Job Summary
The Head of Global IT Service Assurance is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing centralized IT service delivery and assurance functions across the enterprise. This role ensures consistent, high-quality IT services globally by leading global service desk operations, managing service assurance frameworks, optimizing ITSM processes, and ensuring compliance with internal standards and industry regulations. Reporting directly to the CIO, the role fosters a culture of accountability, operational efficiency, and customer centricity across all service touchpoints.
Areas Of Responsibility
- Service Strategy Development : Architect and drive the implementation of a comprehensive service assurance strategy that encompasses all facets of IT service delivery. This involves staying abreast of industry trends and incorporating innovative practices to ensure the service strategy remains relevant and effective in meeting the dynamic needs of the business. The role requires continuous assessment and refinement of service delivery models to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction
- Service Desk Management : Strategically oversee the global IT service desk operations, ensuring seamless coordination and efficient escalation processes for complex L2 and L3 support issues. This includes maintaining robust communication channels with outsourced L1 support teams, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to escalate issues appropriately. The role also involves managing and coordinating the activities of the Lead Global Service Desk for Infrastructure, Enterprise & Business Applications, Manufacturing, Quality & R&D, ensuring consistent service delivery across all domains
- Quality Assurance : Develop and implement a robust quality assurance framework that sets high standards for service delivery processes. Utilize advanced analytics to continuously monitor service performance, evaluate process efficiency, and identify trends that may indicate underlying issues. This responsibility includes establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), conducting regular performance reviews, and implementing corrective actions to address any service delivery gaps
- Compliance & Standards : Ensure rigorous adherence to industry regulations and internal standards by establishing comprehensive compliance monitoring systems. This includes developing and implementing procedures that support audit readiness, conducting regular compliance assessments, and proactively managing risks. The role involves collaborating with the Lead - Audit Change & Service Catalogue to ensure compliance with audit requirements and maintaining up-to-date documentation to support regulatory inspections
- Process Optimization : Conduct thorough process evaluations, identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies, and implement innovative solutions that improve responsiveness, reduce downtime, and enhance user satisfaction. This involves leveraging industry best practices and emerging technologies to streamline service delivery processes and drive continuous improvement. The role requires close collaboration with the Lead - Master Data Management to ensure accurate and efficient data handling processes
- Team Leadership : Lead and mentor a diverse team of IT service professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Provide guidance and support to team members, ensuring they have the necessary skills and resources to perform their roles effectively. This includes setting performance expectations, offering professional development opportunities, and recognizing and rewarding achievements
Key Responsibilities
1. Service Strategy Development
Design and implement a global service assurance strategy across all service domains.Integrate industry best practices, innovation, and digital enablers into service delivery models.Continuously assess service maturity and alignment with evolving business needs.2. Global Service Desk Management
Lead the global service desk operations across L1-L3 tiers, including infrastructure, enterprise apps, and manufacturing domains.Govern escalation workflows, SLA adherence, and seamless issue resolution in collaboration with internal and outsourced teams.Ensure 24x7 operational support for business-critical environments.3. Quality Assurance & Performance Monitoring
Build a robust quality assurance framework supported by data analytics.Define, measure, and report KPIs for incident resolution, user satisfaction, and SLA compliance.Implement continual service improvement (CSI) programs.4. Compliance, Risk & Audit Readiness
Ensure audit preparedness and compliance to ITSM, GxP, SOX, and internal governance policies.Collaborate with Change & Audit teams to ensure adherence and documentation.Drive proactive risk identification and mitigation in service operations.5. Process Optimization & Standardization
Conduct end-to-end ITSM process assessments to reduce inefficiencies and enable scalability.Partner with Master Data Management and PMO teams to align service workflows and reporting.Introduce automation, AI / ML, and self-service capabilities to enhance service assurance maturity.6. Leadership & Talent Development
Lead a distributed global team of service delivery managers and specialists.Mentor team members, build 2nd-line leadership depth, and drive a performance-driven culture.Promote cross-functional collaboration and skill development across regions.Specialized Knowledge Requirements
ITIL-based IT Service ManagementExperience in managing 24x7 global service desksAdvanced knowledge of service assurance metrics, ITSM tools, and root cause analysisFamiliarity with compliance in regulated environments (e.g., GxP, SOX)Strong understanding of continuous improvement methodologies and digital service innovationNature of Communication
Strategic updates to executive stakeholdersFormal documentation for audits and complianceSLA discussions, QBRs, and governance meetings with partners and vendorsRole Played in Negotiations
Lead or co-lead for contract SLAs, penalty clauses, and governance framework definitionsCollaborate with Procurement and Legal for MSP and OEM commercial termsKey Decision-Making Areas
Service design and delivery frameworksPlatform and vendor selection for ITSM toolsPerformance targets and KPI thresholdsTeam structure and hiring decisions across service assurance functionsKey Challenges for the Role
Managing consistent service experience across time zones, regions, and functionsCoordinating complex escalations between internal teams and third-party vendorsBalancing automation with personalized user support modelsScaling service assurance maturity while maintaining agility and cost-effectivenessExtent and Nature of Innovation Required for the Role
High : Requires ongoing innovation in automation, observability, and self-service platformsAdoption of AI-based service management and predictive analyticsBuilding a digital-first service culture while maintaining regulatory rigorJob Requirements
Educational Qualifications :
Master's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related fieldCertifications :
ITIL v4, COBIT (preferred), ServiceNow or equivalent ITSM platform certificationsExperience :
Minimum 10 years in IT service delivery / assurance leadership rolesProven experience managing global service operations in complex enterprise environmentsSkills :
Service strategy development and KPI-driven operationsProcess excellence and root cause analysisVendor governance and stakeholder managementTeam leadership across geographiesTravel Estimate
Job Scope
Internal Interactions (within the organization)
CIO, Lead – IT Infrastructure NAM, ITBPs, PMO, Digital CoE. Internal Stakeholders and Nature of Interaction
CIO : Strategic alignment and reportingIT Ops Team : Escalation handling and root cause resolutionPMO : Project governance, service transition, and dashboardingIT Business Partners (ITBPs) : Demand planning, user experience feedback, and escalation managementExternal Interactions (outside the organization)
External Stakeholders and Nature of Interaction
MSPs and Support Vendors : Service delivery performance management and governanceTool Vendors and OEMs : Platform updates, escalations, and innovation inputsAuditors and Regulatory Inspectors : ITSM audits, evidence sharing, compliance trackingExternal Interaction %
30% of role involves external collaboration, including vendor governance, audits, and technology discussionsGeographical Scope
Global
Financial Accountability (cost / revenue with exclusive authority)
IT budget adherence, budget planning, execution and cost reduction accountability
Job Requirements
Educational Qualification
Masters in Information Systems, Engineering, or related field
Specific Certification
ITIL v4, COBIT (preferred), ServiceNow or equivalent ITSM platform certifications
Skills
As mentioned above
Experience
Minimum 15+ years in IT service delivery / assurance leadership roles. Proven experience managing global service operations in complex enterprise environments