Job Description Head IT | Shared Services / GCC

Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced IT Leader to establish and lead the IT function for a new Shared Services in Chennai. The role will be responsible for defining the IT strategy, setting up the technology ecosystem, building the IT organisation, establishing governance frameworks, and enabling scalable digital and business operations.

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead the end-to-end IT setup for the new Shared Services / GCC in Chennai, including IT strategy, operating model, infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity and support services.

- Develop and execute a 35 year IT roadmap aligned with global business objectives and the India Shared Services strategy.

- Design the IT operating model, governance framework, policies, processes, SLAs/KPIs and service management structure.

- Build and lead the IT organisation, including recruitment, organisation design, capability development and succession planning.

- Partner with global CIO/CTO, business leadership and functional heads to transition and scale technology services from global locations to India.

- Establish and manage IT infrastructure, networks, cloud platforms, end-user computing, data centres and workplace technology.

- Provide strategic oversight of enterprise applications, ERP, CRM, HRMS, Finance, Supply Chain and Engineering/Manufacturing applications.

- Drive IT transformation, automation, digitalisation, AI/analytics and emerging technology adoption across the organisation.

- Establish robust cybersecurity, information security, data privacy, risk management and business continuity frameworks.

- Define and manage IT budgets, technology investments, vendors, contracts and commercial negotiations.

- Establish IT service management practices covering incident, problem, change, request and asset management.

- Ensure seamless transition of processes and applications into the Chennai Shared Services organisation through structured transition and knowledge-transfer programmes.

- Drive continuous improvement, standardisation and cost optimisation across IT services.

- Develop strong relationships with global technology teams and ensure adherence to global architecture, security and compliance standards.

- Establish dashboards and governance mechanisms to monitor service quality, productivity, cost, availability and customer satisfaction.

Key Requirements:

- 18+ years of overall IT experience, with significant experience in senior IT leadership roles.

- Proven experience in setting up or scaling a GCC, Shared Services Centre, Global Delivery Centre or large IT organisation.

- Strong experience in Industrial Products, Engineering, Manufacturing, Automotive, Industrial Automation or related sectors.

- Experience working with global stakeholders and multinational organisations.

- Strong understanding of enterprise architecture, cloud, infrastructure, cybersecurity, applications, data and digital technologies.

- Demonstrated experience in IT transformation, operating-model design and technology roadmap development.

- Strong knowledge of ITIL, IT governance, information security and risk management.

- Experience managing large IT budgets, strategic technology vendors and global technology partners.

- Strong people leadership capability with experience in building high-performing teams from the ground up.

- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior global leadership.

Preferred Background:

- Candidates from organisations in Industrial Products, Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Automation, Electrical Equipment, Heavy Engineering, Automotive or B2B Industrial Technology would be preferred.

- Experience in establishing a new Shared Services operation from the ground up will be highly desirable.

Success Measures:

- Successful establishment of the Chennai IT Shared Services organisation.

- Seamless transition and migration of global IT services/processes to India.

- Creation of a scalable IT operating model and high-performing technology team.

- Improved IT service quality, productivity, automation and cost efficiency.

- Strong cybersecurity, governance and compliance maturity.

- Successful delivery of the organisation's technology and digital transformation roadmap.