Head of IT

Our client is a leading financial services organisation seeking an experienced Head of IT to oversee its technology function in Hong Kong. The role will manage a lean IT team covering both Infrastructure and Application functions, with responsibility for ensuring the stability, security, and continuous enhancement of the organisation's technology environment. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong knowledge across both IT infrastructure and application systems. The successful candidate will work closely with regional / group technology teams, business stakeholders, vendors, and regulators to support day-to-day operations as well as technology transformation initiatives. Key Responsibilities IT Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage a small team, covering both infrastructure and application functions.
• Provide technical direction, coaching, and prioritisation across infrastructure, applications, support, and project activities.
• Establish effective IT operational processes, standards, and controls to ensure reliable service delivery.
• Manage team performance, resource allocation, and professional development.
• Act as the key IT contact for local management and coordinate closely with regional / group technology teams. IT Infrastructure & Operations
• Oversee the day-to-day operation and maintenance of IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, firewalls, end-user computing, cloud services, and security infrastructure.
• Ensure high availability, performance, security, and resilience of critical IT systems.
• Oversee infrastructure monitoring, incident management, problem resolution, backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
• Lead infrastructure upgrades, technology refresh, migration, and lifecycle management initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate IT controls and operational procedures are established and maintained. Application & Trading Systems
• Oversee the support, maintenance, and enhancement of business-critical applications.
• Work closely with business users and application teams to understand requirements and translate them into effective technology solutions.
• Manage application vendors and external technology partners to ensure system stability and timely issue resolution.
• Oversee application upgrades, system integration, testing, implementation, and production support.
• Experience with securities trading, order management, settlement, market data, or other financial applications will be highly advantageous. Project & Technology Transformation
• Lead and manage local IT projects from requirements gathering through implementation and post-production support.
• Work with regional / group technology teams on the rollout and integration of enterprise technology solutions.
• Manage project scope, timelines, budgets, resources, risks, and vendor deliverables.
• Evaluate new technologies and recommend solutions that improve operational efficiency, scalability, security, and business capabilities.
• Drive continuous improvement and automation across IT operations and business processes. Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance
• Oversee the organisation's IT security posture and ensure appropriate controls are implemented across infrastructure and applications.
• Ensure compliance with relevant SFC, HKEX, cybersecurity, technology risk, and internal IT governance requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external IT audits, regulatory reviews, security assessments, and remediation activities.
• Maintain IT policies, procedures, access controls, security standards, and operational documentation.
• Work closely with regional / group security and risk teams on cybersecurity initiatives and incident response. IT Risk, BCP & Disaster Recovery
• Establish and maintain effective Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery arrangements for critical IT systems.
• Coordinate regular DR exercises and ensure recovery procedures remain effective and up to date.
• Identify technology risks and implement appropriate mitigation and control measures.
• Lead IT incident response and ensure timely resolution of major production issues. Vendor & Budget Management
• Manage relationships with IT vendors, system integrators, application providers, and infrastructure service providers.
• Oversee procurement, contract renewals, SLA management, and vendor performance.
• Prepare and manage the annual IT budget, including infrastructure, applications, licenses, support services, and project expenditure.
• Identify opportunities for technology cost optimisation without compromising service quality or risk controls. Business & Stakeholder Management
• Partner closely with business functions including Investment Banking, Securities / Trading, Operations, Risk, Compliance, and Finance to understand technology needs.
• Act as a trusted technology advisor to local management.
• Communicate technology risks, project progress, incidents, and investment requirements clearly to senior stakeholders.
• Coordinate effectively with overseas / regional IT teams and group technology functions. Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of IT experience, with proven experience in both IT infrastructure and application / systems management.
• Previous experience in an IT management / IT leadership role with responsibility for a team is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of both:
• IT infrastructure and operations
• Enterprise / business application systems
• Proven experience managing IT operations within a financial services environment, preferably securities, brokerage, investment banking, asset management, or related businesses.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise infrastructure including networking, servers, cloud, security, backup / DR, and end-user computing.
• Strong understanding of application development / support, system integration, SDLC, testing, and production management.
• Experience managing external vendors and technology service providers.
• Experience managing IT budgets, procurement, contracts, and project delivery.
• Strong knowledge of IT risk management, cybersecurity, IT audit, BCP / DR, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working with financial market infrastructure such as HKEX, trading platforms, market data, FIX, settlement, or clearing systems is a strong advantage.
• Strong problem-solving and incident management skills, with the ability to remain effective under pressure.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Good command of English and Cantonese; Mandarin is an advantage.