Description
We are seeking a distinguished Head of IT Managed Services to join a prominent government entity in Abu Dhabi. In this strategic leadership role, you will be responsible for architecting and establishing the entire IT managed services function from the ground up. This includes designing the operating model, leading the vendor selection and procurement process, and ensuring end-to-end service delivery excellence. You will govern vendor performance through rigorous SLA management and foster strong partnerships to drive value. The ideal candidate will provide expert oversight across cloud, network, and cybersecurity domains, ensuring services are secure, resilient, and aligned with organizational objectives. This position is pivotal in steering large-scale infrastructure and transformation programs, requiring a leader who can navigate complexity and deliver tangible results within a dynamic public sector environment.
Requirements
1. A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in IT operations.
2. At least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity, managing large teams and significant budgets.
3. Demonstrable experience in building and defining an IT Managed Services function from inception.
4. Expert-level knowledge of vendor governance, contract negotiation, and end-to-end SLA management.
5. Strong technical management background in cloud services (AWS/Azure), enterprise networking, and cybersecurity.
6. Proven track record of leading large-scale IT infrastructure transformation programs in complex organizations.
7. Deep understanding of IT Service Management (ITSM) frameworks, such as ITIL.
8. Experience working within a government or public sector environment.
Desirable
1. Specific experience working with Abu Dhabi government entities.
2. Professional certifications such as ITIL Master, PMP, CISSP, or advanced cloud certifications.
3. Strong financial acumen with experience in TCO/ROI analysis and budget optimization for IT services.
4. Familiarity with regional data sovereignty and compliance regulations.
5. Bilingual proficiency in English and Arabic.