IT Director – Infrastructure & Operations
Explora Journeys, a forward‑looking luxury cruise brand, is seeking an IT Director – Infrastructure & Operations to lead our global IT infrastructure and operations landscape. This role will define and execute the strategy, ensure high availability and security of core services, and drive continuous improvement in line with our digital and business objectives.
Responsibilities
Strategy & Governance
Define and execute the enterprise strategy for IT Infrastructure & Operations across corporate offices, data centres and cloud environments.
Align infrastructure and operations initiatives with business priorities, digital roadmap and overall IT strategy.
Establish and maintain governance based on ITIL, COBIT and industry best practices for stability, compliance and operational excellence.
Develop multi‑year roadmaps for modernization, cloud adoption, monitoring, automation and lifecycle management of IT assets.
Infrastructure & Operations Management
Oversee global IT operations, guaranteeing availability, performance and resilience of core platforms (network, servers, storage, databases, hybrid cloud and collaboration tools).
Ensure consistent and standardised IT operations, including support models, procedures and incident handling.
Own and evolve the monitoring and observability ecosystem, adopting AI/ML‑based monitoring and automation tools.
Oversee AOM and Asset Management processes, ensuring lifecycle control, configuration and documentation.
Ensure effective change, incident, problem and service management processes.
Team & Vendor Leadership
Lead, mentor and develop a multi‑disciplinary IT Infrastructure & Operations team, fostering a high‑performance culture.
Manage third‑party vendors, service providers, SLA definition and performance monitoring.
Build strong relationships with shipyards, technology partners and managed service providers to align with strategic and operational goals.
Project & Transformation Delivery
Sponsor and drive major infrastructure and operations programs (e.g., data centre & cloud transformation, network upgrades, monitoring platforms).
Embed infrastructure and operations requirements in cross‑functional projects and digital initiatives.
Validate architecture and technical designs to meet operational, security and compliance standards.
Promote automation, standardisation and simplification to increase efficiency and reduce operational risk.
Risk, Security & Compliance
Work closely with Cyber Security and Compliance teams to protect IT assets and data and adhere to regulatory and internal policies.
Oversee disaster recovery, business continuity and resilience planning for critical IT services across shore and shipboard environments.
Identify and manage operational risks, implementing mitigation plans and continuous improvement actions.
Qualifications
Significant experience (10+ years) in IT, including several years in senior leadership roles within Infrastructure & Operations.
Minimum 5 years of experience in the cruise, maritime, hospitality or similar 24/7 mission‑critical operational environment is a strong advantage.
Proven track record managing large‑scale IT infrastructures (on‑premises and cloud), networks, data centres and global IT operations.
Strong experience with ITIL processes, COBIT or equivalent IT governance frameworks.
Essentials
Hands‑on familiarity with advanced monitoring and observability platforms, including AI/ML‑based monitoring and automation tools.
Experience with AOM, Asset Management and structured SLA/OLA management.
Demonstrated success in leading and developing teams, including remote and geographically distributed teams.
Solid experience in vendor and contract management: RFPs, negotiations, SLA design and performance reviews.
Strong understanding of shipboard or remote operations is a plus (connectivity constraints, safety, regulatory requirements, operational continuity).
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Fluent in English (additional languages are an advantage).
Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field; advanced certifications in ITIL, COBIT, cloud or project/program management are a plus.
Seniority Level
Director
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Information Technology
Industries
Travel Arrangements
At Explora Journeys, we are redefining luxury ocean travel, combining discovery, well‑being and a deep respect for the seas. If you are ready to turn your passion into something extraordinary, join us and help shape the future of immersive, transformative travel by sea.
#J-18808-Ljbffr