Posted 14 July, 2026
Deputy Head of Business Systems, Operations and Data
Diverse Lynx
Noida,Uttar Pradesh,201301
Full Time
Reference: 365_569689_26-01381
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
•
Enhance and execute our world class internal technology vision that positions the company as an AI First organization
•
Partner with executive leadership to align technology strategy with business objectives
•
Lead the IT transformation program from legacy systems to modern, AI-enabled infrastructure
Organizational Impact
Classification: Controlled
•
Direct the IDC based IT Operations, Business Systems and broader technology teams
•
Chair the technology prioritization board to align scaling initiatives across the organization
•
Drive cross-functional change management initiatives that embed technology innovation into business operations
Security & Governance
•
Establish and maintain enterprise security frameworks and best practices
•
Ensure responsible, ethical deployment of AI and emerging technologies
•
Build compliance and risk management protocols that scale with company growth
Experience & Innovation
•
Transform the employee technology experience through intuitive, AI-powered tools
•
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technological literacy
•
Champion adoption of technologies that enhance productivity and collaboration
Key Responsibilities
1. Enterprise Technology Strategy & Architecture
•
Maintain our internal enterprise technology strategy, ensuring alignment with business growth, Data and AI First priorities, and sector priorities.
•
Lead the creation and governance of a modern enterprise architecture, establishing standards, roadmaps, guardrails, and decision frameworks.
•
Drive simplification: consolidation of platforms, tools, integrations, and data flows.
2. Leadership of IT Operations
•
Adapt and establish the forward-looking function, with careful consideration to cost and of our needs to serve clients within private, public sector including UK and Ireland central Government
•
Provide oversight, governance and direction for day-to-day IT operations.
•
Establish mature processes for service excellence, stability, resiliency, and capacity planning.
•
Implement KPIs across uptime, productivity, end-user satisfaction, service management and operational risk.
3. Enterprise Prioritisation & Technology Portfolio Governance
•
Chair the Enterprise Technology Prioritisation Board to govern BAU, change, transformation, compliance and security investments.
Classification: Controlled
•
Introduce structured demand intake, capacity modelling, value scoring and quarterly planning.
•
Enable transparency through dashboards, portfolio reporting, and enterprise-wide communication.
4. IT Transformation Programme Ownership
•
Lead transformation across data, applications, integrations, identity, collaboration tools, and AI process enhancements.
•
Deliver a coherent roadmap for evolving our core systems, reducing technical debt, modernising platforms, and improving data quality.
•
Establish or enhance your new IT organisation and any associated PMO, EA, and data governance capabilities.
5. Data Governance, Master Data, and "Single Source of Truth”
•
Own enterprise data architecture, MDM strategy, and integration frameworks.
•
Standardise definitions and ensure trustworthy, harmonised enterprise-wide data.
•
Partner with Finance, HR and Operations to eliminate manual processes and deliver integrity across financial, operational, and workforce data.
6. Workforce Digital Experience
•
Own the strategy for end-user computing, collaboration, onboarding/offboarding, automation and productivity tooling.
•
Ensure employee experience is modern, intuitive, AI-enabled and continually improved through telemetry and feedback.
7. Responsible AI & Ethical Technology
•
Implement frameworks for responsible AI, data ethics, transparency and safe adoption.
•
Partner with our AI CoE to integrate AI across internal systems and the workforce experience, with strong governance.
8. Executive & Board Engagement
•
Provide regular updates to the CTO and ExCo on technology transformation progress and risk.
•
Act as an enterprise leader driving cross-functional alignment and enabling business growth.
Classification: Controlled
Given that Version 1 is an AI and Digital Transformation consultancy, this adds a fascinating and critical dimension to the role. Your Deputy Head of Business Systems, Operations and Data needs to embody the very transformation you sell to clients—making your internal IT a living showcase of your expertise.
Essential Skills & Experience
1. Consultancy Business Acumen
•
Deep understanding of professional services operating models (utilization, resource allocation, project delivery)
•
Experience supporting distributed, client-facing workforces with enterprise tools
•
Knowledge of how IT enables revenue generation in services businesses (proposal automation, knowledge management, collaboration platforms)
•
Understanding of the unique security requirements when consultants access client systems and data
2. AI & Emerging Technology Expertise
•
Hands-on experience implementing AI/ML solutions in enterprise environments (not just strategy)
•
Understanding of Agentic and GenAI platforms, tools, and their practical applications in knowledge work
•
Ability to evaluate AI vendors and build vs. buy decisions with credibility
•
Knowledge of AI governance, ethics, and responsible deployment frameworks that can inform client advice
3. "Practice What We Preach" Mindset
•
Track record of creating technology environments that serve as reference architectures or case studies
•
Ability to translate internal transformations into thought leadership and client conversations
•
Comfort being the internal example of the change you help clients achieve
•
Skills in documenting and packaging internal transformation journeys as IP or marketing assets
4. Transformation & Change Leadership
•
Proven success leading large-scale IT transformation programs (cloud migration, platform modernization, digital workplace)
•
Change management expertise with consulting workforces who are skeptical of "internal overhead"
•
Experience building technology adoption through user-centric design, not mandates
Classification: Controlled
•
Ability to balance innovation with reliability in client-facing environments
5. Security & Compliance in Complex Environments
•
Multi-tenant security thinking (protecting both company and client data)
•
ISO 27001, SOC 2, ISO42001 or similar compliance framework implementation
•
Experience with zero-trust architectures, secure remote access, and identity management
•
Understanding of data residency, client confidentiality, and ethical walls in consultancy contexts
6. Technology Portfolio & Vendor Management
•
Strategic partnerships with enterprise platform vendors (Microsoft, AWS, ServiceNow, and AI First partners like Anthropic etc.)
•
Ability to leverage vendor relationships for both internal use and client benefits
•
Experience managing complex technology estates with multiple integrated systems
•
Commercial negotiation skills and vendor relationship management
Key Skills & Experience
•
Proven CIO or large-scale IT transformation leadership experience.
•
Working in Global organisations with multiple and off/near shore delivery locations
•
Strong enterprise architecture, operating model design and transformation expertise.
•
Demonstrable experience scaling IT operations in a complex, multi-geography organisation.
•
Deep knowledge of cloud, modern data platforms, integration architecture and cybersecurity.
•
Experience governing large technology portfolios and multi-year investments.
•
Strong communication, influence, and cross-organisational leadership.
Ideal Background Profiles
Profile 1: CIO/CTO from Professional Services
•
Upcoming direct report CIO, CTO or VP Technology from a leading and competitive AI forward thinking consultancy
•
Understands the consultancy DNA and how to support consultant productivity
•
Has built internal systems that doubled as client showcases
•
Brings network effects and vendor relationships from similar environments
Classification: Controlled
Profile 2: Client-Side Transformation Leader Who's Been a Client
•
Upcoming direct report CIO, CTO or VP Technology from a company that's undergone major AI/digital transformation
•
Has worked extensively with fast growth, Agile consultancies and understands both sides
•
Can credibly speak to "what good looks like" because they've lived it as a buyer
•
Brings fresh thinking and can challenge consultancy norms with client perspective
Profile 3: Hybrid Consultant-Turned-Operator
•
Upcoming direct report CIO, CTO or VP Technology from strategy/tech consulting who moved into operational role
•
Combines strategic advisory skills with hands-on delivery experience
•
Can bridge the gap between "what we tell clients" and "what actually works"
•
Credibility with consultants while having operational battle scars
Profile 4: Scale-Up Technology and AI Leader
•
Upcoming direct report CIO, CTO or VP Technology from high-growth tech company that embedded AI into operations
•
Experience scaling systems rapidly while maintaining quality
•
Brings startup agility and innovation mindset to consultancy environment
•
Can inject entrepreneurial energy and modern practices
Critical Differentiators for Version 1 Context
Must-Haves:
•
Showcase mentality: Everything they build should be referenceable with clients
•
Thought leadership ability: Can write, speak, and contribute to Version 1's market positioning
•
Consultant credibility: Respected by delivery teams, can join client conversations when needed
•
Modern tool fluency: Personal user of AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot) and can demo with enthusiasm
•
Vendor relationships: Can open doors with technology partners that benefit both internal ops and client work
Differentiating Experiences:
•
Led internal transformation that became a client case study or marketing asset
Classification: Controlled
•
Implemented AI agents, automation, or GenAI platforms that measurably improved productivity
•
Built internal innovation labs or sandboxes that fed into client offerings
•
Contributed to RFP responses or client pursuits with technical architecture or security insights
•
Partnered with marketing/Client to translate technology investments into market differentiation
Red Flags to Avoid
•
Pure operators without strategic vision: Will optimize current state but won't drive frontier thinking
•
Consultants who've never operated: May propose what sounds good but can't execute
•
Technology purists without business sense: Won't understand how IT enables £X revenue per consultant
•
Risk-averse leaders: Will lock down systems and inhibit the experimentation needed in AI frontier work
•
Poor communicators: Can't translate technical work into business value or client-relevant insights
The "Version 1 Test"
The ideal candidate should be able to:
1.
Describe 2-3 AI use cases they'd implement in first 90 days that would improve consultant productivity
2.
Explain how they'd make Version 1's internal IT a competitive advantage in client conversations
3.
Articulate their POV on responsible AI deployment with specific examples
4.
Demonstrate understanding of how technology supports (or hinders) utilization and margin in consultancies
5.
Show enthusiasm for being a visible leader who contributes to Version 1's thought leadership
Strategic Leadership & Vision
•
Enhance and execute our world class internal technology vision that positions the company as an AI First organization
•
Partner with executive leadership to align technology strategy with business objectives
•
Lead the IT transformation program from legacy systems to modern, AI-enabled infrastructure
Organizational Impact
Classification: Controlled
•
Direct the IDC based IT Operations, Business Systems and broader technology teams
•
Chair the technology prioritization board to align scaling initiatives across the organization
•
Drive cross-functional change management initiatives that embed technology innovation into business operations
Security & Governance
•
Establish and maintain enterprise security frameworks and best practices
•
Ensure responsible, ethical deployment of AI and emerging technologies
•
Build compliance and risk management protocols that scale with company growth
Experience & Innovation
•
Transform the employee technology experience through intuitive, AI-powered tools
•
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technological literacy
•
Champion adoption of technologies that enhance productivity and collaboration
Key Responsibilities
1. Enterprise Technology Strategy & Architecture
•
Maintain our internal enterprise technology strategy, ensuring alignment with business growth, Data and AI First priorities, and sector priorities.
•
Lead the creation and governance of a modern enterprise architecture, establishing standards, roadmaps, guardrails, and decision frameworks.
•
Drive simplification: consolidation of platforms, tools, integrations, and data flows.
2. Leadership of IT Operations
•
Adapt and establish the forward-looking function, with careful consideration to cost and of our needs to serve clients within private, public sector including UK and Ireland central Government
•
Provide oversight, governance and direction for day-to-day IT operations.
•
Establish mature processes for service excellence, stability, resiliency, and capacity planning.
•
Implement KPIs across uptime, productivity, end-user satisfaction, service management and operational risk.
3. Enterprise Prioritisation & Technology Portfolio Governance
•
Chair the Enterprise Technology Prioritisation Board to govern BAU, change, transformation, compliance and security investments.
Classification: Controlled
•
Introduce structured demand intake, capacity modelling, value scoring and quarterly planning.
•
Enable transparency through dashboards, portfolio reporting, and enterprise-wide communication.
4. IT Transformation Programme Ownership
•
Lead transformation across data, applications, integrations, identity, collaboration tools, and AI process enhancements.
•
Deliver a coherent roadmap for evolving our core systems, reducing technical debt, modernising platforms, and improving data quality.
•
Establish or enhance your new IT organisation and any associated PMO, EA, and data governance capabilities.
5. Data Governance, Master Data, and "Single Source of Truth”
•
Own enterprise data architecture, MDM strategy, and integration frameworks.
•
Standardise definitions and ensure trustworthy, harmonised enterprise-wide data.
•
Partner with Finance, HR and Operations to eliminate manual processes and deliver integrity across financial, operational, and workforce data.
6. Workforce Digital Experience
•
Own the strategy for end-user computing, collaboration, onboarding/offboarding, automation and productivity tooling.
•
Ensure employee experience is modern, intuitive, AI-enabled and continually improved through telemetry and feedback.
7. Responsible AI & Ethical Technology
•
Implement frameworks for responsible AI, data ethics, transparency and safe adoption.
•
Partner with our AI CoE to integrate AI across internal systems and the workforce experience, with strong governance.
8. Executive & Board Engagement
•
Provide regular updates to the CTO and ExCo on technology transformation progress and risk.
•
Act as an enterprise leader driving cross-functional alignment and enabling business growth.
Classification: Controlled
Given that Version 1 is an AI and Digital Transformation consultancy, this adds a fascinating and critical dimension to the role. Your Deputy Head of Business Systems, Operations and Data needs to embody the very transformation you sell to clients—making your internal IT a living showcase of your expertise.
Essential Skills & Experience
1. Consultancy Business Acumen
•
Deep understanding of professional services operating models (utilization, resource allocation, project delivery)
•
Experience supporting distributed, client-facing workforces with enterprise tools
•
Knowledge of how IT enables revenue generation in services businesses (proposal automation, knowledge management, collaboration platforms)
•
Understanding of the unique security requirements when consultants access client systems and data
2. AI & Emerging Technology Expertise
•
Hands-on experience implementing AI/ML solutions in enterprise environments (not just strategy)
•
Understanding of Agentic and GenAI platforms, tools, and their practical applications in knowledge work
•
Ability to evaluate AI vendors and build vs. buy decisions with credibility
•
Knowledge of AI governance, ethics, and responsible deployment frameworks that can inform client advice
3. "Practice What We Preach" Mindset
•
Track record of creating technology environments that serve as reference architectures or case studies
•
Ability to translate internal transformations into thought leadership and client conversations
•
Comfort being the internal example of the change you help clients achieve
•
Skills in documenting and packaging internal transformation journeys as IP or marketing assets
4. Transformation & Change Leadership
•
Proven success leading large-scale IT transformation programs (cloud migration, platform modernization, digital workplace)
•
Change management expertise with consulting workforces who are skeptical of "internal overhead"
•
Experience building technology adoption through user-centric design, not mandates
Classification: Controlled
•
Ability to balance innovation with reliability in client-facing environments
5. Security & Compliance in Complex Environments
•
Multi-tenant security thinking (protecting both company and client data)
•
ISO 27001, SOC 2, ISO42001 or similar compliance framework implementation
•
Experience with zero-trust architectures, secure remote access, and identity management
•
Understanding of data residency, client confidentiality, and ethical walls in consultancy contexts
6. Technology Portfolio & Vendor Management
•
Strategic partnerships with enterprise platform vendors (Microsoft, AWS, ServiceNow, and AI First partners like Anthropic etc.)
•
Ability to leverage vendor relationships for both internal use and client benefits
•
Experience managing complex technology estates with multiple integrated systems
•
Commercial negotiation skills and vendor relationship management
Key Skills & Experience
•
Proven CIO or large-scale IT transformation leadership experience.
•
Working in Global organisations with multiple and off/near shore delivery locations
•
Strong enterprise architecture, operating model design and transformation expertise.
•
Demonstrable experience scaling IT operations in a complex, multi-geography organisation.
•
Deep knowledge of cloud, modern data platforms, integration architecture and cybersecurity.
•
Experience governing large technology portfolios and multi-year investments.
•
Strong communication, influence, and cross-organisational leadership.
Ideal Background Profiles
Profile 1: CIO/CTO from Professional Services
•
Upcoming direct report CIO, CTO or VP Technology from a leading and competitive AI forward thinking consultancy
•
Understands the consultancy DNA and how to support consultant productivity
•
Has built internal systems that doubled as client showcases
•
Brings network effects and vendor relationships from similar environments
Classification: Controlled
Profile 2: Client-Side Transformation Leader Who's Been a Client
•
Upcoming direct report CIO, CTO or VP Technology from a company that's undergone major AI/digital transformation
•
Has worked extensively with fast growth, Agile consultancies and understands both sides
•
Can credibly speak to "what good looks like" because they've lived it as a buyer
•
Brings fresh thinking and can challenge consultancy norms with client perspective
Profile 3: Hybrid Consultant-Turned-Operator
•
Upcoming direct report CIO, CTO or VP Technology from strategy/tech consulting who moved into operational role
•
Combines strategic advisory skills with hands-on delivery experience
•
Can bridge the gap between "what we tell clients" and "what actually works"
•
Credibility with consultants while having operational battle scars
Profile 4: Scale-Up Technology and AI Leader
•
Upcoming direct report CIO, CTO or VP Technology from high-growth tech company that embedded AI into operations
•
Experience scaling systems rapidly while maintaining quality
•
Brings startup agility and innovation mindset to consultancy environment
•
Can inject entrepreneurial energy and modern practices
Critical Differentiators for Version 1 Context
Must-Haves:
•
Showcase mentality: Everything they build should be referenceable with clients
•
Thought leadership ability: Can write, speak, and contribute to Version 1's market positioning
•
Consultant credibility: Respected by delivery teams, can join client conversations when needed
•
Modern tool fluency: Personal user of AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot) and can demo with enthusiasm
•
Vendor relationships: Can open doors with technology partners that benefit both internal ops and client work
Differentiating Experiences:
•
Led internal transformation that became a client case study or marketing asset
Classification: Controlled
•
Implemented AI agents, automation, or GenAI platforms that measurably improved productivity
•
Built internal innovation labs or sandboxes that fed into client offerings
•
Contributed to RFP responses or client pursuits with technical architecture or security insights
•
Partnered with marketing/Client to translate technology investments into market differentiation
Red Flags to Avoid
•
Pure operators without strategic vision: Will optimize current state but won't drive frontier thinking
•
Consultants who've never operated: May propose what sounds good but can't execute
•
Technology purists without business sense: Won't understand how IT enables £X revenue per consultant
•
Risk-averse leaders: Will lock down systems and inhibit the experimentation needed in AI frontier work
•
Poor communicators: Can't translate technical work into business value or client-relevant insights
The "Version 1 Test"
The ideal candidate should be able to:
1.
Describe 2-3 AI use cases they'd implement in first 90 days that would improve consultant productivity
2.
Explain how they'd make Version 1's internal IT a competitive advantage in client conversations
3.
Articulate their POV on responsible AI deployment with specific examples
4.
Demonstrate understanding of how technology supports (or hinders) utilization and margin in consultancies
5.
Show enthusiasm for being a visible leader who contributes to Version 1's thought leadership
