Head of IT Technical Infrastructures

A leading European provider of services to rail operators, manufacturers, and local authorities, Akiem offers its 100 customers in 22 European countries a fleet of over 760 locomotives and 42 passenger vehicles, as well as solutions covering the entire rolling stock value chain.

Akiem runs a comprehensive, certified Entity in Charge of Maintenance (ECM) industrial ecosystem built around a pan-European network of workshops and extensive inventories of spare parts for the maintenance of the rolling stock supplied to its customers.

Context
To support the growth of its business lines (Technik & Leasing) and the development of its IT technical resources and systems, AKIEM Group is strengthening its IT organization and recruiting a
Group Head of IT Technical Infrastructures & Support
. The position is based in Saint-Ouen (Paris area).

As the Head of IT Technical Infrastructures & Support, you will oversee all group technical infrastructure resources—hardware, data centers, cloud environments, networks, telecommunications, and operational IT systems. You will manage a distributed technical team located in France and Germany.

This role requires expertise in IT infrastructure, user support, and helpdesk operations. You will be responsible for designing, deploying, and maintaining the group's IT technical foundations, ensuring the performance, availability, and security of systems and networks. Adaptability and a strong focus on cybersecurity are essential.

Main Responsibilities

• Technical Infrastructure Strategy & Standardization
• Define, manage, and enforce technical infrastructure standards across the Group (telecom, network, WAN/LAN/WIFI, Office 365, workstations, servers, data centers and/or cloud environments).
• Contribute significantly to the Group's IT strategy on all technical components (telephony, network, AD, Office 365, servers, data centers, cloud, etc.).
• Lead the operational implementation of the approved technical strategy.
• Select new technologies aligned with cost, security, and timing constraints.
• Develop and execute the infrastructure standardization roadmap (harmonizing multiple companies into one common technical model).
• Provide expert guidance to Group management regarding the impact and benefits of technical decisions (e.g., cloud migration).
• Contribute to the technical aspects of major application projects (e.g., ERP implementations).
• Team Leadership & Coordination
• Manage and coordinate a distributed team of technical staff across several group entities (currently 2 team members).
• Ensure alignment and coordination of the infrastructure strategy across all countries.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders including the CISO, Group DPO, and internal/external auditors.
• Infrastructure Operations & Maintenance
• Ensure the continuous monitoring, operation, and maintenance of all technical resources.
• Keep infrastructure aligned with IS evolution and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and update the 3-year technical architecture strategic plan, in line with the Group's business roadmap.
• Security, Compliance & ITGC Controls
• Work closely with the CISO to handle cybersecurity topics (vulnerability management, patching, etc.).
• Periodically review user accounts according to Group policies.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date IT equipment inventory.
• Ensure proper execution of the Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP).
• Conduct regular audits and ensure compliance with ITGC controls.
• Technology & Security Watch
• Maintain active monitoring of technological evolutions and regulatory updates to ensure the Group's IT infrastructure and security remain up to date.
• IT Purchasing & Vendor Management
• Manage all IT infrastructure-related purchasing (networks, telephony, workstations, etc.).
• Ensure all IT purchases comply with Group security policies.

Guarantee that IT contracts include all required provisions regarding security, GDPR, and compliance.

Budget Responsibility

• Full responsibility for CAPEX and OPEX budgets within the scope of technical infrastructures and support.

Profile And Experience

• Master's degree or equivalent
• Experience in the management of IT/TI projects (ITIL, PMI, etc.)
• More than 5 years' experience in an equivalent position is necessary (Technical manager as a minimum)
• English essential, French would be a plus.
• COBIT experience if possible.
• CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) certification (or equivalent) would be a plus.

Does this description resonate with you? This position, within a highly stimulating environment, is made for you

Don't hesitate - join a motivated and dynamic team within an inspiring group that values genuine, human-centered relationships :)

TalentPool Notice:
Even if this position does not perfectly match your profile, we would be delighted to include you in our TalentPool and contact you for future opportunities.