IT Director

Job Title: IT Director for Infrastructure and Security

We are seeking an experienced and innovative leader to manage our IT infrastructure and security teams.

The ideal candidate will drive the management and strategic oversight of on-premises data center assets, end-user systems, and cloud services with a focus on Microsoft and Open-Source technologies. This includes leading initiatives to transition workloads from current on-premises to hybrid cloud ecosystems.

• Work closely with the CTO to define a strategic direction for the organization's IT ecosystem and align it to business objectives; digital transformation initiatives, and right-fit technology.
• Formulate, strategize, and implement IT and InfoSec policies aligning them to industry standards, best practices, and organizational goals.

Managing vendor/service provider relationships and running periodic cost optimization through vendor/tool consolidation and timely AMC negotiations/renewals. Develop and implement change management processes to ensure smooth transitions and adoption of new technologies.

Communicate changes to all stakeholders and provide necessary support during change. Lead the IT Infra team and IT InfoSec teams.

Foster an innovation-driven, collaborative, ever-learning, and high-performance team. Ensure the reliability, availability, performance, security, and high uptime of all IT assets, including hardware like Dell servers, HPE servers, SAN Data Storages, WAN/LAN Devices, EPABX systems, etc.

Develop and implement maintenance schedules using tools like Microsoft System Center. Setting up, managing, and monitoring organization's data center operations.

Oversee network architecture, connectivity uptime, and network performance using Cisco routers, switches, and other communication devices. Set up IT Infrastructure Monitoring Tools to identify and resolve IT infrastructure problems before they can adversely affect critical business processes.

Report to the management team insight into the status of physical, virtual, and cloud systems and help ensure availability and compliance.

• Implement and manage security measures, including Next-Generation Firewalls; IDS/IPS; VPNs; Next-Generation Endpoint Security; DLP; IRM/EDRM; Web Proxy, etc.
• Conduct regular security assessments at server level and network level using tools like Nessus, Nmap, etc., to assess security implementation and mitigate vulnerabilities.

Ensure compliance with security policies and procedures using SIEM solutions like Splunk and ensure zero data theft and data leakage. Monitor and respond to security incidents with solutions like Microsoft Defender for Cloud and Open-Source tools such as Wazuh, OSSEC, etc.

Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards, maintaining certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 27001, PCI DSS.

Implement disaster recovery and business continuity plans based on best practices and industry standards using solutions such as Commvault, Borg, Veeam.

Identify opportunities for technological improvements and innovation with a focus on Microsoft/Open-Source solutions and build blueprints to transition from older technology leading to reduce TCO and enhanced systems experience.

Promote the adoption of emerging technologies and open-source tools to enhance business/IT operations.

Set up key IT processes and capture data touchpoints to evaluate IT Teams' performance and OKRs.

Build a culture of continuous improvement and service excellence. Provide leadership to drive Infrastructure and Network Security maturity improvements across the organization, in line with the changing Threat Landscape, Regulatory, and Compliance requirements, etc.

Rewire the current processes, practices, and disciplines for IT Service Management using ITIL principles aligning IT services with the needs of the organization.

At least 10-12 years of relevant experience in IT infrastructure management and information security. Must have proven experience leading and managing complex hybrid IT teams.

Must have proven experience in leading initiatives to transition workloads from current on-premises to hybrid cloud ecosystems. Must have proven experience in implementing and managing IT Security, Business Continuity Plans, Disaster Recovery Frameworks, and Security Audits.

Must have technical proficiency and hands-on experience with Microsoft technologies (Windows Server, Azure Services, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, etc.) and Open-Source technologies (Ubuntu Linux, KVM, Docker, Kubernetes, etc.). Experience in managing data center operations, network systems, and virtualization environments.

Experience with IT process optimization and implementing change management processes. Any relevant industry certifications like CISSP, CISM, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Red Hat Certified, Cisco Certified Network Professional, etc., will be added advantage.

Experience working in large publication company, management consulting company, or Tier 1 startups will be added advantage.