Head of Infrastructure and IT Operations

The Head of Infrastructure and IT Operations will oversee the implementation, maintenance, and 24/7 operation of our IT infrastructure, ensuring high availability, robust security, and regulatory compliance. This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence in a highly regulated environment, managing everything from data centers and cloud operations to network infrastructure, support, and disaster recovery. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with deep technical expertise and a proven track record in managing IT operations within financial or crypto environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Planning
• Develop and execute the infrastructure and IT operations strategy in alignment with business goals and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to forecast IT needs and drive innovation while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Infrastructure Management
• Oversee the management of cloud data-centre environments, network infrastructure, and related technologies.
• Ensure systems are designed for scalability, performance, and high availability to support our growing customer base.
• Ensure best-of-breed solutions including automation and AI are leveraged to deliver and manage the technology estate optimally.
• Security & Regulatory Compliance
• Implement and maintain robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and infrastructure.
• Ensure adherence to industry regulations and compliance standards (e.g., PCI DSS, ISO 27001, SOC 2) relevant to a regulated crypto exchange.
• Coordinate with compliance and legal teams to integrate regulatory requirements into IT policies and procedures.
• Operational Excellence, 24/7 Management, IT Support & Reporting
• 24/7 Operational Management: Oversee round-the-clock monitoring of IT systems and infrastructure, establishing robust on-call protocols and rapid incident response procedures to ensure continuous service availability.
• IT Support: Manage IT support functions, including internal helpdesk and technical support teams, to ensure timely issue resolution and high-quality service delivery for both internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Reporting: Develop, maintain, and deliver comprehensive operational reports - including system uptime, incident response times, performance metrics, and risk assessments - to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and service level agreements (SLAs) to drive operational excellence.
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery, business continuity, and incident response plans, proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of IT professionals and infrastructure specialists.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management
• Manage relationships with technology vendors, service providers, and strategic partners, including regulators.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure that third-party services align with company standards and strategic goals.
• Qualifications
  

Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in IT infrastructure and operations, with significant leadership responsibilities. Ideally experience in a regulated environment, preferably within fintech, crypto, or financial services.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. Advanced degree (MBA, MS) or relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, ITIL) are a plus.

Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of cloud cloud computing platforms, particularly AWS, network architecture, and cybersecurity best practices. Experience with modern IT management tools, automation, AI, and monitoring solutions.

Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements in the financial or crypto sectors. Ability to translate compliance requirements into actionable IT policies and operational procedures.

Leadership & Communication: Proven ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical issues to non-technical audiences.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Adept at using data-driven insights to optimize IT operations and resolve issues swiftly and effectively. Strong decision-making capabilities under pressure.