Vivobarefoot is seeking an experienced, innovative, and proactive Head of IT to lead and scale our enterprise IT services, with a strong focus on cybersecurity and the protection of our digital presence. This role is pivotal in empowering our internal technology team to take ownership of key IT operations, reduce reliance on third-party providers, and drive operational excellence. You will play a critical role in safeguarding Vivobarefoot from online threats, including the proliferation of counterfeit websites, which harm both our customers and our brand.
We’re looking for a hands-on, data-driven individual with a passion for building robust in-house IT capabilities in a high-growth, fast-paced company. This is a crucial role within Vivobarefoot’s team, offering substantial influence on our IT infrastructure, strategy, and security.
KEY OUTPUTS
1. IT Leadership & Strategy
- Develop a forward-thinking IT strategy that supports oir growth, focusing on operational self-sufficiency and advanced cybersecurity measures.
- Lead the internal IT team in designing, building, and managing reliable, secure, and scalable systems.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to align IT initiatives with business goals, delivering tangible value across departments.
2. Cybersecurity & Anti-Counterfeit Measures
- Lead the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols to protect against threats such as data breaches, phishing, and counterfeit websites.
- Develop and manage a threat detection and response system to quickly identify and take down counterfeit websites and fraudulent online activity.
3. Operations Optimization
- Assess and overhaul current IT processes to drive efficiency, reliability, and scalability.
- Lead automation efforts to streamline IT services, reduce manual interventions, and improve system resilience.
- Champion a “self-sustaining” mindset, developing in-house expertise for key IT functions, including cybersecurity.
4. Internal Capability Building
- Build and mentor a high-performing internal IT team, fostering skills that reduce dependency on external Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
- Identify and close skill gaps within the team, providing training and development opportunities.
- Promote knowledge sharing and create an environment where continuous learning is encouraged.
5. Security & Compliance
- Lead the design and implementation of security protocols, ensuring the highest level of protection for sensitive data, e-commerce systems, and digital assets.
- Ensure compliance with internal and external regulations, including GDPR, PCI-DSS, and cybersecurity standards.
- Regularly review and audit IT infrastructure for vulnerabilities and ensure security updates are applied in a timely manner.
- Oversee incident response plans to address cybersecurity breaches and counterfeit activities swiftly and effectively.
6. Technology Stack & Infrastructure
- Evaluate, optimize, and manage our technology stack, identifying areas for innovation and cost-saving opportunities.
- Implement in-house solutions where feasible to reduce reliance on third-party providers.
- Ensure scalable infrastructure that can support ongoing business growth, including cloud and on-premises systems.
7. Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Foster a culture of innovation within the IT team, encouraging experimentation with new tools and technologies.
- Continuously monitor performance metrics, using data-driven insights to guide improvements and enhance IT services.
- Stay informed of emerging trends and best practices, applying them to drive continuous improvement.
DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the internal IT team in maintaining and enhancing the organization’s technology infrastructure.
- Oversee system migrations, upgrades, and technology changes with minimal disruption to operations.
- Develop and enforce incident response protocols, ensuring quick and effective resolution of IT and cybersecurity issues, including fraudulent activities like counterfeit websites.
- Drive proactive monitoring of system health, ensuring scalability, resilience, and security.
- Manage IT budgets, ensuring effective resource allocation and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of IT systems, processes, and configurations for internal transparency.
- Solicit feedback from end-users and stakeholders to continuously improve the IT experience.
DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALITIES
Though the following skills and qualities are recommended, we welcome applicants of all levels to apply.
· Proven experience in IT management, with a focus on IT operations and collaboration with MSPs.
· Experience within retail is a plus, particularly if you have supported store implementations from a technology perspective.
· Demonstrable knowledge of data governance, GDPR, and PCI-DSS compliance.
· In-depth experience with fraud prevention technologies and techniques.
· In-depth knowledge of Microsoft 365, Multi Factor Authentication, Single Sign On and JIRA.
· Up to date knowledge of current technologies and trends in IT operations.
· Experience in vendor management and contract negotiation.
· Strong understanding of ITIL processes and best practices.
· Excellent leadership and communication skills.
· Certifications such as ITIL, PMP, or relevant technical certifications are a plus.
Vivobarefoot is an equal opportunities employer. Our vision is for a fair and equitable workplace, where diversity is celebrated and can truly thrive. We know we have a long way to go and a lot to learn. Every opportunity for recruiting a new member of the Vivobarefoot family should be an opportunity for us to introduce new perspectives, talent and skills into our workforce and our community. People of colour, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ communities, women and veterans, and people with a criminal record are all encouraged to apply for roles with Vivobarefoot. All applicants will be considered without regarding race, colour, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, sex, marital or parental status, gender identity, age or any other characteristics protected by law.