IT Lead

Position Overview The IT Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing disaster recovery strategies for the organization's IT infrastructure within a specific region. This role requires a professional with a strong background in IT disaster recovery, business continuity, and project management. Key Responsibilities Strategic Planning and Execution • Develop and maintain comprehensive IT disaster recovery plans aligned with the organization's overall business continuity strategy. • Collaborate with IT teams to implement disaster recovery solutions across multiple data centers, cloud environments, and critical IT systems within the region. • Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate them. • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for IT disaster recovery readiness and effectiveness. Program Management • Oversee the execution of disaster recovery drills, simulations, and tabletop exercises to ensure preparedness. • Analyze test results and post-incident reviews to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes. • Manage the budget for regional IT disaster recovery efforts, including resource allocation and cost-benefit analysis of various recovery strategies. Incident Management and Crisis Response • Serve as a key point of contact for IT-related incidents and crises within the region, coordinating with other regional teams as necessary. • Participate in the activation and management of alternate computing facilities or cloud-based recovery environments when required. • Ensure clear communication and effective decision-making during high-pressure situations. Stakeholder Management and Communication • Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including IT leaders, business unit heads, and external partners. • Provide regular updates to management on the state of IT disaster recovery readiness and ongoing initiatives. • Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure adherence to relevant regulations in disaster recovery planning and execution. Innovation and Continuous Improvement • Stay informed about emerging technologies and best practices in IT disaster recovery, evaluating their potential application to the organization. • Participate in initiatives to integrate new technologies into disaster recovery processes for improved efficiency and effectiveness. Qualifications Education • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. Experience • Minimum 5 years of experience in IT, with at least 3 years specifically focused on disaster recovery and business continuity planning. • Proven track record of successfully implementing IT disaster recovery initiatives in complex environments. Certifications • Preferred certifications such as EC-Council Certified Disaster Recovery, Skills and Competencies • Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. • Knowledge of disaster recovery technologies, methodologies, and industry best practices. • Excellent project management skills, with the ability to influence and motivate cross-functional teams. • Good communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make critical decisions under pressure. • Proficiency in project management methodologies and related tools. • Ability to remain composed and focused under intense pressure, ensuring effective decision-making and leadership during high-stress scenarios. Key Performance Indicators • Reduction in recovery time and data loss metrics during disaster recovery tests and actual incidents. • Improvement in the organization's overall IT resilience score. • Successful completion of all scheduled disaster recovery tests and exercises. • Timely resolution of identified vulnerabilities and gaps in the disaster recovery program. • Positive feedback from stakeholders on the effectiveness of the disaster recovery program. This role is essential for ensuring the organization's ability to quickly recover and maintain critical IT operations in the face of potential disruptions. The successful candidate will play a vital role in safeguarding the company's digital assets and maintaining business continuity.