IT Manager / Head of Information Systems F/H

The company

Founded in 2013, Cailabs designs, manufactures, and develops innovative photonic solutions for the space, industry, telecommunications, and defense sectors. A global specialist in laser shaping, the company has accelerated its growth in the space field with turnkey optical ground stations that integrate atmospheric turbulence compensation technology. This makes it one of the first companies to harness very high data rates enabled by optics in a commercial ground station.

Cailabs currently has more than 200 employees, including 41PhDs. With 29 patent families filed, the company is one of the most innovative companies in France. It is headquartered in Rennes, with offices in Paris and Washington (USA).

Post description

At Cailabs, the Information Systems function directly supports the company’s growth and development.

Ensuring the reliability, evolution and structuring of the IT environment requires an approach that combines technical expertise, operational focus and a strong understanding of business needs. 

As part of its continued growth, Cailabs is looking for a Head of Information Systems (IT Manager) to take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the IT function and support the ongoing development of the company’s Information Systems. 

Reporting to the CIO, you will act as their key operational point of contact within the company and oversee the day-to-day management of the IT function. You will have a high degree of operational autonomy within your scope and will work closely with the CIO on the strategic direction and evolution of the Information Systems environment. 

You will manage an IT team currently consisting of a Support Technician, a Systems & Network Administrator and an Application Project Manager. 

Above all, we are looking for someone who is hands-on, autonomous and pragmatic, with the ability to understand business challenges, step back from purely technical considerations, prioritize effectively and drive initiatives forward. 

This position is suited to someone who wants to remain closely involved with technology while developing a broader perspective on IT management and the overall steering of an Information Systems function. 

You will work in an innovative technology environment, with a broad and cross-functional IT scope, at the intersection of technical, business and organizational challenges. Experience gained in an SME/mid-sized company or in an industrial or technology-driven environment will be particularly valued. 

Your responsibilities 

IT Management and Operations 

• Manage the IT team on a day-to-day basis, including the organization, prioritization and coordination of infrastructure, support and application activities; 
• Monitor workload and capacity, prioritize activities and report to the CIO; 
• Structure and continuously improve ways of working; 
• Make operational decisions within your scope and prepare matters requiring decisions from the CIO or Executive Management. 

IT Operations, Projects and Architecture 

• Ensure the availability, quality and continuity of the Information Systems environment, including infrastructure, networks, Microsoft 365/Azure environments, support, service providers, incidents, changes and operational documentation; 
• Lead IT infrastructure developments and technical projects, ensuring their effective delivery and alignment with business needs; 
• Manage the technical and application project portfolio, working in particular with the Application Project Manager on ERP and business application projects; 
• Act as the interface between business teams, the IT team, software vendors and system integrators; 
• Monitor workload, priorities and the decisions required to ensure successful project delivery, and support change management; 
• Contribute to IT architecture decisions, challenge service provider solutions and occasionally take ownership of complex technical matters, ensuring overall consistency across the Information Systems environment. 

Governance, Cybersecurity and New Digital Uses 

• Work with the CIO on the IT roadmap, budget, IT systems mapping, risk management and performance indicators; 
• Prepare the information and recommendations required for Executive Management decision-making; 
• Ensure the operational implementation of security requirements, in coordination with the CIO and, in the future, the CISO; 
• Contribute to identifying and experimenting with new digital uses, particularly around AI, and support their implementation and adoption across the organization. 

Profile required

Experience 

• You have 7 to 12 years of experience in Information Systems, ideally gained in an industrial environment; 
• Previous management experience, even within a small team, is essential; 
• You have worked in an environment requiring you to address a broad range of IT topics, work with external service providers and take business considerations into account beyond your immediate technical scope; 
• You have a strong technical foundation enabling you to understand, challenge and make informed decisions on infrastructure, networking, Microsoft 365/Azure/Entra, identity and SSO management, cybersecurity, IT integration and architecture; 
• You have a good understanding of ERP and application integration challenges; 
• You have an advanced level of English; 
• Knowledge of software development is a plus. 

Personal qualities 

• Adaptability and intellectual flexibility; 
• A challenging yet pragmatic mindset; 
• Strong team spirit and collaborative approach; 
• Ability to prioritize and make sound decisions; 
• Ability to make operational decisions and drive initiatives forward in an environment where priorities may evolve. 

Benefits

• Regular opportunities for team bonding and social events (annual seminar, team lunches, group games, sports activities, etc.);
• 100% employer-covered health insurance;
• A bonus scheme rewarding both collective and individual performance;
• Joining Cailabs also means having the assurance that everything will be put in place to help you perform, grow, and take on new challenges.

Required languages

• English - Level advanced

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