Head Information Communication Technology

The Opportunity We are a European fintech company looking for an entrepreneurial, hands-on Head of ICT & Security Operations to build, lead and continuously improve our technology and security operations. This is not a traditional IT management role. We are looking for someone with the independence, technical expertise and vision to design intelligent, scalable operations from the ground up, making extensive use of AI and automation. Our ambition is to meet demanding EU regulatory requirements without creating unnecessary complexity or bureaucracy. You will play a central role in making that possible. What You Will Do • Design and lead ICT & Security Operations: Develop and execute a clear vision for lean, resilient, secure and scalable operations suited to a fast-moving startup. • Own day-to-day operations: Take responsibility for cloud infrastructure, IT services, identity and access management, security monitoring, vulnerability management, incident response, operational resilience and technical support. • Put AI and automation to work: Design and implement AI-enabled workflows, integrations and automated processes that reduce manual effort, improve reliability and make a small team exceptionally effective. • Build compliance into operations: Work closely with our second-line CISO to translate DORA and other applicable EU regulatory obligations into practical technical controls, automated monitoring and reliable audit evidence. • Drive continuous improvement: Identify opportunities to simplify technology, eliminate repetitive tasks, optimise costs and improve operational performance. • Take ownership: Independently deliver solutions, manage technical partners and vendors, resolve problems and remain personally involved in hands-on implementation. What You Bring • Proven experience designing, building and operating ICT infrastructure and security operations, preferably in a startup, scale-up or similarly dynamic environment. • Extensive, demonstrable experience applying AI to real operational challenges, including workflow automation, AI agents, system integrations and process optimisation. • A strong architectural vision and the ability to translate complex requirements into simple, effective and maintainable solutions. • Deep technical understanding of cloud platforms, infrastructure, IAM, cybersecurity operations and operational resilience. • Practical understanding of EU financial-sector regulatory requirements, particularly DORA, and how to implement them proportionately. • Strong scripting, API integration and automation capabilities, combined with sound security engineering practices. • An independent, resourceful and pragmatic mindset. You take initiative, challenge conventional approaches and are equally comfortable designing solutions and implementing them yourself. • An advantage: Knowledge of and practical experience with digital assets, particularly custody solutions, wallet infrastructure and their security and operational requirements under MiCAR. Why Join Us? You will have the opportunity to shape our ICT and security operations from the outset, with substantial autonomy and direct influence over our technology and operating model. We believe that intelligent design, AI and automation enable small, highly capable teams to achieve exceptional results. We are looking for someone who shares that vision and knows how to turn it into reality. We are not looking for someone to run a traditional IT department. We are looking for someone to build a better one. Tell us about your experience and, importantly, share an example of an AI-enabled operational solution or automation you have personally designed and implemented.