Regional IT Manager (SEA)

Business Overview
FINN Partners was launched in late 2011 to realise Peter Finn's vision to create a leading communications agency dedicated to shaping a bold new future in which innovation and partnership are strong drivers of the brand. FINN Partners is one of the fastest-growing global, independent marketing and communications agencies in the world, serving clients through a powerful combination of bold creativity, informed strategy, hands-on partnership and highly specialized expertise. Our values-driven culture champions integrity, collaboration, and innovation. More than an agency, we are a diverse collective of passionate individuals with a heart and conscience who help brands craft and share their stories in ways that drive business value and make a positive impact in the world.

Headquartered in New York City, the company has approximately 1400 employees, with offices in Abu Dhabi, Atlanta, Bangalore, Bangkok, Beijing, Boston, Chicago, Delhi, Denver, Detroit, Dublin, Fort Lauderdale, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Jerusalem, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Madison, Manila, Mumbai, Munich, Nashville, New York, Orange County, Paris, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Shanghai, Singapore, Washington D.C., and Yangon

Role Overview
The Regional IT Manager – Southeast Asia is responsible for managing and supporting all IT operations across FINN Partners offices in the Southeast Asia region, with a primary focus on hands-on technical support and infrastructure management. This role ensures that end-users can effectively perform their work through reliable IT systems, while also contributing to the broader IT strategy and innovation. The Regional IT Manager will work closely with the global IT team to align regional initiatives with company-wide standards and leverage new technologies to improve service delivery.
 Duties and Responsibilities
The extent of your duties will include but not be limited to:

• Manage Business Relationships: Develop trusted relationships with senior business leaders in the region. Act as the point of contact for IT matters in Southeast Asia and communicate technical information in clear, non-technical terms. Ensure that IT initiatives and issues are understood by non-IT staff and align IT services with business objectives.
• IT Support & Service Delivery: Provide day-to-day helpdesk support to end users, addressing incoming requests via phone and ticketing portal in a timely, courteous manner. Ensure high customer satisfaction and minimal downtime for user workstations and mobile devices.
• Infrastructure Management: Maintain the operation of end-user devices (Windows PCs and Apple Macs), file storage systems, printers, and network services. Proactively monitor infrastructure health and perform regular maintenance to ensure stable and efficient IT operations.
• Procurement & Asset Management: Specify and procure new hardware and software as needed, adhering to budget and company procurement policies. Maintain an accurate inventory and register of IT assets across the region, and ensure lifecycle management (deployment, replacement, disposal) is effectively tracked.
• Vendor Management: Source and manage local IT vendors and managed service providers. Establish clear service level agreements and ensure external partners deliver quality support. This includes coordinating with telecom providers, hardware suppliers, and consultancy services within company policy guidelines.
• System Security and IT Business Continuity: Implement and enforce IT security policies and business continuity plans for the region. Take proactive measures to secure networks and endpoints, including regular updates/patching and user cybersecurity awareness. Strengthen defences against cyber threats (e.g., ransomware, phishing).
• Data Protection & Compliance: Ensure all IT operations and data handling in the region comply with relevant data protection regulations, especially Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Develop and follow policies for proper handling of personal data and privacy, in line with PDPA requirements for data processing and retention​. Collaborate with the organization's Data Protection Officer to address any compliance issues and implement recommended safeguards.
• Application Management: Manage software applications and services within the region in accordance to company standards, including core business and IT Tools
• Server and Account administration: Administer user accounts and identities (Azure Entra ID/Azure Active Directory) and manage servers or cloud instances hosting core business applications. Ensure proper access controls, perform data backups, and maintain system availability for critical services.
• Network & Communications: Manage and troubleshoot the region’s LAN/WAN networks, DNS and TCP/IP configurations, and enterprise Wi-Fi. Oversee communication systems including fixed-line and mobile telephony and video conferencing tools to ensure reliable connectivity for all offices.
• IT Projects & Strategy: Participate in the planning and execution of regional and global IT projects, such as office setup/moves, system upgrades, or new tool implementations. Provide input and constructive challenge to the global IT strategy by representing Southeast Asia’s needs and opportunities. Contribute operational insights to help shape company IT strategy and ensure new initiatives are practical for local implementation.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry developments in IT infrastructure and operations. Monitor advancements such as AI-driven IT operations (AIOps) and cloud-native tools that could enhance efficiency. Proactively recommend and implement innovative solutions (e.g., automation for routine tasks, improved monitoring systems) to improve IT service delivery and infrastructure resilience.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (technical diploma or equivalent experience is acceptable; a Bachelor’s degree is preferred).
• Approximately 6+ years of experience in an IT environment, including 1–4 years in a similar IT management or senior support role.
• Excellent hands-on technical skills with proven knowledge of Windows PC and macOS hardware, software, and troubleshooting. Ability to diagnose and resolve desktop, laptop, and peripheral issues effectively.
• Strong understanding of networking and infrastructure fundamentals, including experience with LAN/WAN networks, DNS, and TCP/IP configuration. Familiarity with enterprise Wi-Fi management and VPN technologies.
• Experience administering cloud-based identity and device management systems – for example, managing users and groups in Azure Entra ID (Azure Active Directory) and using Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to secure laptops and smartphones.
• Solid knowledge of cybersecurity best practices and IT risk management. Demonstrated experience implementing security measures (antivirus, firewalls, patch management) and understanding of threat mitigation for issues like malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. Familiarity with data protection principles and regulations (such as Singapore’s PDPA) in daily IT operations is expected.
• Demonstrated ability to manage external IT service providers and vendors. Experience coordinating with third-party support teams or consultants to ensure they meet service level agreements and deliver quality results.
• Proven experience across key IT domains, including IT service delivery/support, network and communications management, data management (backups, storage), IT security and business continuity planning, supplier management, and application administration. The ideal candidate has a broad skill set to oversee end-to-end IT operations.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills, with a track record of managing multiple IT tasks or projects simultaneously. Detail-oriented in implementing IT processes and documenting configurations or procedures.
• Effective communication skills, especially in translating technical information to non-technical stakeholders and in writing clear documentation or reports. (While this role does not primarily focus on people management, the ability to communicate and collaborate is essential in a regional position.)