Global Head of IT and Internal Security

About this role

Our client is a global technology and digital transformation organisation supporting businesses across Europe, North America and Asia. With more than 600 professionals worldwide, the company combines deep technical expertise with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to help organisations modernise operations, improve customer experiences and strengthen security.
Working with major global brands, regulated institutions, technology companies and retailers, the organisation delivers scalable technology solutions that produce measurable business outcomes.
They are now seeking a Global Head of IT and Internal Security to lead the strategy, governance and delivery of internal technology and cybersecurity across the group.
The Role
The Global Head of IT and Internal Security will define and execute the organisation's worldwide internal IT and security strategy.
This senior leadership position will oversee internal infrastructure, cybersecurity, compliance, service delivery, business continuity and technology transformation. The role will ensure that the company's technology environment remains secure, reliable and scalable while supporting international growth, acquisitions and an excellent employee experience.
The successful candidate will lead distributed teams and work closely with senior executives, delivery centres, customers, vendors and external auditors.
Key Responsibilities

Develop and continuously improve the global internal IT and cybersecurity strategy in line with business growth and organisational priorities.

Lead the technology integration of acquired businesses, including systems migration, operating model alignment and change management.

Oversee global internal technology infrastructure, including SaaS applications, workplace technology, end-user computing, networking and collaboration platforms.

Establish and maintain information security policies, governance frameworks and operational controls protecting company data, systems and intellectual property.

Manage compliance with relevant certifications, regulations and contractual requirements, including:
ISO 27001

ISO 9001

ISO/IEC 20000-1

ISO/IEC 42001

Cyber Essentials Plus

SOC 2

UK GDPR and equivalent international privacy requirements

Lead internal and external audits, risk assessments, remediation programmes and ongoing compliance activities.

Consolidate separate legacy certifications into a unified group-wide Integrated Management System while retaining standalone certifications where required.

Manage the global IT budget, technology procurement, vendor relationships and outsourced service providers.

Ensure technology investments deliver measurable value, scalability and operational efficiency.

Own business continuity, disaster recovery and security incident response planning, including regular testing and improvement.

Lead global IT operations and service delivery, ensuring employees receive responsive and reliable support across multiple countries.

Design and implement Data Transfer Agreements and role-based access controls across international delivery centres, including the Philippines, Romania and Argentina.

Act as the senior technical authority for customer security questionnaires, compliance reviews and due diligence requests.

Maintain clear technical documentation, including solution designs, architectural standards, operating procedures and security controls.

Assess emerging technologies and recommend improvements that strengthen productivity, security and operational performance.

Provide supportive leadership to geographically distributed teams, setting direction, developing capability and promoting accountability, innovation and integrity.

Essential Experience

Extensive experience leading global or regional IT functions within a complex, multi-site organisation.

Proven ability to develop and execute enterprise-wide IT strategies supporting growth and operational performance.

Strong experience leading cybersecurity programmes, governance frameworks and security incident response.

Track record of building resilient and well-documented IT functions that support operational and audit continuity.

Broad knowledge of enterprise technology environments, including:
SaaS platforms

End-user computing

Networking

Collaboration tools

Modern workplace services

Experience delivering large-scale technology transformation, acquisition integration or organisational change programmes.

Strong understanding of information security and privacy requirements, including ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials Plus and GDPR.

Experience managing enterprise vendors, outsourced providers and significant operational or capital budgets.

Demonstrated ability to lead and develop technical teams across different countries and cultures.

Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills.

Ability to translate complex technical and security matters into clear commercial and business outcomes.

Strong strategic judgement and commercial awareness, with the ability to balance innovation, security, cost and operational effectiveness.

Desirable Experience

Experience operating within a cloud-first technology environment.

Exposure to Google Cloud Platform or similar cloud technologies.

Knowledge of Google Workspace administration and enterprise collaboration platforms.

Experience supporting a private equity-backed, rapidly growing or transformation-focused organisation.

Exposure to AI-enabled workplace technologies, automation or productivity initiatives.

Professional certifications in cybersecurity, IT service management, governance or enterprise architecture.

Leadership Opportunity
This is a senior global leadership role with responsibility for shaping the organisation's internal technology and security environment during a period of continued international growth.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build a scalable global function, influence executive-level…