About the role
This is a remote position.
Our new client is a rapidly growing, private equity-backed startup in the travel experiences industry, pursuing an ambitious global buy-and-build strategy.
Its portfolio consists of entrepreneurial, founder-led businesses operating across multiple countries. As the group expands, technology must evolve from locally managed environments into a secure, reliable and scalable group capability.
We are looking for aHead of ITto build and lead this capability, bringing practical structure and consistent standards to a growing international organisation.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will own the strategy, operating model and day-to-day effectiveness of IT across the group.
This is astrategic and hands-on leadership role. You will define the Group IT Target Operating Model, covering infrastructure, end-user computing, service desk, cybersecurity, identity and access management, data protection, vendor management and IT governance.
You will build a pragmatic, scalable service model through a combination ofManaged Service Providers (MSPs), specialist partners and internal resources, while ensuring that everyday technology issues are resolved effectively.
You will also play a central role in acquisitions, assessing target companies’ technology environments and leading their integration into the group.
Key Responsibilities
IT Strategy & Target Operating Model
* Define and implement the Group IT strategy and Target Operating Model. * Determine which capabilities should be managed internally, outsourced to MSPs or delivered through specialist partners. * Establish clear responsibilities and decision rights at group and local levels. * Develop an IT organisation and service model that supports continued international acquisitions. * Introduce appropriate standards, policies, governance and KPIs. * Build a roadmap for moving portfolio businesses from fragmented local environments towards the agreed target state.
Infrastructure & End-User Technology
* Own the strategy and standards for devices, networks, connectivity, cloud infrastructure and workplace technology. * Establish group standards for hardware, software, device management and lifecycle management. * Improve technology resilience, performance and support across the portfolio. * Lead infrastructure consolidation and migration initiatives where appropriate. * Ensure acquired businesses can be onboarded efficiently into the group’s technology environment.
IT Service Management
* Design and implement a scalable Group IT service-management model. * Establish service desk, incident, request, problem and change-management processes. * Define service-level agreements and performance KPIs. * Ensure employees across multiple countries receive responsive, high-quality technology support. * Personally engage with operational issues when required.
Cybersecurity
* Establish and maintain an appropriate cybersecurity framework. * Define minimum security standards for all portfolio companies. * Own identity and access management, endpoint security, vulnerability management, backup and recovery, security monitoring and incident-response capabilities. * Assess cybersecurity maturity across acquired businesses and prioritise remediation. * Coordinate MSPs and specialist cybersecurity providers. * Give the CEO and leadership team clear visibility of material cyber risks.
Data Protection & Privacy
* Establish a group operating model for data protection and privacy, defining the relationship between IT, Legal and external advisers. * Ensure technical and operational controls support GDPR and other applicable privacy requirements. * Define responsibilities for Data Protection Officer activities and ensure access to appropriate expertise. * Support data mapping, retention, access controls, incident management and privacy-related technology requirements.
M&A Technology Due Diligence & Integration
* Partner with the M&A and Integration teams to assess technology risks, capabilities, technical debt and integration requirements. * Identify cybersecurity, infrastructure, application, data, vendor and compliance risks before acquisition. * Estimate integration requirements and one-off costs. * Develop technology Day 1 and post-close integration plans. * Lead technology integration while minimising disruption to acquired businesses. * Establish a repeatable IT M&A integration playbook.
MSP & Vendor Management
* Design an MSP strategy for a geographically distributed organisation. * Select, manage and hold central and regional MSPs accountable for service delivery. * Rationalise overlapping vendors and services inherited through acquisitions. * Establish clear contracts, service-level agreements, escalation processes and performance management. * Optimise technology spend while maintaining service quality and resilience. * Build productive relationships with software, infrastructure and security partners.
IT Transformation & Delivery
* Build and maintain a prioritised Group IT transformation roadmap. * Personally lead or project-manage critical technology initiatives. * Coordinate migrations, infrastructure changes, security remediation and systems implementation. * Work with business leaders to ensure technology change supports operational priorities. * Establish transparent reporting on IT projects, risks, costs and performance.
Leadership & Capability Building
* Act as the group’s senior IT leader and trusted adviser to the CEO and leadership team. * Build internal IT capability progressively as the business scales. * Develop clear roles across internal teams, portfolio companies, MSPs and other vendors. * Manage the Group IT budget and support technology investment decisions. * Build a culture of service, security, accountability and continuous improvement.
Requirements
* Significant experience leading IT within an international, multi-entity or distributed organisation. * Demonstrated experience designing and implementing an IT Target Operating Model. * Strong practical experience across infrastructure, end-user computing, IT service management and cybersecurity. * Extensive experience designing and operating IT capabilities through Managed Service Providers. * Experience leading complex IT transformation programmes. * Strong understanding of cybersecurity risks and controls. * Working knowledge of GDPR, privacy and data-protection operating requirements. * Strong vendor, contract and commercial-management skills. * Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels. * Willingness to personally solve problems and drive projects within a lean internal structure. * Strong stakeholder-management skills, including working directly with CEOs, founders and senior leadership. * Based in the UK and willing to travel internationally. * Spanish language skill is a must
Highly Desirable
* Experience within a private equity-backed buy-and-build or roll-up environment. * Direct experience of IT M&A due diligence and post-merger technology integration. * Experience integrating small and medium-sized founder-led businesses. * Experience building a Group IT function or shared-service capability from a decentralised or early-stage starting point. * Experience in travel, hospitality, leisure, consumer services or another geographically distributed industry. * Italian language skills. * Experience working across Europe, the UK, North America and/or Latin America.
Benefits
* A key role in a rapidly growing, private equity-backed travel experiences startup. * International exposure across a growing portfolio of acquired businesses. * Close collaboration with senior leadership, founders and functional teams. * Ownership across the full integration lifecycle, from pre-acquisition planning to measurable results. * The opportunity to shape the group’s integration approach, playbooks and operating models. * Location: United Kingdom * Long-term assignment * Permanent/B2B Contract * Ful-time role
Originally posted on Himalayas