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.

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.