Head of IT Operations

The Head of IT Operations will provide strategic and operational leadership of IT infrastructure, cloud environments, network, and telephony systems, supporting mission-critical services across port terminals, shipping operations, and commercial offices. This role is pivotal in ensuring IT operations are resilient, secure, and aligned with the dynamic needs of the maritime and port services industry, delivering high performance across a complex, 24/7 operational landscape.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

* Define and implement IT operations strategy tailored to the unique challenges of maritime logistics, port terminal operations, and supply chain ecosystems.

* Drive operational maturity through standards, policies, and service models aligned with global shipping and trade environments.

* Partner with business and operational leaders to anticipate and support digital transformation initiatives across terminals and logistics hubs.Infrastructure & Cloud Management

* Lead the architecture and lifecycle management of hybrid infrastructure supporting all operations, both onshore and offshore.

* Oversee cloud infrastructure (e.g., Microsoft Azure) for scalability, performance, and disaster resilience across geographically dispersed operations.

* Implement automation, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and DevOps practices to modernize deployments and reduce downtime.Network & Telephony

* Ensure secure and high-availability networks across port terminals, remote logistics sites, and central offices-including LAN/WAN, fibre, Wi-Fi, SD-WAN, and VPN connectivity.

* Manage operational and technical delivery of voice communications, including VoIP systems, contact centres, maritime radio integration, and unified communications platforms like Microsoft Teams.

* Maintain continuous communication coverage and resilience for mission-critical operational systems in real-time port environments.IT Service Management

* Oversee operational excellence in IT service delivery, applying ITIL principles to support change, incident, and problem management in both office and field environments.

* Define and monitor SLAs and KPIs aligned to the uptime demands of port infrastructure, vessels, and ERP environments.

* Collaborate with logistics and operations teams to maintain IT service reliability for crane automation, yard management systems, and terminal access control.Cybersecurity & Compliance

* Collaborate with the cybersecurity function to secure infrastructure against threats targeting critical national infrastructure, including OT (Operational Technology) environments.

* Ensure compliance with maritime, data protection, and operational standards including NIST, and local port authority requirements.

* Lead business continuity and disaster recovery planning with specific emphasis on safeguarding terminal and cargo operations.Budgeting & Resource Management

* Manage operational and capital budgets for IT infrastructure and cloud services, ensuring efficient use of resources in a cost-sensitive, performance-driven environment.

* Lead and mentor an infrastructure operations team, promoting accountability, innovation, and operational agility across business units.

* Oversee vendor relationships across IT services, telecoms, and maritime technology providers.