π 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.
π¦Έπ»ββοΈ 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 
βοΈ 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 
π© 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