IT Head (Retail)

Key Responsibilities

IT Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with business goals, supporting retail operations, tenant requirements, and customer experience initiatives

• Lead enterprise architecture planning, ensuring scalable, secure, and future-ready technology solutions

• Drive digital transformation initiatives, including automation, data integration, and cloud adoption

IT Infrastructure & Operations

• Oversee end-to-end IT operations across multiple sites, ensuring high system availability, uptime, and performance

• Manage IT infrastructure including on-premise and cloud environments (AWS, Azure, or GCP)

• Administer and optimize network architecture (LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, VPN, firewalls, load balancers)

• Ensure effective management of servers (Windows/Linux), virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V), and storage systems

• Implement and monitor IT service management (ITSM) frameworks such as ITIL

Systems & Applications Management

• Lead the design, implementation, and support of business-critical systems including:

• Point-of-Sale (POS) systems

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms

• ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.)

• Ensure seamless system integration through APIs, middleware, and data pipelines

• Oversee application lifecycle management, including upgrades, patches, and performance optimization

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Establish and enforce robust cybersecurity frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, CIS controls)

• Implement security solutions such as SIEM tools, endpoint protection, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)

• Manage identity and access controls ( IAM, Active Directory, Azure AD )

• Conduct regular vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and incident response planning

• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and internal security policies

Retail & Mall Technology Enablement

• Manage IT systems supporting mall and retail operations, including:

• Tenant systems and connectivity

• CCTV, access control, and security systems

• IoT devices and smart building technologies

• Digital signage and customer engagement platforms

• Support omnichannel initiatives, integrating online and offline retail systems

Data & Analytics

• Oversee data infrastructure, including data warehousing, business intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau), and analytics platforms

• Enable data-driven decision-making by ensuring data availability, integrity, and reporting capabilities

Vendor & Project Management

• Evaluate, select, and manage third-party vendors, system integrators, and technology partners

• Lead large-scale IT projects using structured methodologies ( Agile, Scrum, Waterfall )

• Manage IT budgets, cost optimization, and procurement processes

People Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing IT team across infrastructure, applications, and support functions

• Establish clear KPIs, performance management frameworks, and capability development plans

• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (Master’s degree is an advantage)

• Minimum 10–15 years of progressive IT experience , with at least 5 years in a leadership role

• Proven experience in multi-site IT operations , preferably in retail, mall, or commercial environments

Technical Skills & Expertise

• Strong knowledge of enterprise architecture and system design

• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

• Expertise in network infrastructure (Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto, etc.)

• Proficiency in server management (Windows Server, Linux), virtualization, and storage systems

• Experience with cybersecurity tools and frameworks

• Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and automation tools is a plus

• Experience in database management (SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle)

• Knowledge of API integrations, microservices architecture, and middleware solutions