Head of Information Technology

Job Description – Head IT InfrastructureRole: Head – IT InfrastructureLocation: MumbaiIndustry: Financial Services / Asset ReconstructionFunction: Information TechnologyLevel: Senior LeadershipRole OverviewWe are looking for an experienced Head – IT Infrastructure to lead the organization's technology infrastructure, LMS (Loan Management System), Business Applications, IT Governance, Cybersecurity, Regulatory Compliance, Business Continuity, and Digital Transformation initiatives.The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining a secure, resilient, scalable, and compliant technology environment while ensuring effective management of critical business applications and technology platforms.Key ResponsibilitiesIT Infrastructure ManagementLead the overall IT infrastructure function covering servers, networks, storage, databases, cloud environments, data centre, end-user computing, and enterprise technology platforms.Ensure high availability, reliability, scalability, and performance of critical IT infrastructure.Manage network, connectivity, cloud, backup, storage, and disaster recovery infrastructure.Drive infrastructure modernization, capacity planning, technology upgrades, and performance improvement.Manage IT assets, software licenses, hardware lifecycle, and technology inventory.LMS & Business ApplicationsOwn and manage the organization's Loan Management System (LMS) and other critical business applications from a technology perspective.Ensure stability, availability, performance, security, and scalability of LMS and business application platforms.Manage LMS implementation, upgrades, enhancements, integrations, and change requirements.Work closely with Business, Operations, Finance, Collections, Risk, and other functions to understand application requirements and translate them into technology solutions.Manage integrations between LMS, business applications, and other internal/external systems.Coordinate with application vendors for implementation, upgrades, enhancements, issue resolution, and SLA adherence.Ensure appropriate access controls, data security, audit trails, backups, and disaster recovery for critical business applications.Drive automation and process improvements through effective utilization of LMS and other enterprise applications.IT Governance & Regulatory ComplianceEstablish and maintain robust IT governance frameworks, policies, SOPs, controls, and technology standards.Ensure adherence to applicable RBI and other regulatory requirements relating to IT governance, cybersecurity, information security, outsourcing, business continuity, and technology risk.Coordinate with Risk, Compliance, Internal Audit, and other stakeholders for technology-related regulatory requirements.Manage IT and cybersecurity audits and ensure timely closure of observations.Maintain appropriate documentation and evidence for regulatory inspections and audits.Continuously assess and strengthen the organization's IT control environment.Cybersecurity & Information SecurityDrive the organization's cybersecurity and information-security framework.Establish controls covering network security, endpoint security, identity and access management, vulnerability management, patch management, privileged access, data protection, and security monitoring.Ensure periodic VAPT, security reviews, and timely remediation of identified vulnerabilities.Develop processes for cyber incident management, escalation, response, and recovery.Work with internal stakeholders and external partners to strengthen overall cyber resilience.Business Continuity & Disaster RecoveryDevelop and maintain comprehensive Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) frameworks.Conduct periodic DR drills and BCP testing.Define recovery objectives for LMS, business applications, and other critical technology infrastructure.Ensure backup, restoration, redundancy, and recovery mechanisms are periodically tested and documented.IT Projects & Digital TransformationLead strategic IT infrastructure, LMS, business applications, cybersecurity, automation, and digital-transformation projects.Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that improve operational efficiency, security, scalability, and productivity.Lead solution architecture and technology implementation for new business requirements.Manage technology projects from requirement gathering and solution design through implementation and post-production support.Drive automation and process improvement across IT operations and business functions.Vendor & Technology Partner ManagementManage relationships with technology vendors, OEMs, system integrators, LMS/application vendors, managed-service providers, and other external technology partners.Lead vendor evaluation, solution assessment, commercial negotiations, SLA management, and performance reviews.Ensure outsourced technology services comply with organizational security, governance, and regulatory requirements.Optimize technology costs without compromising security, resilience, or service quality.IT Service ManagementEstablish effective IT service-management processes aligned with industry best practices.Monitor incident, problem, change, configuration, and service-request management.Define and track SLAs and key technology performance indicators.Ensure timely resolution of critical incidents and root-cause analysis of recurring issues.Maintain high levels of technology availability and end-user support.Team & Stakeholder ManagementLead, mentor, and develop the IT infrastructure and technology team.Partner with senior management and business functions to understand technology requirements and translate them into practical solutions.Present technology risks, infrastructure requirements, LMS/business application initiatives, cybersecurity matters, and project updates to senior stakeholders.Build a strong culture of IT governance, security awareness, accountability, and continuous improvement.Candidate Profile15+ years of overall IT experience, with significant experience in IT infrastructure and technology leadership.Strong experience across IT Infrastructure, LMS (Loan Management System), Business Applications, IT Governance, Cybersecurity, Regulatory Compliance, IT Project Management, and Solution Architecture.Hands-on exposure to LMS implementation, management, integration, upgrades, enhancements, or technology support.Experience managing other core lending / financial-services business applications would be preferred.Prior experience as Head IT / Head IT Infrastructure / IT Infrastructure Leader / Technology Head or in a similar leadership position.Candidates from Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARC), NBFCs, Banks, Lending, or other regulated Financial Services organizations would be preferred.Strong understanding of IT governance and regulatory expectations within financial services.Strong understanding of enterprise infrastructure, networking, servers, cloud, cybersecurity, DR/BCP, IT operations, and vendor management.Experience handling technology audits, cybersecurity reviews, risk assessments, and regulatory observations.Strong project/program management, stakeholder-management, vendor-management, and team-leadership capabilities.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.MBA / postgraduate qualification in IT or Technology Management would be advantageous.Relevant certifications in ITIL, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Information Security, Infrastructure, or Project Management would be preferred.