Head of IT

Client of Michael Page; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of IT to lead their technology strategy and operations in Riyadh. In this pivotal role, you will oversee IT infrastructure, manage a high-performing team, and ensure compliance with regulations while driving continuous improvement. Your expertise in IT operations, particularly in the financial services sector, will be crucial as you collaborate with internal teams and external partners. This dynamic position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of technology within the organization and make a significant impact on its success.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of IT experience, with 5 years in leadership roles.
• Strong background in IT infrastructure and operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead IT operations and strategy aligned with business goals.
• Manage IT budgets, vendor contracts, and performance KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder Management

IT Strategy

Disaster Recovery

Process Optimisation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology

Master's degree in Information Technology

Tools

AWS

Azure

ITIL

PMP

Job description

This role will be based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Job Description

The Head of IT will be responsible for:

1. Reviewing and refreshing IT strategy aligned with business goals and regulatory requirements
2. Leading IT operations including infrastructure, network, data center, cloud services, end-user support, and service management
3. Overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of secure and scalable infrastructure solutions
4. Ensuring 24/7 availability, performance, and resilience of critical systems and services
5. Maintaining full compliance with regulations, IT governance policies and industry standards
6. Leading IT disaster recovery and business continuity planning, testing, and execution
7. Collaborating with internal teams, vendors, and regulators
8. Managing IT budgets, vendor contracts, and performance KPIs
9. Building and leading a lean but high-performing IT team, including training and development initiatives
10. Driving continuous improvement, automation, and process optimisation
11. Leading any key IT projects and programs
12. Regular management reporting

The Successful Applicant

The Head of IT will be/have:

1. At least a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (Master's is preferred)
2. 12+ years of experience in IT roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity
3. Strong background in IT infrastructure and operations, preferably in the financial services sector
4. Knowledge of SAMA regulations, especially those related to IT and cybersecurity, is preferred
5. Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), hybrid environments, and enterprise-grade security frameworks
6. Familiarity with regulatory compliance tools and IT risk assessment practices
7. Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
8. Relevant certifications such as ITIL or PMP are preferred
9. Based in/willing to relocate to Riyadh