Associate Director of IT Operations

<h2><strong>Job Description</strong></h2>
<p>Based in our Chippendale head office in Sydney and reporting to our Director of IT, you will lead the evolution of our APAC IT team from a traditional service desk into a high-performing, globally integrated IT operations hub. Covering HelloConnect Philippines (1,600+ staff across three sites), YouFoodz, BeCool Logistics, and HelloFresh ANZ, this is one of the most dynamic and operationally complex IT leadership roles in the HelloFresh Group.</p>
<p>In this position, you will connect regional teams with global leadership, turning big-picture strategy into clear local results, preventing operational silos, and building an IT function ready to scale. As Associate Director, you will act as a trusted advisor to senior executives, shape global IT strategy, and champion IT Operations best practices across the APAC region.</p>
<p><strong>You will…</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Define & Own Regional Strategy:</strong> Shape and execute the APAC IT strategy across all entities, balancing speed, scope, and quality to seamlessly integrate the region into the global HelloFresh ecosystem.</li>
<li><strong>Lead & Master Asynchronous Work:</strong> Guide a distributed team across Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines while syncing with Berlin and Toronto. You write clear direction and document key decisions, empowering time-zone-agnostic execution where real-time overlap is optimized and asynchronous is the default.</li>
<li><strong>Evolve Regional Operations:</strong> Transform a service-desk model into a specialized IT Operations framework, building deep domain expertise so local teams can operate autonomously without constant escalation.</li>
<li><strong>Partner with Executive Stakeholders:</strong> Serve as the trusted IT advisor to APAC business leadership, translating complex technical trade-offs into clear, high-level business recommendations.</li>
<li><strong>Drive SLAs, Compliance & Audits:</strong> Govern regional performance using Jira Service Management insights, maintaining a robust audit posture and keeping global IT leadership informed on key metrics.</li>
<li><strong>Champion AI Innovation:</strong> Lead by example with AI tools, actively embedding AI-driven workflows across the team as a core operational standard.</li>
<li><strong>Optimize Finance & Influence Global Strategy:</strong> Maximize regional ROI through smart vendor negotiations, tooling consolidation, and infrastructure streamlining, while representing APAC as a key contributor to global IT strategy.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>You have/are…</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Async-First Leadership:</strong> Proven ability to manage across major time-zone gaps (e.g., aligning Manila with different hemispheres) using clear written communication and structure over constant calls.</li>
<li><strong>APAC Senior Leadership:</strong> Experience at the Associate Director level (or equivalent), with direct accountability for multi-country IT strategy, portfolio ownership, and service delivery across APAC.</li>
<li><strong>Philippines & BPO Expertise:</strong> Hands-on experience leading or partnering with IT operations in a Philippines-based BPO or shared-services environment—navigating regulatory requirements, multi-site logistics, and remote team management.</li>
<li><strong>Executive Stakeholder Management:</strong> Track record of advising C-suite stakeholders, balancing competing interests, and simplifying complex IT trade-offs into clear decisions.</li>
<li><strong>Distributed Team Building:</strong> Expertise in leading cross-cultural teams across borders, focusing on performance calibration, coaching, and retention.</li>
<li><strong>AI Adoption:</strong> Practical experience integrating AI tools into your personal workflows and embedding AI-driven practices within your team to boost efficiency.</li>
<li><strong>Financial & Governance Savvy:</strong> Skilled in cost optimization via vendor negotiations and tool consolidation. Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and BPO regulatory environments is a plus.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What you’ll get in return… </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>The chance to have a significant impact in a leading global food technology company</li>
<li>Flexible working arrangements </li>
<li>Egoless environment, constant learning with room for personal growth</li>
<li>Free access to Headspace</li>
<li>Internal learning & development </li>
<li>A diverse and vibrant international environment, with offices in 18 countries</li>
<li>Company discount - 70% off HelloFresh & 40% off Youfoodz</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Start Date: </strong>Immediately available - Can wait a notice period</p>
<p><strong>Duration: </strong>Permanent full time role. You must have the right to work full-time in Australia/New Zealand</p>
<p><strong>Location: </strong>Chippendale Head Office- hybrid working environment </p>
<p><strong>Salary: </strong>Competitive salary & employee benefits</p>
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