IT Leader

IT Leader - Shape Technology Strategy for a Leading Engineering Consultancy About the Company At Holmes Solutions, we are dedicated to leveraging technology to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation. We address pressing issues such as the climate crisis, transportation, housing affordability, and safety through our global projects. Our work pushes the boundaries of what is possible, and technology is central to our mission of making a positive impact on the world. About the Role We are looking for an exceptional IT Leader to join our team as we transition from shared group IT services to developing our own in-house expertise. This is a unique opportunity to build upon a solid foundation and shape a technology framework tailored to our future needs. We seek a visionary leader who understands technology as a strategic enabler, delivering innovative solutions while ensuring our teams are secure and productive. In this role, you will lead global IT strategy and operations for Holmes Solutions, a 70-person engineering consultancy with offices in New Zealand and the USA. You will have direct influence on our business direction without the constraints of bureaucracy. You will take ownership of our existing Microsoft/Azure infrastructure and evolve it to align with our business needs and your vision. This position offers high autonomy, reporting directly to senior leadership with budget authority and strategic input. Why This Role is Different This position emphasizes strategic impact rather than just operational tasks. You will drive AI adoption and integrate emerging technologies into our engineering workflows. You will inherit a functioning Microsoft environment and have the opportunity to architect the IT framework, manage vendor partnerships, and enhance our security posture to meet the demands of a modern engineering firm. Your work will be varied and challenging, combining hands-on technical work with strategic planning, vendor management, and innovation. You will serve as a trusted advisor to engineering leaders and partners, focusing on technology enablement rather than being confined to a large IT department. Your goal will be to optimize existing systems and processes, continually improving rather than being limited by legacy constraints. What You'll Own - Development and execution of an IT strategy and roadmap aligned with our business growth and commitment to engineering excellence. - Establishing security architecture and compliance measures for sensitive design and commercial data within the Microsoft/Azure environment. - Management of vendor and partner relationships, orchestrating outsourced services while maintaining essential in-house capabilities. - Evaluation and implementation of AI and innovative tools that provide Holmes Solutions with a competitive advantage. - Day-to-day network administration and infrastructure management. - Leadership of a small technical team that will have a significant impact across the organization. What You'll Bring to the Team - Proven experience in architecting and managing complex infrastructure, security, integration, and data solutions. - Strong cloud engineering skills and deep expertise in Microsoft 365 and Azure. - A security-first mindset with experience in protecting sensitive commercial and technical data. - The ability to think strategically and translate business needs into effective technology solutions. - Comfort with both hands-on work and driving innovation and strategy. - Excellent communication skills, enabling effective collaboration across all teams in the organization. - A successful track record in vendor management and building effective partnerships. - A genuine interest in AI, automation, and staying at the forefront of technology. About Holmes Solutions We collaborate with international clients across various industries, including adventure recreation, construction, and roadside hardware. Our scope of work ranges from ideation and research and development to testing, compliance, and accreditation. At our design hub, there is never a dull moment. Why Join Holmes Solutions? We pride ourselves on being a close-knit team that values innovation, knowledge-sharing, and work-life balance. We celebrate diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, as we believe that varied perspectives drive innovation. Grow Your Career with Us – we offer a range of benefits, including: - Southern Cross Health Insurance for you and your family - Flexible working arrangements to accommodate your lifestyle and commitments outside of work - Access to a coffee machine, a variety of teas, fresh fruit, and snacks - Free onsite parking - Team lunches, events, and a vibrant team culture - Kiwi Saver - Onsite gym with classes led by our team - Life and wellbeing insurance - Professional development support and ongoing training - Christmas shutdown Take Your Next Step With Us If you have significant experience in senior IT leadership roles, are eligible to work in New Zealand, and are passionate about using technology to drive exceptional outcomes, we encourage you to apply today. Applications close on 31 January 2026.