INTRODUCTION
elseco is a high technology specialty insurance underwriting agency and Lloyd’s Coverholder.
elseco underwrites on behalf of more than 50 insurance and reinsurance companies including Lloyd’s syndicates. elseco is headquartered in the Dubai International Financial Centre (Dubai, UAE) and is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The Group employs some 90 professionals with regulated offices in Dubai, London and Paris.
The company started its activity in 2007 with space insurance and has since grown and diversified into aviation, energy and accident & health insurance.
At the cornerstone of elseco’s group latest evolution is the insurtech platform development. It sits at the very core of the elseco group and is seen as business critical to the elseco’s group future success and growth plans.
JOB PURPOSE / MANDATE:
The Head of Information Technology (IT) is responsible for overseeing and managing the IT team to ensure seamless, secure, and innovative technology operations across the organization. This role involves developing and executing the IT strategy, managing IT systems and infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity, and fostering a high-performing IT environment aligned with the company’s objectives.
The Head of IT will work closely with the Deputy Group CEO and Chief Product Officer to drive technical operations, innovation, and strategic initiatives while ensuring business continuity and user satisfaction. An efficient, productive, and secure IT environment is the ultimate goal of this position.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead the IT team to deliver services aligned with elseco Group and ATOM’s technology strategy, taking ownership of services across the organization.
- Develop and implement IT policies and procedures to maintain security and integrity of systems.
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, such as data privacy and security.
- Collaborate with Legal and Compliance teams to ensure compliance with data protection standards and licensing requirements.
- Liaise with vendors for IT products and services, managing contracts, SLAs, and performance metrics.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute IT projects, including system upgrades, network installations, and software implementations.
- Monitor and maintain the company’s technology infrastructure, including servers, networks, and telecommunications systems.
- Ensure performance and reliability of Windows and Linux servers, networking equipment, telephony, CCTV, and biometric systems.
- Manage systems such as Active Directory/Group Policies, Office 365, SharePoint, Microsoft Azure, and advanced authentication solutions.
- Provide technical support and resolve IT issues to ensure smooth operations.
- Develop and enforce cybersecurity protocols, monitor for vulnerabilities, and ensure effective backup solutions.
- Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and monitor service levels for IT products and services.
- Regularly update internal and external stakeholders on IT service performance and participate in review sessions to align IT initiatives with business needs.
- Develop and implement IT policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to promote security, consistency, and best practices.
- Collaborate with other departments to address technology needs and align IT services with business goals.
- Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
- Stay updated with the latest technology trends and make recommendations for improvements and investments.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of IT systems, policies, and licensing agreements.
- Represent the IT function in audits and compliance reviews.
- Lead and manage IT staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
- Partner with the Chief Product Officer to drive innovation and improve service performance.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Minimum of 10-15 years of proven experience in IT leadership, infrastructure management, and cybersecurity.
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Expertise in IT infrastructure, including servers, networking equipment, and cloud platforms such as Microsoft Azure and AWS,
- Familiarity with SAP, Tableau, Dell technologies, and SonicWall is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in cybersecurity protocols, data backup, disaster recovery, and system upgrades.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills to manage complex technical challenges.
- Excellent leadership and communication skills to work effectively with crossfunctional teams and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and decision-making abilities with a hands-on approach.
- Ability to operate confidently in a dynamic, multicultural environment.
- Self-driven, proactive, and focused on delivering high-quality solutions.
- Collaborative team player with attention to detail and a strategic mindset.
