Technical lead manager, corporate IT

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

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.

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

☆ 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

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