Regional Head of IT

Role Overview The Regional Head of IT is responsible for defining and executing the IT strategy and overseeing all IT operations across the region. This includes IT infrastructure, Microsoft technology stack leadership, cybersecurity, compliance, projects, risk management, audits, business continuity, and end-user support. The role combines strategic foresight, stakeholder collaboration, and hands-on expertise in Microsoft technologies, ensuring that IT delivers measurable business value, security, and innovation. Key Responsibilities 1. IT Strategy, Governance & Projects Define and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with business objectives. Lead IT projects and initiatives, including designing and deploying new IT systems and services. Collaborate with business stakeholders to analyze requirements and deliver technology solutions. Establish governance frameworks for IT compliance, risk management, and audit readiness. Develop and maintain up-to-date IT policies and procedures aligned with organizational direction. 2. Microsoft Technology Stack Leadership Oversee Microsoft 365 (Teams, SharePoint, Exchange, OneDrive, Intune) for secure collaboration and hybrid work. Manage Azure Cloud Services for compute, storage, networking, and security. Lead identity and access management (Active Directory, Azure AD, DNS, Remote Desktop, Group Policy). Implement Microsoft Defender, Compliance Center, Azure Security Center, and advanced DLP. Ensure troubleshooting, optimization, and standardization across the Microsoft ecosystem. 3. IT Risk Management, Cybersecurity & Compliance Develop and enforce IT security policies aligned with ISO 27001 and client requirements. Lead IT risk management, identifying vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation measures. Conduct periodic internal reviews to ensure compliance. Initiate ISO 27001 certifications for identified territories. Maintain audit-ready reports, documentation, and evidence for ISO 27001, regulatory reviews, customer, and partner audits. Monitor threats using Microsoft and third-party security tools, ensuring continuous protection. Ensure organizational awareness of IT security and data privacy regulations (PDPA etc.) through updates and training. 4. IT Budgeting, Procurement & Asset Management Develop and manage annual IT budgets and track expenditures. Oversee procurement of IT hardware, software, and services. Ensure compliance with vendor agreements and license requirements. Maintain accurate inventory of hardware assets and software licenses. Negotiate contracts and manage vendor SLAs. 5. Infrastructure & Operations Manage enterprise infrastructure, including servers, networks, routers, switches, and firewalls. Ensure high availability, scalability, and cost optimization of IT systems. Oversee both cloud and on-premise infrastructure across multiple geographies. Drive continuous improvement in infrastructure performance and resilience. 6. Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Develop and own DR/BCP policies covering people, processes, and technology. Define RTO/RPO targets and implement backup/recovery solutions (Azure Backup, Site Recovery, M365 retention). Conduct regular DR drills and address gaps proactively. 7. Incident Management Create and enforce incident response playbooks, escalation channels, and SLAs. Lead containment, investigation, and recovery during IT incidents. Communicate with leadership, clients, and regulators as required. Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions. 8. IT Service Management & End-User Support Implement ITIL-based ITSM processes (incident, problem, change, request). Lead the helpdesk team to ensure effective resolution of user issues. Provide direct support when necessary to resolve escalations. Arrange user awareness sessions to educate staff about new functionality and security. Track IT service SLAs, KPIs, and user satisfaction. 9. Data Protection & Privacy Implement and monitor controls for personal and sensitive data. Conduct privacy impact assessments (PIAs) and risk evaluations. Lead response protocols for data breaches and ensure regulatory reporting. Promote a culture of privacy awareness across the organization. Initiate Data Privacy certification initiatives aligning with the compliance requirements. 10. Process Automation & Continuous Improvement Identify manual processes for automation (RPA, workflows, scripting). Collaborate with stakeholders to optimize IT and business processes. Drive efficiency, reduce errors, and embed continuous improvement culture. 11. Leadership & People Management Build and manage a high-performing IT team across multiple regions. Define IT team structure, roles, and succession planning. Mentor, coach, and provide career development opportunities. Foster collaboration, accountability, and service excellence. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience). 15+ years of IT experience, with at least 7 years in IT leadership. Technical expertise in Microsoft 365, Azure, Intune, Advanced DLP, Windows administration. Strong technical knowledge of routers, switches, and firewall devices. Hands-on experience with ISO 27001 and other information security standards. Certifications preferred: ITIL, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer, CISSP, CISM, CISA (optional). Proven experience in multi-regional IT operations, compliance, and vendor management. Key Competencies Strategic and analytical thinker with business acumen. Strong project management and stakeholder collaboration skills. Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities. Deep technical troubleshooting skills in Microsoft stack and enterprise infrastructure. Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational execution.