Head of IT

Grok Global Services; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

Grok Global Services seeks an experienced Head of IT to lead strategy, development and operational delivery of our global technology environment from Malaysia. You will oversee infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems and governance while partnering with leaders to drive scalable solutions and protect critical data.

You will shape technology initiatives, manage vendors and budgets, and build a high-performing team aligned with the company’s growth across regions.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years IT experience with 3–5 years in leadership.
• Experience in mid-sized or multinational orgs.
• Ability to shape strategy and execute hands-on tasks.

Responsibilities

• Develop multi-year IT and cybersecurity roadmap.
• Establish governance, policies and standards.
• Advise on investments, build-vs-buy decisions.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, SaaS and enterprise systems.
• Lead cybersecurity strategy, controls and DR/BC.
• Manage risks, compliance, IAM and audits.
• Drive IT service delivery and vendor management.

Skills

Strategic thinker

Commercial mindset

Hands-on operator

Stakeholder mgmt

Cloud platforms

SaaS platforms

Cybersecurity

Vendor management

IT governance

Communication

Education

CISSP

CISM

CompTIA Security+

ITIL

Job description

Grok Global Services is a leading global organisation dedicated to the international education sector. Headquartered in the U.S. with offices across 8 regions, Grok partners with over 80 top-ranked institutions, including members of the Russell Group, Australia’s Go8, and the U.S. Top 150, delivering two core services: dedicated in-market staffing through our Program Office model, and digital marketing services to grow their online presence and digital activities in key education markets.

With a team of 300+ professionals operating globally, our growth is fast-paced, our work is meaningful, and our culture is collaborative and mission-driven.

The Opportunity – Head of IT

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of IT to lead the strategy, development and operational delivery of Grok’s global technology environment.

Based in Malaysia, this is a broad and influential leadership role spanning IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise systems, digital platforms, technology governance, business continuity and vendor management.

As Grok continues to grow, you will play a critical role in ensuring our technology ecosystem is secure, resilient, scalable and fit for the future. You’ll set the strategic direction and drive its execution and implementation - strengthening governance, enhancing systems and security, leading key technology initiatives that can scale with the organisation.

This is an opportunity to shape and build Grok’s technology environment, combining strategic leadership, commercial judgement and hands-on delivery to make a meaningful and lasting organisation-wide impact.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and deliver Grok’s multi-year IT and cybersecurity roadmap, aligned with business priorities and future growth.
• Establish effective technology governance, policies, standards and operating frameworks.
• Advise leadership on technology investment, platform consolidation and build-versus-buy decisions.
• Provide clear visibility of technology risks, performance, security posture and emerging priorities.

Lead Technology, Systems & Digital Platforms

• Lead Grok’s IT infrastructure, SaaS environment, enterprise systems and digital platforms across our international operations.
• Shape an enterprise technology architecture that is secure, integrated, scalable and aligned with business needs.
• Oversee system administration, devices and technology lifecycle management.
• Partner with business leaders to identify and implement digital solutions, automation and emerging technologies that improve efficiency, employee experience and business outcomes.

Strengthen Cybersecurity & Resilience

• Lead Grok’s cybersecurity strategy, controls, monitoring and incident response.
• Strengthen security across systems, devices, networks, data and third-party services.
• Own the technology components of disaster recovery, backup and business continuity.
• Build cybersecurity awareness across the organisation and proactively respond to emerging threats.

Drive Risk, Compliance & Access Management

• Establish robust identity and access management practices across Grok’s core systems.
• Support data protection, privacy and technology-related regulatory requirements across our operating markets.
• Lead technology and cybersecurity risk assessments and support audits, client due diligence and enterprise security requirements.
• Ensure technology risks are identified, communicated and effectively managed.
• Manage technology vendors, contracts, licences, service levels and key commercial relationships.
• Identify opportunities to consolidate platforms, strengthen service quality and optimise technology investment.
• Support technology budgeting, forecasting and investment prioritisation.
• Drive reliable, responsive and effective IT service delivery across Grok’s operations.

Build Grok’s IT Capability

• Build and lead Grok’s IT capability as the organisation continues to grow.
• Establish effective service standards, escalation processes, documentation and performance measures.
• Remain hands-on while developing increasingly scalable and sustainable IT operating practices.
• Partner with leaders across the organisation and contribute as a member of Grok’s Management Team.

Who You Are

You’re an experienced technology leader who can think strategically, operate commercially and execute effectively. You're equally comfortable shaping a technology roadmap, advising senior leaders and personally handling hands-on operational tasks, from provisioning user accounts to day to day troubleshooting.

Ideal candidates will bring:

• 8–12+ years’ progressive IT experience, including 3–5 years in an IT leadership role
• Experience supporting a mid-sized, multi-site or multinational organization
• The ability to operate as both strategist and hands-on operator in a growing organization, with a track record of scaling infrastructure, systems and team structure to match business growth
• Proven experience developing and delivering IT strategies, technology roadmaps and governance frameworks
• Strong hands-on cybersecurity experience across controls, incident response, access management and risk
• Strong knowledge of cloud and SaaS platforms, endpoint management, network security and system administration
• Experience managing technology vendors, contracts, licences, budgets and procurement
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including the ability to translate technical and cybersecurity risks for non-technical audiences
• Relevant qualifications and certifications such as CISSP, CISM, CompTIA Security+, ITIL or equivalent cloud certifications are highly regarded.
• Experience within international education, professional services or a related sector is an advantage.

Why Join Grok?

At Grok, we combine professionalism with warmth. We care deeply about what we do and how we do it. You’ll join a team that celebrates wins, supports each other, and thrives on building meaningful partnerships across borders.

We Offer:

• A dynamic, inclusive and globally connected work environment
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• The scope to shape and deliver Grok’s future technology strategy and operating model
• Dedicated Strategy & Detox Weeks to step back from meetings, reflect, plan and recharge
• Meaningful work that contributes to the future of international education