📐 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