Director of Information Technology

Job title- IT Director , India Cluster

Reporting to- CIO, India Cluster/ APAC IT Director

Liaises with Senior management stakeholders, Regional and Global IT Leadership team

Location- Mumbai, India

Main Purpose of role

This role is fully accountable and responsible for the execution and delivery of IT, IS and cybersecurity strategy and plan for the India Cluster (including India,- Cluster) in compliance with Local, Regional and Group IT and data policies & standards.

This role will also ensure IT is a strategic enabler for business goals, growth and efficiency.

Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Innovation:

• Execute and implement agreed IT strategy in alignment with business goals and strategy and in-compliance with policies and standards.
• Identify and implement technology solutions that solve operational challenges and create business value
• Lead, design and implement the technology due diligence and integration in M&A, aligning with policies and standards
• Ensure cost effective delivery of IT services including device procurement, solution deployment and ongoing maintenance within approved budget and resources

2. Stakeholder Management & Business Partnering:

• Act as the primary IT operations and delivery lead in India cluster, collaborating closely with senior business stakeholders
• Translate business requirements into actionable IT initiatives with clear scopes, timelines and outcomes
• Facilitate effective communications between business teams and IT, ensuring transparency and proactive engagement

3. IT Security, Service Delivery & Governance:

• Fully accountable for the day-to-day IT operations, user experience and IT service levels
• Implement and maintain IT operational procedures and practices in compliance with IT General Controls and IT & cybersecurity strategy, policies and standards
• Manage IT service providers and ensure adherence to SLAs
• Plan and oversee upgrades, maintenance and change management activities to minimize disruptions
• Manage IT budget (capex and opex) and track investments and benefits
• Drive the standardization and improvement of IT infrastructure and services
• Working with Vendor and Procurement to optimize supplier contracts and ensure cost-effective IT solutions

4. Solution Development & Maintenance:

• Lead and manage development and maintenance of fit-for-purpose IT solutions (in-house or 3rd party) for business needs.
• Ensure solutions comply with standards, architecture principles, and security frameworks
• Ensure standardisation of applications within India cluster, and aligning with Group application strategy
• Manage the entire lifecycle of IT solutions, including support, upgrades and maintenance.

5. Programme & Project Delivery:

• Accountable for delivery of IT programs and project, ensuring they are complete on time, within budget and aligned with business expectations
• Lead and implement the IT aspects of M&A activities, ensuring seamless migration and integration of systems per agreed plans
• Partner with business stakeholders to define and track benefits realisation, manage business change processes and ensure high adoption and satisfaction
• Ensure timely and effective communication regarding project status and key business engagement messages.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and issues proactively

6. Resource & Vendor Management:

• Lead and manage IT teams and external vendors for optimal performance and delivery
• Drive career development, mentoring and performance management
• Manage escalations and service issues, ensuring timely resolution

Key skills

Person profile

Knowledge & skills

• Deep understanding of enterprise IT systems, infrastructure, and service delivery models
• Proven ability to deliver complex programs and manage large IT operations in a matrixed environment
• Experience with ITIL-based IT service management frameworks
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Analytical and strategic thinker with good problem-solving capabilities, adept at leveraging data and insights, and emerging technology trends to drive informed decisions and innovative solution
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity and compliance practices
• Hands-on leadership style with strong execution and decision-making skills

Experience & relevant qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in IT leadership roles, demonstrating strategic vision and execution within matrix, fast-paced environments
• At least 5 years as an IT business partner or delivery leader
• Demonstrated success in driving digital transformation and M&A integration
• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or related fields
• Experience working across multiple geographies and business cultures