**Job Purpose** Reporting to the CCO, the Group Head of IT is a hands\-on technical and management role. The Group Head of IT is responsible for proactively managing IT technologies and a team of technical IT infrastructure personnel; developing and establishing IT infrastructure standards and procedures; analysis, design, deployment and operations of IT software and hardware systems supporting Artan’s businesses. Group Head of IT must also ensure the robustness and security of the IT infrastructure. **Key Relationships** · Internal: Executive Management, SBU heads, HOD’s **Duties and Responsibilities** **Operational Management** · Oversee all aspects of IT department operations including IT infrastructure, Communication (LAN, WAN, email, etc), database, backup recovery, regulatory compliance · Manage the day\-to\-day operations of the IT group including downtime, reporting service levels, defining and tracking IT operational metrics and providing status to management · Prepare overall status and activity metrics that documents and tracks delivery of IT services, planned and unplanned system outages, and other key IT performance metrics · Maintains overall security of Artan’s network, systems and data · Owns and maintains strict controls on data/system backups and recoverability · Management staff members in their daily activities as well as supporting business projects · Develop and manage relationships with vendors in support of staff growth and systems support · Manage overall capacity utilization of Server/hardware environment ensuring it is optimized to meet Artan’s business requirements · Undertake risk assessments of both hardware and software for both internal and external business clients · Oversee outsourced software development relationships, development and delivery · Ensures a proactive approach in staying up to date on current projects in progress, projects in the pipeline and operational issues, including industry technology trends and applicability of software/hardware solutions **Strategy and Planning** · Contribute to the development of IT departmental strategies to align with the overall business strategy · Develop and implement hardware and software standards for network, services, databases, wireless technology, file and print services, etc · Develop and implement data retention standards develop and maintain overall backup and recovery strategy (Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity) · Development, implement and maintain processes and procedures for effective delivery of services and compliance with regulatory guidance · Establish and implement ‘best practice’ standards as well as departmental policies and procedures · Overall responsibility for strategic planning for system upgrades · Determine, recommend and implement hardware and software upgrades for business applications, server hardware, network equipment, desktop, laptop etc **Team Management** · The incumbent needs to oversee the quality of work and productivity of the team member(s) and provide guidance and direction wherever necessary. · Any other tasks, duties \& responsibilities that may be added from time to time as relevant to business requirements. **Skills** · Significant experience in managing IT projects from inception to delivery either in a web development or systems management environment. · Exceptional hands\-on experience with software development or systems management. · Large awareness of the current technology and a passion to seek more information for upcoming technologies. · Must have documented working experience with Microsoft Windows Environments, including MS\-SQL 2003 and Microsoft Exchange 2003, Internet Information Server and other applications. · Experience with Microsoft windows configuration, installation, maintenance, support and troubleshooting of TCP/IP, networks supporting VOIP telephony, microcomputers and other systems; system development, complex project management, knowledge of CISCO network hardware, Citrix Virtualization, client/server technology and Internet/intranets. · Must be aware of or hold experience managing/developing open\-source software. · Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical issues to non\-technical colleagues. Must be creative, with initiative and drive. · Must take a proactive approach and be a team player. · Strong written and oral communication skills. · Strong interpersonal skills. **Education \& Qualifications** · Bachelor’s degree in computer science/information technology or equivalent is essential · Master’s Degree in the above fields is preferred · Certifications in Microsoft/Citrix technologies are a requirement · ITIL or PMI Certification is preferred **Experience** · Minimum of 10 – 15 years’ experience in technical operations, and strategy and planning management · Must have working experience with Microsoft Windows Environments, including MS\-SQL 2003 and Microsoft Exchange 2003, Internet Information Server and other applications · Experience with Microsoft windows configuration, installation, maintenance, support and troubleshooting of TCP/IP, networks supporting VOIP telephony, microcomputers and other systems; system development, complex project management, knowledge of CISCO network hardware, Citrix Virtualization, client/server technology and Internet/intranets · Must be aware of or have experience managing/developing open\-source software · Significant experience in managing IT projects from inception to delivery either in a web development or systems management environment Job Types: Full\-time, Permanent Pay: QAR40,000\.00 \- QAR45,000\.00 per month Education: * Master's (Preferred) Experience: * technical operations, and strategy and planning: 10 years (Required) License/Certification: * ITIL OR PMI (Preferred)