Most technology leaders reach a point where they start looking for something broader.

They've built strong capability within infrastructure, operations, cloud, security or service delivery, but opportunities to bring all of those skills together while working closely with executive leadership are surprisingly rare.

This role offers exactly that.

Over the past few years, this organisation has invested heavily in modernising its technology environment. Major platforms have been upgraded, cloud adoption has accelerated and many of the foundational building blocks are now in place.

The next phase is less about transformation and more about evolution.

It's about improving maturity, strengthening resilience, building capability and ensuring technology continues to support a highly operational business that relies on technology every day to keep sites running, products moving and customers supported.

To help lead that journey, the CIO is looking for a senior technology leader who combines strong operational instincts with the ability to think strategically, influence stakeholders and build high-performing teams.

Why This Role Exists

This position has been created to provide greater leadership depth within the technology function and act as a trusted partner to the CIO.

The successful candidate will help shape priorities, guide decision-making and lead a broad operational portfolio across Australia and New Zealand. While the role carries strategic responsibility, success will come from remaining connected to the environment, understanding how the business operates and helping the team navigate challenges as they arise.

The organisation is not looking for a highly specialised technical expert or a career executive removed from day-to-day realities.

Instead, they're looking for a practical leader who enjoys solving problems, understands how different technology domains connect together and can comfortably move between operational discussions, stakeholder conversations and long-term planning.

About the Organisation

The business operates a large, geographically dispersed environment spanning manufacturing, operational and corporate locations across Australia and New Zealand and over 1,000 employees.

Technology underpins almost every aspect of the organisation's day-to-day operations, creating an environment where reliability, responsiveness and sound decision-making genuinely matter.

Despite its scale, the culture remains highly practical and collaborative. Leaders are encouraged to take ownership, challenge constructively and focus on outcomes rather than bureaucracy.

People who enjoy understanding how businesses work, building strong relationships and making meaningful improvements tend to thrive here.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the CIO, you will lead a team responsible for technology operations across a broad portfolio that includes infrastructure, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, operational technology, service delivery, end-user computing and vendor management.

The role combines leadership, operational oversight and stakeholder engagement with enough hands-on involvement to maintain credibility, mentor the team and support complex decision-making when required.

One of the most attractive aspects of the opportunity is its breadth. Few roles provide the chance to work across such a diverse technology landscape while also gaining meaningful exposure to executive leadership and business operations.

For somebody who enjoys variety, ownership and continuous improvement, there is significant scope to make a lasting impact.

What You'll Bring

You may currently be operating as a Technology Operations Manager, Infrastructure Manager, IT Operations Manager, Infrastructure & Security Manager or similar.

You'll likely bring:

• Experience leading technology operations within complex environments
• Strong people leadership and coaching capability
• The ability to operate across multiple technology disciplines
• Vendor and stakeholder management experience
• Sound commercial judgement and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving
• A track record of improving environments and delivering outcomes

Candidates from manufacturing, logistics, utilities, critical infrastructure or other operationally intensive environments are likely to find the transition particularly natural.

Why This Role

Many leadership opportunities promise broader responsibility but ultimately deliver more of the same.

What makes this role different is the combination of scale, visibility and variety.

You'll work closely with an experienced CIO, gain exposure to executive decision-making and operate across a technology environment that touches almost every part of the business.

The role has been intentionally positioned to create greater leadership depth within the function and will appeal to ambitious leaders looking to broaden their experience and prepare themselves for larger technology leadership opportunities in the future.

Next Steps

For a confidential discussion, please contact Steven Fulop at xceltium on 04•• ••• 446.

Please note xceltium has been appointed as the exclusive search partner on this assignment. Any direct or third-party applications will be forwarded to xceltium.