Branch IT Leader

Job Overview

Act as the IT Leader for the overseas branch, owning the local IT function end-to-end - infrastructure, operations, security and compliance, asset management, and team leadership - while serving as the primary IT liaison between China HQ and the subsidiary. You will lead local IT strategy execution, build and develop a small IT team, ensure regulatory and information-security compliance, and drive global corporate IT standards adoption locally.

Minimum 8 years of progressive IT infrastructure and operations experience, including at least 3 years managing an IT team in an SME setting; proven track record owning IT compliance and security programs (e.g. audits, regulator liaison, ISO 27001 / SOC 2 / PCI DSS alignment) is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement corporate IT standards, policies and security requirements, align local infrastructure with global IT architecture, drive initiatives, provide regular reporting and ensure remediation closure;
• Independently deliver IT infrastructure projects for offices and retail stores, including site survey, cabling planning, hardware deployment and system commissioning to complete full-cycle site rollout;
• Establish standardised PC endpoint framework, manage bulk deployment, ongoing support and troubleshooting of business applications;
• Maintain AV conferencing systems, access control, CCTV, IP telephony and multi-function printers;
• Administer DNS and DHCP network services, and independently resolve a wide range of network incidents;
• Manage full lifecycle of IT assets, software licenses: requirement gathering, procurement, inventory record, maintenance, periodic audit and asset retirement;
• Administer core enterprise systems including AD, PBX, email platform, Citrix virtualisation and Synology NAS;
• Provide on-site support alongside HQ security and network teams; liaise with local regulators, external auditors and third-party vendors, and oversee service delivery quality;
• Managing local vendors such as data centres whenever necessary
• Provide regular updates to HQ and local management, including incident escalation details and resolution status.
• Develop technical documentation and operational SOPs to continuously standardise local IT workflows.
• Lead, develop and grow the local IT team; define roles, set objectives, manage performance and build succession plans to sustain a capable SME-scale IT department;
• Own the local IT compliance and security program: interpret regulatory requirements (securities / financial services regulations, data protection laws), implement and maintain information security controls, run risk assessments, vulnerability management and security awareness training;
• Act as the primary point of contact for local regulators, external auditors and internal compliance on all IT-related matters; lead audit readiness, evidence collection and remediation tracking;
• Define and govern the local IT budget, vendor strategy and technology roadmap in alignment with HQ architecture and the branch business plan.

Requirements

• Able to prioritise workload autonomously, proactively identify IT risks and operational issues and drive resolutions with full ownership of outcomes;
• Solid project coordination skills to break down tasks, track progress and anticipate risks. Provide regular updates to HQ and escalate resource constraints or technical difficulties in a timely manner to ensure issue closure;
• Strong knowledge of PC hardware, Windows OS and macOS, application deployment & troubleshooting; proven experience in endpoint standardisation;
• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS; capable of resolving common network issues independently;
• Able to develop IT implementation plans with strong hands-on skills to execute hardware installation and system deployment following corporate standards;
• Practical experience in Windows Server, AD, email systems, PBX, virtualisation and NAS administration; MCSE, Microsoft 365 Certified, Azure Administrator or equivalent certifications are preferred;
• Business-fluent English for stakeholder communication and technical documentation writing; comfortable working across time zones and multicultural teams.
• Knowledge in DRP/BCP operations will be an added advantage
• Experience liaising with local regulators is an added advantage. Candidates with direct experience working in a securities company or investment bank will also be preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading IT compliance and security programs in a regulated environment - audit coordination, regulator liaison, control implementation (ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS or equivalent), and incident response;
• Proven experience managing a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) IT department - team building, budgeting, vendor management, and aligning IT delivery with business objectives;
• Familiarity with data protection regulations (e.g. GDPR, PDPA) and securities / financial services regulatory expectations relevant to the local market.