IT Cluster Lead

Main Purpose:

The IT Cluster Lead will be responsible for managing and supporting the company's APAC IT infrastructure, ensuring smooth and secure technology operations. You will manage local and outsource providers, collaborate with various departments and international colleagues, and play a critical role in enhancing the technology landscape of our business. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a strong technical background combined with great collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities, Key Responsibilities:

ABOUT US:

Puma Energy is a forward-thinking organisation committed to leveraging technology to drive innovation and enhance business performance. We are looking for an experienced and proactive IT Cluster Lead to oversee our IT infrastructure, systems, and team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead the IT department and support our growing operations in PNG and Australia.

Workplace Health & Safety

As a worker;

• Take reasonable care and personal responsibility for your own health and safety.
• Take reasonable care that your acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons.

• Comply, so far as you are reasonably able, with any reasonable instruction and training that is given.
• Co-operate with any reasonable policy or procedure relating to health, safety or environment at the workplace that has been notified to you.
• Immediately report all injuries in the workplace to your supervisor.
• Report all hazards to your immediate supervisor.

Quality Management System Compliance

• Comply and support the Quality Management system in all aspects of your role.
• Adopt and implement the principles of continuous improvement in all aspects of your role.
• Ensure the awareness of customer requirements (internal & external) are promoted throughout the business.
• Review, monitor and provide feedback on the effectiveness of the quality management system.
• Engage, support and continuously improve communication processes that support the quality management system and provide positive outcomes for the business, customers and key stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute an IT infrastructure strategy aligned with business goals and growth plans
• Design, deploy and maintain highly available, secure and cost-effective infrastructure solutions for the company's Australian IT systems to ensure optimal performance and reliability as per company standards.
• Manage local and outsourced providers and their support contracts, providing guidance to ensure they meet deliverables and adhere with industry best practices.
• Manage IT budgets, projects, and vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely delivery of services.
• Implement and enforce IT security policies, procedures, and practices to protect the company’s sensitive data and systems.
• Collaborate with senior management to identify opportunities for technology improvements and business solutions.
• Monitor system performance and assist with troubleshooting any issues that arise to minimise downtime and optimise efficiency.
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans, ensuring the company’s IT infrastructure is resilient and prepared for emergencies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant IT regulations, industry standards, and best practices, particularly in relation to data protection.
• Stay up to date with emerging IT trends and technologies, recommending and implementing innovative solutions where appropriate.
• Provide end-user support and maintain user access controls for internal systems.
• Maintain inventory of hardware, software, and IT assets, ensuring proper licensing and usage compliance.
• Liaising with the wider global IT team to ensure a consistent user experience across the globe.
• Having an active role in the installation and support of hardware and software.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders across different departments to understand their IT needs, communicate technology initiatives, and ensure alignment with business strategy.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience, Skills & Competencies:

Essential

• Proven experience (7+ years) in IT management, with a strong background in IT infrastructure, system administration, and network management.
• Proven experience in IT leadership roles within the oil and gas industry, ideally with a focus downstream operations is an advantage
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a technical team.
• Experience with IT service management tools, project management, and IT budgeting.
• Excellent understanding of IT security principles, including firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems.
• Proficiency with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud) and virtualization technologies.
• Hands-on experience with networking, server management, and hardware troubleshooting.
• Expertise in network infrastructure, data centre management, and security protocols 
• Knowledge of compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, ISO 27001, NIST).
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to liaise with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Project Planning & Execution:
  • Assist in defining project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders.
  • Develop project plans, schedules, project summaries, reports, and milestones to ensure timely delivery.
  • Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution of project tasks.
  • Facilitate meetings, document minutes, and follow up on action items.
  • Provide regular status updates and escalate risks or delays to senior management.
  • Track and report on project risks, ensuring appropriate follow-up.

Desirable

• Relevant certifications such as ITIL, CISSP, PMP, or MCSE.
• Experience with software development or systems integration projects.
• Experience in supporting industrial environments as well as corporate

Key Relationships and Department Overview:

Internal : 

• Puma Australia Senior Leadership
• Puma IT Manager PNG
• Puma VP - IT APAC & Program Management
• Trafigura IT Service Delivery Manager - Asia Pacific
• Puma Global Head of IT
• Trafigura Infrastructure

External:

• Vendors
• Suppliers