IT Team Lead

IT Team Lead - Aiven

Aiven is a global team of over 400 people pushing the boundaries of open-source technology and multi-cloud solutions. Our vision is to empower developers, builders, and creators with a cloud data platform that makes open-source databases, search, streaming, and application infrastructure easily accessible. We are looking for a proactive IT Team Lead to manage our global IT team, daily technical operations, and enhance AI opportunities within the team.

This role involves extensive use of cloud services. You will play a key role in selecting and rolling out cloud tools, and will be hands-on with daily tasks, including employee onboarding, staff support, and troubleshooting. You will also negotiate with global vendors and partners.

We value a self-driven individual with a can-do attitude, comfortable leading strategy and executing tasks. We appreciate a genuine willingness to help others, strong team leadership, and the ability to make swift decisions. You will support your team to achieve goals while ensuring an effortless employee technology experience.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead, Inspire & Participate: Mentor and manage the global IT team while actively participating in daily operational workloads.
• Hands-on Support & Operations: Take a practical role in daily IT operations, ensuring seamless end-to-end employee lifecycle management (onboarding, hardware provisioning, offboarding).
• Drive Strategic & Practical IT Initiatives: Lead global IT projects, from infrastructure modernization to scaling and deploying internal toolstacks.
• Architect the AI-First Workplace: Develop and implement AI solutions to eliminate manual toil and boost organizational velocity.
• Own the Employee Digital Experience: Design, manage, and troubleshoot a seamless digital environment for employees.
• Vendor & Lifecycle Management: Lead contract negotiations, manage global vendor relationships, and oversee software licenses and hardware assets.

Requirements:

• Minimum 3-5 years in a leadership role within a high-growth tech environment.
• Proven experience implementing AI/Automation tools (LLMs, Zapier, Python scripts, or similar).
• Deep familiarity with modern MDM (Kandji, Jamf, Intune) and Identity (Okta) focused on automation.
• "Get it Done" attitude; comfortable with both strategy and execution.
• Experience in IT desktop support.
• Good generic IT skills (cloud software, networking, troubleshooting).
• Good Mac and Windows skills.
• Good understanding of IT security.
• Fluency in English (verbal and written); Finnish is a plus.
• Experience in Google G Suite/Workspace administration.
• Mobile Device Management platform experience (JAMF, Workspace One, Kandji, etc.).
• iOS, Android, and Windows/Azure Active Directory experience.
• Capability to thrive in a remote work environment.
• Experience providing onboarding training (in-person and remotely).

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have):

• SaaS or PaaS management experience.
• Chromebook/ChromeOS experience.
• Linux experience (Fedora preferred).

Global Benefits:

• Aiven equity plan.
• Hybrid work policy for work-life balance.
• Choice of necessary equipment.
• Professional Development Plan budget.
• Global Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing support.
• Global Time Off Commitment (Parental and Sick Leave, Personal Time).
• Country-specific benefits.

Aiven provides equal employment opportunities and is committed to reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. This is a global role with hybrid work flexibility.