Head – IT Product Management & VDC IT

Job Title: Head – IT Product Management & VDC IT

Job Location: Chennai

This role is responsible for defining and executing the IT product management and Virtual Delivery Center (VDC) IT strategy while ensuring the effective delivery of IT services that align with business objectives. This role leads cross-functional teams to drive innovation, optimize operational efficiency, and foster strong stakeholder relationships, ultimately enhancing the value of IT within the organization. Through strategic oversight and a commitment to continuous improvement, the director will contribute to the overall success and profitability of the business.

The role reports to the CIO of the Global Service Center, for DHL Global Forwarding Freight.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategy and Budget Management:

• Define and lead the IT Product Management, and VDC IT strategy in alignment with regional/global IT strategies.
• Act as a key member of management teams, setting center directions and strategies.
• Manage the budget and create business cases for required investments to improve business P&L through effective management of VDC IT and IT service management.

Product and Project Delivery:

• Provide end-to-end product management, ensuring clear scope, timelines, and escalation paths.
• Coordinate the planning and delivery of IT projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Develop and manage IT product certifications from initiation to completion, including scope, timelines, hardware procurement, resource allocation, and risk analysis.

Stakeholder and Vendor Management:

• Establish strong relationships with senior business leaders and external vendors to ensure alignment of IT activities with business goals.
• Communicate and influence stakeholders to accept practices and approaches that enhance IT service delivery.
• Ensure that VDC IT activities are aligned with GSC VDC unit’s goals and priorities.
• Establish regular reviews with GSC VDC business leaders – raising the visibility and value of IT.
• Maintain a close working relationship with Internal/External Vendors.

Operational Management:

• Manage local VDC applications and IT security, licensing, hosting, and patching to support business needs.
• Oversee the delivery of infrastructure services from both internal and external providers, ensuring best practices in customer service and helpdesk support.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Develop a culture of teamwork and collaboration among teams.
• Assess skills and competencies within the IT team and implement training and development plans to address gaps.
• Manage a department or small unit that includes multiple teams, fostering leadership and motivation.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices regularly.
• Proactively manage change control, communicate impacts on project scope, and devise contingency plans.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in IT product management and service management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a global organization.
• Strong understanding of IT systems, software development processes, and product management methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and digital transformation trends.
• ITIL qualified with hands-on experience in managing VMware, Windows Servers, Database Servers, IT Security, Cloud Computing, and Application Hosting.
• Strong project management skills and experience with relevant tools; PMP or equivalent project management certification is an advantage.
• Effective interpersonal communication skills with excellent business acumen and the ability to influence and negotiate at senior levels.
• Customer-oriented mindset with budgeting and cost-controlling skills