Head of Information Technology

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.