Job Title: IT Head
Location: Abu Dhabi
Salary: Up to AED 25,000
Job Code: 248/001/029
Industry: Financial Brokerage
Job Brief:
The IT Head is responsible for ensuring that the firm operates within applicable regulations and meets regulatory standards. The role requires continuous interaction with various teams to manage IT-related matters and implement necessary IT programs and firm-wide assessments to comply with regulations.
Job Responsibilities:
- Align IT infrastructure with business goals: Ensure IT infrastructure supports the company’s current and future strategy and objectives.
- Oversee technology operations: Manage daily IT operations and evaluate performance against strategic goals.
- Analyze departmental technology requirements: Conduct needs assessments to understand and support the technology needs of all departments.
- Identify upgrades and report to management: Evaluate current systems and propose improvements or upgrades to enhance efficiency.
- Lead and supervise IT staff: Coordinate IT managers and supervise developers, technicians, and other IT professionals.
- Ensure compliance: Maintain IT activities within legal, regulatory, and corporate standards.
- Risk management: Develop network recovery, backup processes, and manage Bridge and FIX API connections to ensure trading integrity.
- Document IT procedures and policies: Maintain comprehensive documentation of IT processes, procedures, and policies.
- Project management: Lead IT projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they meet organizational objectives.
- API and system testing: Conduct test plug-ins, Manager-API applications, Bridge setup, and troubleshoot operational issues.
- Vendor management: Collaborate with third-party service providers for system maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Hands-on technical work: Install, operate, and troubleshoot a wide array of technologies and applications.
- Virtualized infrastructure management: Support and administer a heavily virtualized Windows environment.
- Deploy and manage systems and applications: Manage both physical and virtual systems, corporate services, and application software.
- Network Administrator: Plan, design, and maintain LAN/WAN networks.
- Cybersecurity Specialist: Implement and monitor IT security measures.
- Database Administrator: Maintain, backup, and secure database systems.
- Help Desk Manager: Lead the help desk team and resolve user issues promptly.
Communications and Working Relationships:
- Internal Reporting: Provide IT updates and reports to the Senior Executive Officer.
- Risk Committee: Participate in risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and reporting.
- Internal Collaboration: Work with department heads, finance, and HR teams to align IT needs and budgets.
- External Relationships: Manage vendors, auditors, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and service quality.
Job Requirements:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree required.
- 5-7 years in IT leadership or relevant roles.
- Operational understanding of risk functions.
- System administration (Windows servers, desktops, applications).
- Networking basics (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP).
- Excellent interpersonal skills to influence top management decisions.
- SQL and database management (MySQL, MSSQL, PostgreSQL).
- MetaTrader 5 platform (client & server); experience with CQG or TT is a plus.
- Proficient in Excel.
- Experience with *nix systems (basic file commands).
- Knowledge of scripting languages (Bash, PowerShell, Python) is preferable.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- Strong documentation skills for repeatable processes.
- Excellent leadership and team management experience.
- Proactive approach to technology and operational improvements.
