Head of IT – Global Travel Startup

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United Kingdom.

📋 Description

• Take charge of the strategy, operating model, and daily effectiveness of IT throughout the organization.

• Formulate and execute the Group IT strategy along with the Target Operating Model.

• Decide which capabilities should be managed in-house, outsourced to Managed Service Providers (MSPs), or provided by specialized partners.

• Define responsibilities, decision-making rights, standards, policies, governance, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Create a roadmap for transitioning portfolio businesses from disjointed local setups to the agreed target state.

• Own the strategy and standards for devices, networks, connectivity, cloud infrastructure, and workplace technology.

• Lead initiatives for infrastructure consolidation, migration, and onboarding.

• Design and implement a scalable Group IT service-management model.

• Establish processes for service desk, incident management, request handling, problem-solving, and change management.

• Define service-level agreements and performance-related KPIs.

• Ensure prompt technology support across multiple countries and actively engage with operational issues as necessary.

• Set up and uphold a cybersecurity framework along with minimum security standards.

• Oversee identity and access management, endpoint security, vulnerability management, backup and recovery, security monitoring, and incident response.

• Evaluate cybersecurity maturity and prioritize remediation efforts across acquired businesses.

• Coordinate with MSPs and specialized cybersecurity providers.

• Provide the CEO and leadership team with insights on significant cyber risks.

• Establish a group operating model for data protection and privacy.

• Ensure that controls comply with GDPR and other relevant privacy regulations.

• Define responsibilities for Data Protection Officer activities and assist with data mapping, retention, access controls, and incident management.

• Collaborate with M&A and Integration teams on technology due diligence.

• Identify technology risks, technical debt, integration needs, and one-time costs before acquisition.

• Develop Day 1 and post-close integration plans.

• Lead technology integration and create a repeatable IT M&A integration playbook.

• Design an MSP strategy and manage central and regional MSPs and vendors.

• Rationalize overlapping vendors and services.

• Optimize technology spending while ensuring service quality and resilience.

• Build and maintain a prioritized Group IT transformation roadmap.

• Lead or manage critical technology initiatives, migrations, infrastructure modifications, security improvements, and systems implementations.

• Report on IT projects, risks, expenses, and performance.

• Act as a senior IT leader and trusted advisor to the CEO and leadership team.

• Develop internal IT capabilities and define roles across internal teams, portfolio companies, MSPs, and vendors.

• Manage the Group IT budget and support technology investment decisions.

• Foster a culture of service, security, accountability, and continuous improvement.

⛳️ Requirements

• Extensive experience leading IT in an international, multi-entity, or distributed organization.

• Proven experience in designing and implementing an IT Target Operating Model.

• Strong practical knowledge across infrastructure, end-user computing, IT service management, and cybersecurity.

• Significant experience in designing and managing IT capabilities through Managed Service Providers.

• Experience in leading complex IT transformation programs.

• In-depth understanding of cybersecurity risks and controls.

• Working knowledge of GDPR, privacy, and data protection operational requirements.

• Strong skills in vendor, contract, and commercial management.

• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.

• Willingness to personally address problems and drive projects within a streamlined internal structure.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including direct interactions with CEOs, founders, and senior leadership.

• Based in the UK and open to international travel.

• Proficiency in Spanish is essential.

• Experience in a private equity-backed buy-and-build or roll-up setting.

• Direct experience with IT M&A due diligence and post-merger technology integration.

• Familiarity with integrating small to medium-sized founder-led businesses.

• Experience in establishing a Group IT function or shared-service capability from a decentralized or nascent starting point.

• Experience in travel, hospitality, leisure, consumer services, or another geographically distributed industry.

• Proficiency in Italian is preferred.

• Experience working across Europe, the UK, North America, and/or Latin America.

🏝️ Benefits

• A pivotal role in a rapidly expanding, private equity-backed travel experiences startup.

• International exposure across a growing portfolio of acquired businesses.

• Close collaboration with senior leadership, founders, and functional teams.

• Ownership throughout the complete integration lifecycle, from pre-acquisition planning to measurable outcomes.

• The chance to shape the group’s integration strategies, playbooks, and operating models.

• Long-term assignment.

• Permanent/B2B Contract.