Head of IT – Global Travel Startup

About this role

This is a remote position.
Our new client is a rapidly growing, private equity-backed startup in the travel experiences industry, pursuing an ambitious global buy-and-build strategy.
Its portfolio consists of entrepreneurial, founder-led businesses operating across multiple countries. As the group expands, technology must evolve from locally managed environments into a secure, reliable and scalable group capability.
We are looking for aHead of ITto build and lead this capability, bringing practical structure and consistent standards to a growing international organisation.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will own the strategy, operating model and day-to-day effectiveness of IT across the group.
This is astrategic and hands-on leadership role. You will define the Group IT Target Operating Model, covering infrastructure, end-user computing, service desk, cybersecurity, identity and access management, data protection, vendor management and IT governance.
You will build a pragmatic, scalable service model through a combination ofManaged Service Providers (MSPs), specialist partners and internal resources, while ensuring that everyday technology issues are resolved effectively.
You will also play a central role in acquisitions, assessing target companies’ technology environments and leading their integration into the group.
Key Responsibilities
IT Strategy & Target Operating Model

• Define and implement the Group IT strategy and Target Operating Model.

• Determine which capabilities should be managed internally, outsourced to MSPs or delivered through specialist partners.

• Establish clear responsibilities and decision rights at group and local levels.

• Develop an IT organisation and service model that supports continued international acquisitions.

• Introduce appropriate standards, policies, governance and KPIs.

• Build a roadmap for moving portfolio businesses from fragmented local environments towards the agreed target state.

Infrastructure & End-User Technology

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

• Establish group standards for hardware, software, device management and lifecycle management.

• Improve technology resilience, performance and support across the portfolio.

• Lead infrastructure consolidation and migration initiatives where appropriate.

• Ensure acquired businesses can be onboarded efficiently into the group’s technology environment.

IT Service Management

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

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

• Define service-level agreements and performance KPIs.

• Ensure employees across multiple countries receive responsive, high-quality technology support.

• Personally engage with operational issues when required.

Cybersecurity

• Establish and maintain an appropriate cybersecurity framework.

• Define minimum security standards for all portfolio companies.

• Own identity and access management, endpoint security, vulnerability management, backup and recovery, security monitoring and incident-response capabilities.

• Assess cybersecurity maturity across acquired businesses and prioritise remediation.

• Coordinate MSPs and specialist cybersecurity providers.

• Give the CEO and leadership team clear visibility of material cyber risks.

Data Protection & Privacy

• Establish a group operating model for data protection and privacy, defining the relationship between IT, Legal and external advisers.

• Ensure technical and operational controls support GDPR and other applicable privacy requirements.

• Define responsibilities for Data Protection Officer activities and ensure access to appropriate expertise.

• Support data mapping, retention, access controls, incident management and privacy-related technology requirements.

M&A Technology Due Diligence & Integration

• Partner with the M&A and Integration teams to assess technology risks, capabilities, technical debt and integration requirements.

• Identify cybersecurity, infrastructure, application, data, vendor and compliance risks before acquisition.

• Estimate integration requirements and one-off costs.

• Develop technology Day 1 and post-close integration plans.

• Lead technology integration while minimising disruption to acquired businesses.

• Establish a repeatable IT M&A integration playbook.

MSP & Vendor Management

• Design an MSP strategy for a geographically distributed organisation.

• Select, manage and hold central and regional MSPs accountable for service delivery.

• Rationalise overlapping vendors and services inherited through acquisitions.

• Establish clear contracts, service-level agreements, escalation processes and performance management.

• Optimise technology spend while maintaining service quality and resilience.

• Build productive relationships with software, infrastructure and security partners.

IT Transformation & Delivery

• Build and maintain a prioritised Group IT transformation roadmap.

• Personally lead or project-manage critical technology initiatives.

• Coordinate migrations, infrastructure changes, security remediation and systems implementation.

• Work with business leaders to ensure technology change supports operational priorities.

• Establish transparent reporting on IT projects, risks, costs and performance.

Leadership & Capability Building

• Act as the group’s senior IT leader and trusted adviser to the CEO and leadership team.

• Build internal IT capability progressively as the business scales.

• Develop clear roles across internal teams, portfolio companies, MSPs and other vendors.

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

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

Requirements

• Significant experience leading IT within an international, multi-entity or distributed organisation.

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