Head - Technology Infrastructure Operations - BFSI

Head - Technology Infrastructure Operation

Reporting to: CTO

Location: Airoli, Mumbai

Primary Responsibilities:

- This role is responsible for managing mission critical Banking Infrastructure Operations on 24-7-365 basis. Operations include on-prem Data Centres, Cloud Infrastructure, traditional virtualisation platforms, hyper converged infrastructure, LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, SDN, SDWAN, Databases, Clustering, Call Centre Infrastructure, Backups, Storage etc.

- The role is part of CTO leadership team and therefore is expected to positively impact the overall delivery of information technology services as part of the technology team's mission for the bank. Some of the key responsibilities shall include:

- Provide leadership for running 24-7-365 mission critical operations. Offer stable Infrastructure services - Measure & Improve Infrastructure uptimes and performance by way of Service Improvement Plans, Improvement of Service Management Processes or Technology Refresh. Establish metrics, key performance indicators, and service level agreements to continually improve the performance of IT Operations.

- Lead - Mentor - Motivate a team of in-house and out-sourced professionals who manage and support operations. Works collaboratively with direct reports to support their career progression, nurture their development and to help them realize their potential.

- Introduces innovative, differentiating infrastructure and operations capabilities that enhance overall competitive capabilities and enhance employee productivity.

- Involves in major Incidents, Root Cause, Preventive Actions for Service Uptime, Drives the adoption of (and commitment towards) service improvements through a programmatic approach to continuous improvement.

- Ensure timely renewals of services, pro-active risk identification and timely risk closures.

- Accountable for driving key projects affecting Infrastructure & Operations in line with Ultimate Goal- Cost - time.

- Own & control budget spend. Optimize, find ways to reduce Operational costs.

- Develop RFPs/RFIs, oversee product evaluations, play decision making role in product and service selections, key commercial terms, scope of engagement and ensure that pricing, terms and conditions for suppliers contract meet Bank's requirements and IT standards while achieving optimal results for the Bank.

- Clean Audits, support & meet Information Security, Audit & Compliance requirements. Reduce Operational Risks & Compliance issues.

- Operate a formal governance mechanism including Operations, Audit, Compliance and Regulatory obligations to establish and monitor effective controls for the processes and functions performed by Infrastructure Operations teams and to ensure timely delivery and closure of Audit observations. Supports periodic reviews by audit teams, compliance teams and other risk-related functions as required.

- Build successful stakeholder relationships with IT Senior Leadership, Information Technology Leadership, and business key stakeholders by developing a clear understanding of needs, acting as a trusted advisor, and ensuring cost-effective delivery of IT services to meet those needs.

- Establish and maintain strong, strategic partnerships with Vendors, Service Suppliers. Conduct periodic internal and external reviews w.r.t. Performance, Metrices, KPA, KRA, SLA, TATs.

- Develops and executes a strategy to improve awareness of the business value that the Infrastructure and Operations function provides, and continuously seeks to ensure alignment to customer needs.

- Provide well-considered counsel to CTO, and other business service leaders on:

(a) Emerging infrastructure services and technologies having characteristics likely to provide benefit to the efficiency or capabilities of the Bank's infrastructure.

(b) Opportunities to apply new technologies or other solutions to challenges facing our operations, legal practices and/or business services

(c) Changes or emerging risks in supplier or product status and capabilities, standards and protocols, or other industry, market, or technology factors that may influence or impact IT systems and processes."

Pre-Requisites & Core Competencies:

- Must have relevant experience of 15-20 years in Infrastructure & Operations preferably in Banking & BFSI Industry.

- Must have minimum 12-15 years of relevant experience (BFSI industry preferred) in designing, operating complex technology networks including implementation of networks, with a deep knowledge in a technology infrastructure, HCI technologies (Nutanix), Active Directory, Networking (LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, SDWAN, latest trends, products, technologies), Routing, Switching (especially around Cisco, Juniper, HP, Arista), MPLS, QoS, VOIP, Load Balancers, Network Monitoring Tools, Private and Public Cloud and Network Security (especially around Palo Alto, FortiGate). Theoretical and Practical knowledge of regulations applicable in banking industry. Ability to convert requirements into practical, workable, scalable and manageable design. Demonstrated ability to apply technology solutions to business problems.

- Knowledge in related IT disciplines such as data processing, hardware platforms, enterprise software applications, database administration and outsourced systems & outsourced operations. Excellent understanding of multi-disciplinary nature of IT solutions.

- Exceptional leadership, influencing & negotiation skills, with the ability to develop and communicate vision that inspires and motivates staff and aligns with the IT and business strategy. Ability to lead cross functional project teams and in-source and out-sourced staff.

- Persuasive, professional communication style. Capable of communicating complex, technical topics to a wide variety of audiences in simplest form. Ability to interact with senior management and influence decision makers. Excellent verbal and written communication skills & presentation skills.

- Flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing conditions and priorities, and to redirect teams toward new objectives.

- Strong financial management skills in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control, defining engagement scope & defining basic terms and conditions for partner engagement.

- An understanding of the interdependent relationship between infrastructure, information security & application / services.

- Demonstrated ability to apply technology solutions to business problems.

- Deep Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations for the baking industry.

Qualification: Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, Electronics, Engineering, Diploma (10+2+3)