Head of Operations & Service Delivery (IT)

Your New Company

This is an exciting opportunity to join a maritime and offshore services leader based in Abu Dhabi. They are a critical partner in the offshore oil and gas sector, providing essential support infrastructure and marine logistics across the Middle East and beyond.

Your New Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), you will take on a pivotal leadership mandate as the Head of Operations & Service Delivery. You will be responsible for the stability, security, and efficiency of the entire IT landscape, integrating Infrastructure, Security, and Service Delivery teams into one seamless unit.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Developing and executing a strategy that ensures IT infrastructure is resilient, scalable, and aligned with global business objectives.
• Infrastructure & Security Oversight: Leading the evolution of network, cloud, and marine mobilization infrastructure while managing the outsourced SOC to mitigate enterprise risks.
• Service Excellence: Driving a user-centric support culture for both shore-based and offshore operations, utilizing ITIL best practices to optimize ITSM processes.
• Team Integration: Breaking down silos between technical teams to ensure unified escalation paths and a culture of shared accountability.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Managing high-value vendor relationships and acting as the primary point of escalation for critical operational issues across the business.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

We are looking for a strategic thinker with a "hands-on" operational focus who understands the complexities of mission-critical infrastructure.

• Experience: A minimum of 10–12 years in IT operations, with at least 5–7 years in a senior leadership role.
• Industry Knowledge: Preference for candidates from the Maritime or Oil & Gas sectors, familiar with supporting remote environments and offshore mobilization.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of ITIL/ITSM frameworks (certification preferred) and a solid understanding of infrastructure security and outsourced SOC management.
• Leadership: A proven track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and driving a culture of continuous improvement through automation and data-driven KPIs.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field.

What You’ll Get in Return

This role offers a competitive executive package and the chance to shape the digital backbone of a major player.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Including a schooling allowance for dependents.
• Performance Bonuses: Annual bonus schemes based on individual and company performance.
• Strategic Impact: The autonomy to implement best practices and lead a large-scale IT transformation within a stable, growing organization.

What You Need to Do Now

If you are interested in this role, please apply with your latest CV and ensure you answer all screening questions provided. If your profile is suitable, a Hays consultant will contact you to discuss the next steps of the application process.