.
The current IT organization is in a transition from completely decentralized into a matrix based IT organization where the IT Infrastructure will be partly outsourced to external suppliers( Cloud based). It’s expected that the Group IT Director Operations actively contributes, leads and manages the Infrastructure related part covering all aspects being strategic, architectural, technical and operational. Vendor and contract management is another important part of the role.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Further define and implement the IT Infrastructure strategy.
Responsible for optimal performing, secure, stable and robust IT Infrastructure
Makes sure the right level of Cybercrime resiliency is applied across the group working in close partnership with the CISO
Strive for cost efficient, easy to maintain and support IT Infrastructure
Buildup, lead and manage a high performing virtual IT Infrastructure Team across the group Invest in training programs and provide opportunities for experimenting
Define and implement the right levels of IT Support across the Group, including SLA’s and KPI’s.
Works with the business, operating companies, group functional leaders and local IT leadership to simplify and harmonize the IT lnfrastructure landscape in line with the business and IT Strategy;
Monitor and measure 3rd party (outsourced) services and contracts together with procurement
Make sure adequate business continuity and disaster recovery measures are in place and tested regularly
Actively review new IT technologies and propose the relevant ones for the Group
Review and constructively challenge key IT proposals produced by business platforms;
Review and monitor IT risk management challenges for business platforms, understanding key short, medium and long term impacts;
Involved in M&A activities helping performing IT due diligence and overseeing integration when relevant;
Works closely with the Group IT Security Director to implement, manage and monitor cyber security policies, framework & standards.
Assures compliance to internal and external control objectives.
Key Functional Competencies
High service minded
Innovative and actively driving implementation of new IT Technologies
A pragmatic, can-do mentality, focus on results
A desire to complete challenging tasks and learn on the go
Understands the dynamic and challenges of an International decentralized operating company
Strong, steady personality; open for discussion, other opinions
Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing
Effectively manage across cultures; Achieves effective collaboration, alignment, and
communication across multiple dimensions of cultural diversity.
Keeping the long term goal in mind
Education and Experience
Master level education in Information Technology, Computer Science or related
10+ years in leading IT Operations in an International Environment
Proven experience in large, complex matrix organizations
Fluent in English and ideally in German, Dutch or French
Experience in wholesale/retail organization
Preferable experience in M&A activities
Experience in defining, planning and implementing IT infrastructures in medium or large Companies
Proven knowledge of Microsoft Azure & O365 technologies
Good understanding about Saas solutions like Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central
Broad experience in Network concepts and technologies, like SD-WAN
Experience in establishing and managing partnerships with technology providers
Program and Project Management Experience
Leading and Managing IT teams
Very good understanding and experience with Cloud based solutions
Location
Schiphol-Oost, the Netherlands
