Head of IT – Global Travel Startup

futureproof consulting

. Own the strategy, operating model and day-to-day effectiveness of IT across the group .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeRemote • United KingdomLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive experience in leading IT strategy and operations within international, multi-entity organizations, with a strong focus on cybersecurity, IT service management, and vendor management. Proven ability to design and implement IT Target Operating Models and manage complex technology integrations in a private equity-backed environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

IT Strategy DevelopmentCybersecurity Risk ManagementIT Service ManagementVendor ManagementGDPR Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

IT Target Operating Model DesignInfrastructure ManagementEnd-User ComputingCybersecurity FrameworksIT Transformation ProgrammesData ProtectionTechnology IntegrationService-Level Agreement DefinitionIncident ManagementChange Management

Soft Skills

Stakeholder ManagementProblem SolvingLeadershipAccountabilityContinuous Improvement

Tools & Technologies

Managed Service ProvidersCloud InfrastructureService Desk ToolsSecurity Monitoring ToolsBackup and Recovery Solutions

Industry Keywords

Private EquityM&A Due DiligenceData PrivacyTravel IndustryHospitality IndustryConsumer ServicesGeographically Distributed Organizations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityITSM

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the strategy, operating model and day-to-day effectiveness of IT across the group
Define and implement the Group IT strategy and Target Operating Model
Determine which capabilities should be managed internally, outsourced to MSPs or delivered through specialist partners
Establish responsibilities, decision rights, standards, policies, governance and KPIs
Build a roadmap for moving portfolio businesses from fragmented local environments towards the agreed target state
Own strategy and standards for devices, networks, connectivity, cloud infrastructure and workplace technology
Lead infrastructure consolidation, migration and onboarding initiatives
Design and implement a scalable Group IT service-management model
Establish service desk, incident, request, problem and change-management processes
Define service-level agreements and performance KPIs
Ensure responsive technology support across multiple countries and personally engage with operational issues when required
Establish and maintain a cybersecurity framework and minimum security standards
Own identity and access management, endpoint security, vulnerability management, backup and recovery, security monitoring and incident response
Assess cybersecurity maturity and prioritise remediation across acquired businesses
Coordinate MSPs and specialist cybersecurity providers
Give the CEO and leadership team visibility of material cyber risks
Establish a group operating model for data protection and privacy
Ensure controls support GDPR and other applicable privacy requirements
Define responsibilities for Data Protection Officer activities and support data mapping, retention, access controls and incident management
Partner with M&A and Integration teams on technology due diligence
Identify technology risks, technical debt, integration requirements and one-off costs before acquisition
Develop Day 1 and post-close integration plans
Lead technology integration and establish a repeatable IT M&A integration playbook
Design an MSP strategy and manage central and regional MSPs and vendors
Rationalise overlapping vendors and services
Optimise technology spend while maintaining service quality and resilience
Build and maintain a prioritised Group IT transformation roadmap
Lead or project-manage critical technology initiatives, migrations, infrastructure changes, security remediation and systems implementations
Report on IT projects, risks, costs and performance
Act as senior IT leader and trusted adviser to the CEO and leadership team
Build internal IT capability and define roles across internal teams, portfolio companies, MSPs and vendors
Manage the Group IT budget and support technology investment decisions
Build a culture of service, security, accountability and continuous improvement

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience leading IT within an international, multi-entity or distributed organisation
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing an IT Target Operating Model
Strong practical experience across infrastructure, end-user computing, IT service management and cybersecurity
Extensive experience designing and operating IT capabilities through Managed Service Providers
Experience leading complex IT transformation programmes
Strong understanding of cybersecurity risks and controls
Working knowledge of GDPR, privacy and data-protection operating requirements
Strong vendor, contract and commercial-management skills
Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels
Willingness to personally solve problems and drive projects within a lean internal structure
Strong stakeholder-management skills, including working directly with CEOs, founders and senior leadership
Based in the UK and willing to travel internationally
Spanish language skill is a must
Experience within a private equity-backed buy-and-build or roll-up environment
Direct experience of IT M&A due diligence and post-merger technology integration
Experience integrating small and medium-sized founder-led businesses
Experience building a Group IT function or shared-service capability from a decentralised or early-stage starting point
Experience in travel, hospitality, leisure, consumer services or another geographically distributed industry
Italian language skills
Experience working across Europe, the UK, North America and/or Latin America

Benefits

Comp & perks

A key role in a rapidly growing, private equity-backed travel experiences startup
International exposure across a growing portfolio of acquired businesses
Close collaboration with senior leadership, founders and functional teams
Ownership across the full integration lifecycle, from pre-acquisition planning to measurable results
The opportunity to shape the group’s integration approach, playbooks and operating models
Long-term assignment
Permanent/B2B Contract