About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Manager / Head of IT Infrastructure & Security Systems to lead and manage the organization’s global IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, networks, cloud environments, and enterprise systems across the UAE, Kenya, and South Africa operations.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring high availability, security, scalability, and operational efficiency of all IT systems while driving digital transformation, governance, compliance, and IT best practices across multiple regions.
Key Responsibilities
IT Infrastructure Management
- Lead and manage the overall IT infrastructure operations across multiple countries and offices.
- Oversee servers, storage, virtualization, networks, cloud platforms, data centers, and enterprise systems.
- Ensure maximum uptime, performance, scalability, and reliability of IT infrastructure.
- Develop and implement IT infrastructure strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Manage IT asset lifecycle, hardware procurement, software licensing, and vendor relationships.
- Standardize IT processes, policies, and infrastructure across all regional offices.
Cybersecurity & Information Security
- Develop and implement global cybersecurity strategies, frameworks, and policies.
- Ensure protection of company systems, networks, endpoints, applications, and data against cyber threats.
- Manage firewall security, endpoint protection, VPNs, SIEM tools, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and access controls.
- Conduct security audits, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and risk mitigation activities.
- Ensure compliance with security standards, data protection laws, and internal governance policies.
- Lead incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning initiatives.
Cloud & Systems Administration
- Manage cloud infrastructure environments such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud.
- Oversee Microsoft 365 administration, Active Directory, email security, backup systems, and enterprise applications.
- Monitor system performance and implement proactive maintenance and optimization initiatives.
- Ensure secure remote access and connectivity across global teams.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead and mentor regional IT teams and external service providers across UAE, Kenya, and South Africa.
- Drive performance management, technical development, and team capability building.
- Coordinate with business leaders to understand operational requirements and provide technology solutions.
- Manage IT budgets, forecasting, and cost optimization initiatives.
Governance, Compliance & Strategy
- Establish IT governance frameworks, SOPs, security policies, and operational standards.
- Ensure compliance with ISO standards, cybersecurity frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
- Drive IT modernization and digital transformation initiatives.
- Prepare IT reports, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations for senior management.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field.
- Master’s Degree or relevant certifications will be an added advantage.
- Minimum 10+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, systems administration, and cybersecurity.
- Minimum 5 years in a leadership or managerial role handling regional/global operations.
- Strong experience managing multi-country IT operations.
- Hands-on expertise in Network infrastructure & security, Cloud platforms (Azure/AWS/GCP), Microsoft 365 & Active Directory, Firewalls, VPNs, endpoint security, SIEM tools, Virtualization, and Backup & disaster recovery.
- Experience in cybersecurity governance, audits, and compliance frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of ITIL, ISO 27001, and cybersecurity best practices.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage projects and priorities across multiple regions and time zones.
Preferred Certifications
- CISSP
- CISM
- CCNA / CCNP
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
- AWS / Azure Certifications
- ITIL Certification
Key Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Leadership & Team Management
- Cybersecurity Risk Management
- Infrastructure Planning & Optimization
- Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Business Continuity Planning
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Project Management
