π About the Role
We're seeking an IT Director/TLM Lead to architect and scale our technology infrastructure for a rapidly growing AI company. You'll build world-class IT operations that support our unique needs, from managing high-performance computing hardware to implementing AI-powered IT automation. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise to create seamless technology experiences while optimizing costs and driving operational excellence.π¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Your Responsibilities
Hardware & Software Procurement Strategy
- Lead global procurement strategy for endpoints, servers, and specialized AI hardware (GPUs, TPUs)
- Negotiate enterprise agreements saving 30%+ on hardware and software spend
- Establish vendor relationships with key OEMs and software providers
- Create standardized hardware configurations for different role types
- Manage refresh cycles optimizing performance vs. cost
- Build procurement workflows with automated approval chains
- Coordinate logistics for global equipment distribution and returns
License Management & Optimization
- Centralize license management across 200+ software applications
- Implement software asset management (SAM) platform for real-time visibility
- Create automated true-up processes for enterprise agreements
- Build license harvesting programs reclaiming unused seats
- Establish showback/chargeback models for departmental spending
- Develop compliance dashboard preventing audit risks
- Negotiate and manage contracts for AI development tools and platforms
AI-Powered IT Automation
- Implement AI chatbots for Level 1 support handling 70% of requests
- Deploy intelligent ticket routing and categorization using NLP
- Create predictive analytics for incident prevention
- Build automated fulfillment for common requests (access, software, hardware)
- Develop virtual IT assistant for employee self-service
- Implement sentiment analysis for service quality monitoring
- Create automation playbooks for repetitive IT tasks
IT Engineering & Infrastructure
- Design scalable IT architecture supporting 10x growth
- Implement configuration management and monitoring systems
- Build disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities
- Create network infrastructure supporting hybrid work
- Establish VPN and remote access solutions
- Deploy collaboration tools and video conferencing infrastructure
- Manage certificates, domains, and DNS infrastructure
Identity & Access Management
- Architect enterprise IAM strategy with SSO/MFA everywhere
- Implement automated provisioning/deprovisioning workflows
- Design role-based access control (RBAC) frameworks
- Build identity lifecycle management from hire to retire
- Create privileged access management for sensitive systems
- Establish access review and certification processes
- Integrate IAM with HR systems for real-time updates
Device & Endpoint Management
- Deploy unified endpoint management (UEM) platform
- Implement zero-touch deployment for global workforce
- Create device compliance policies and enforcement
- Build remote support capabilities for distributed teams
- Establish mobile device management for BYOD
- Manage firmware updates and security patching
- Create asset tracking from procurement to disposal
Service Excellence & Customer Experience
- Transform IT from support function to business enabler
- Implement ITSM platform with integrated knowledge base
- Create service catalog with automated fulfillment
- Build employee experience scoring and feedback loops
- Establish SLAs aligned with business priorities
- Develop proactive support using predictive analytics
- Create IT concierge service for executive support
Cost Optimization & Financial Management
- Implement FinOps practices for IT spend visibility
- Create cost allocation models by department/project
- Build automated budget tracking and alerting
- Develop benchmarks for IT spend per employee
- Establish vendor scorecards and performance metrics
- Optimize licensing through usage analytics
- Create TCO models for build vs. buy decisions
βοΈ What We're Looking For
Required Experience
- 10+ years in IT leadership with 5+ years in director-level roles
- Proven experience scaling IT operations in high-growth companies
- Deep expertise in enterprise IT architecture and service delivery
- Track record managing $10M+ IT budgets and vendor relationships
- Experience supporting AI/ML companies or research organizations
- Strong background in IT automation and process optimization
Technical Expertise
- Expert knowledge of ITSM platforms (ServiceNow, Remedy, Jira)
- Proficiency with endpoint management tools (Jamf, Intune, Workspace ONE)
- Experience with software asset management and license optimization
- Understanding of AI/ML tools for IT automation
- Knowledge of identity providers and access management
- Familiarity with procurement and vendor management best practices
Execution & Impact
- Demonstrated ability to reduce IT costs by 30%+ through optimization
- Track record of achieving 95%+ employee satisfaction scores
- Experience implementing IT automation reducing tickets by 60%+
- History of successful large-scale technology deployments
- Strong vendor negotiation skills with proven savings
- Excellence in stakeholder management and communication
Preferred Qualifications
- ITIL v4 Foundation or higher certification
- Experience with AI-powered ITSM tools
- Background in hardware lifecycle management
- Knowledge of compliance frameworks (SOC2, ISO 27001)
- Experience at AI/ML or deep tech companies
- MBA or advanced degree in technology management
π© Benefits & perks (UK full-time employees):
- Generous PTO, plus company holidays
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
- Paid parental leave for all parents (12 weeks)
- Fertility and family planning support
- Early-detection cancer testing through Galleri
- Competitive pension scheme and company contribution
- Annual work-life stipends for:
- Home office setup, cell phone, internet
- Wellness stipend for gym, massage/chiropractor, personal training, etc.
- Learning and development stipend
- Company-wide off-sites and team off-sites
- Competitive compensation and company stock options