Deputy CIO

Saaki Argus and Averil Consulting; Chennai District; On-site; INR 6,000,000 - 9,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Saaki Argus and Averil Consulting seeks a Deputy CIO to partner with the CIO in shaping enterprise technology strategy and leading digital transformation across the organization. The role requires balancing strategic planning with operational execution, driving secure, scalable IT services and high-impact technology initiatives.

The candidate will oversee IT operations, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, and governance, ensuring alignment with business goals and stakeholder needs across

Qualifications

• Minimum 20 years of IT leadership across enterprise tech.
• Proven track record in digital transformation, cloud adoption, and modernization.
• Strong governance, risk, and cybersecurity management.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the organization's enterprise technology vision and roadmap.
• Lead day-to-day IT operations ensuring availability and performance.
• Drive enterprise-wide digital transformation including cloud, automation, AI and data analytics.
• Oversee enterprise architecture, infrastructure, networks, and core business applications.
• Provide strategic leadership for cybersecurity, risk management, and business continuity.

Skills

Strategic IT leadership

IT strategy

Digital transformation

Cybersecurity governance

Enterprise architecture

Education

Master's degree in IT/CS/MB

Tools

ITIL

ERP systems

CRM platforms

Job description

About the Client

A leading Global IT Services MNC.

Location

Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

Experience

20 to 30 years.

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced and versatile Deputy Chief Information Officer (Deputy CIO) to support the CIO in leading the organization's enterprise technology strategy, digital transformation, IT operations, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, infrastructure, governance, and innovation initiatives. The role requires a well‑rounded technology leader capable of balancing strategic planning with operational execution, driving technology‑enabled business outcomes, and ensuring the delivery of secure, scalable, and high‑performing IT services. The Deputy CIO will serve as the CIO's trusted partner and be fully equipped to lead the IT function in the CIO's absence.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the CIO in defining and executing the organization's enterprise technology vision, IT roadmap, and digital transformation strategy.
• Lead day‑to‑day IT operations, ensuring high availability, performance, reliability, and continuous improvement across all enterprise technology platforms.
• Drive enterprise‑wide digital transformation initiatives, including cloud adoption, automation, AI, data‑driven decision‑making, and modernization of legacy systems.
• Oversee enterprise architecture, infrastructure, cloud platforms, networks, workplace technologies, and core business applications to ensure scalability and operational excellence.
• Provide strategic leadership for cybersecurity, information security, risk management, compliance, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Govern enterprise application landscapes, including ERP, CRM, HRMS, collaboration platforms, ITSM, and other critical business systems.
• Establish and strengthen IT governance, portfolio management, PMO practices, budgeting, technology standards, policies, and performance metrics.
• Lead vendor strategy, technology sourcing, contract negotiations, and management of strategic technology partnerships to maximize business value.
• Collaborate closely with business leaders, delivery organizations, engineering teams, and corporate functions to align technology initiatives with business priorities.
• Champion data governance, analytics, AI, and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency and enable business innovation.
• Drive automation initiatives across IT operations, service management, infrastructure, and business processes using modern digital platforms and AI technologies.
• Ensure delivery of world‑class IT services by continuously improving service management, ITIL processes, service desk operations, and customer experience.
• Build, mentor, and develop high‑performing technology leadership teams while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Manage enterprise IT budgets, financial planning, resource optimization, and technology investment decisions to deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Define and monitor enterprise KPIs, SLAs, operational dashboards, and governance mechanisms to ensure execution excellence.
• Represent the IT organization in executive leadership forums, steering committees, customer interactions, audits, and strategic business discussions.
• Act as the CIO's delegate and assume full leadership responsibilities in the CIO's absence, ensuring continuity of strategic and operational decision‑making.