Wanted: Mandarin-Speaking IT Deputy Head – Strategy & Security

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The Skills You'll Need:

• Fluent in Mandarin
• Extensive / Solid IT experience, including team leadership

Your New Salary: Up to £100k, depending on experience

Office based

Perm Start: ASAP

To be successful in this role our client has said it is essential that candidates:

• are fluent in both Mandarin and English
• have solid IT experience, including Infrastructure, Applications, Cybersecurity, Network Engineering, Software Development, APP support, etc. in Financial Services
• have experience in managing an IT team

Deputy Head of IT - What You'll be Doing:

• Support the Head of IT in designing, implementing and maintaining the firm’s IT strategy.
• Assist in developing and enforcing IT policies, procedures and architectural frameworks in line with group standards, regulatory requirements and best practices.
• Oversee IT operations, including infrastructure, support, applications and cybersecurity to ensure system stability and service continuity.
• Act as deputy for cybersecurity monitoring, threat management, incident response and improvement of protective controls.
• Assist with IT budgeting, cost control, vendor management and procurement to ensure effective financial governance.
• Maintain strong collaboration with group IT, supporting policy alignment, reporting and joint initiatives.
• Work closely with business units to identify technology needs, propose IT solutions and support implementation.
• Assist in maintaining and testing Business Continuity Plans and disaster recovery arrangements; participate in the Business Continuity Committee.
• Support implementation of approved systems and controls in compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and group policies.
• Monitor team workload, task allocation and performance to ensure effective delivery and reliable production systems.
• Provide coaching, mentoring and knowledge-sharing to IT team members; identify training needs and support skills development.
• Manage IT assets, suppliers and contractual relationships in accordance with internal procurement and compliance requirements.
• Lead and/or support IT projects including planning, resourcing, tracking, reporting and risk management.
• Prepare reports, documentation, KPIs and updates for Senior Management and the Board when required.
• Act as deputy for the Head of IT during absence, taking responsibility for escalation, decision-making and operational oversight.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Management or the Head of IT.

Deputy Head of IT - The Skills You'll Need to Succeed:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science or related discipline; Master’s degree preferred.
• Extensive / Solid IT experience, including team leadership and project delivery.
• Strong technical knowledge across IT infrastructure, systems administration, networks, applications and cybersecurity.
• Experience in IT governance, ITIL processes, change management and incident management.
• Strong understanding of financial services IT environments, regulatory requirements and risk controls.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and decision-making skills.
• Ability to coach and develop teams; experience managing distributed teams is desirable.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation capabilities.
• Sound knowledge of Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery frameworks.
• Working knowledge of networking, firewalls, CUCM, cybersecurity tools and cloud/infrastructure technologies.
• Experience with trading systems, exchange connectivity, FIX protocols and back-office integrations is advantageous.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and deliver within deadlines.