Head of Network & IT Operations

The Head of Network & IT Operations will lead and manage the organization’s IT operations, infrastructure, and technology services across all locations, ensuring reliable, secure, scalable, and cost-effective IT solutions. This role is responsible for overseeing enterprise networks, data centers, IT service delivery, cybersecurity, business continuity, vendor management, and technology operations. The position involves establishing IT operational standards, service levels, technology roadmaps, and governance frameworks to maintain high availability, performance, and security, while ensuring timely resolution of IT issues in a 24/7 business environment.

Key Responsibilities

IT Operations & Strategy: Lead IT operations, infrastructure, network, systems, and support functions across all locations. Develop and implement IT strategies, standards, policies, and service delivery frameworks aligned with business needs. Monitor IT service levels, KPIs, and ensure consistent processes and service delivery. Manage critical incident response and escalation in a 24/7 environment.

Network & Connectivity: Oversee enterprise network infrastructure including LAN/WAN, Wi-Fi, ISP links, VPNs, SD-WAN, and voice/video/data services. Ensure network availability, performance, capacity, security, and reliability. Manage firewalls, secure remote access, and network security infrastructure. Evaluate and recommend network architecture improvements based on business and security requirements.

IT Infrastructure & Data Centers: Manage servers, storage, virtualization, data centers, NOC infrastructure, and backup systems. Ensure availability, performance, capacity, and reliability of critical IT infrastructure. Develop technology refresh and capacity planning.

Cybersecurity & IT Controls: Implement infrastructure and network security controls in coordination with cybersecurity teams. Ensure secure configuration of firewalls, VPNs, servers, and networks. Support ISO 27001 compliance, audits, and regulatory requirements. Address IT audit observations and control gaps promptly.

IT Service Management & End-User Support: Lead IT service management, help desk, and end-user support operations. Establish and monitor service levels for software, systems, and workplace technology. Implement incident, problem, change, escalation, and service management processes. Drive continuous improvement in IT service delivery and user support.

Backup, Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Oversee backup policies, disaster recovery plans, and business continuity arrangements. Conduct periodic recovery testing and address any gaps. Ensure continuity of critical IT services during disruptions.

Vendor, ISP & Technology Management: Manage relationships with technology vendors, ISPs, cloud providers, OEMs, and service partners. Establish and monitor SLAs, contracts, and vendor performance. Handle IT licensing, renewals, procurement, and asset lifecycle management.

Budget & Resource Management: Develop and manage IT operational budgets. Prepare infrastructure and technology investment plans. Monitor costs and identify optimization opportunities. Allocate technical resources effectively across locations.

Leadership & Management Reporting: Lead and mentor IT teams, defining roles, responsibilities, and performance standards. Provide regular reports on IT availability, incidents, risks, projects, costs, and capacity. Escalate critical issues with recommendations. Collaborate with business stakeholders to meet technology requirements.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
- Minimum 12 years of relevant IT experience, including at least 5 years in senior IT leadership or management roles.
- Strong expertise in enterprise IT infrastructure, networking, systems, data centers, and IT service delivery.
- Experience managing multi-location enterprise IT environments preferred.
- Proficient in enterprise networks, firewalls, VPNs, network security, servers, storage, virtualization, and backup/disaster recovery.
- Knowledge of IT Service Management, ITIL practices, and incident/problem/change management.
- Experience managing vendors, ISPs, OEMs, technology contracts, and IT budgets.
- Background in broadcast, media, publishing, digital content, or other 24/7 operational environments is advantageous.

Preferred Qualifications and Certifications

Relevant professional certifications are a plus, including CCNP, CCIE, Microsoft certifications, OEM certifications related to servers, networks, data centers, virtualization, ITIL, and ISO 27001.

The position is based in Islamabad and requires in-person attendance.