harnek Singh

I am writing to share my role and contributions as the Infrastructure & Security Manager at Ikea Southeast Asia. My primary focus is to develop and implement a global IT strategy that aligns with our business initiatives and goals. By optimizing technology systems, I aim to enhance and streamline our existing IT infrastructure to drive efficiency and operational excellence.

In my role, I introduce and implement new technologies to future-proof our business. I manage the operations team and IT specialists (subject matter experts) across regions, building and leading a high-performing IT team.

With over 20 years of experience in vendor management, I ensure that our vendor relationships align with our business needs and contracts. Additionally, I maintain strong communication with stakeholders to keep them informed about IT performance and developments.

My responsibilities include developing and implementing comprehensive IT strategies, managing network and system administration, and ensuring IT security. I plan and execute IT system designs, coordinate with internal teams and external partners, and manage network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, and VPN. Additionally, I oversee Azure cloud infrastructure management, ensuring scalability, security, and performance. I implement IT security measures, ensure compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, and develop disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

Beside It technologies, key performance indicator is Budget management, collaboration with other departments, and leadership and team development to Lead a team in managing IT operations, IT technology, Security & compliance, IT projects of expansions & business initiatives, conducting spend analyses, and optimizing costs. Ensure compliance in IT projects, procurement and collaborate with stakeholders to develop sourcing strategies. Manage enterprise-wide IT expenses, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. Collaborate with Finance counterparts to conduct the annual budgeting process, reviewing, rationalizing, and optimizing budget submissions from various divisions. Present and obtain management approval for the annual IT budget. Engage quarterly with division heads and budget representatives to review budget utilization and provide updates. Analyse IT spending across all divisions, working with budget representatives to enhance the accuracy of budgets and forecasts. Consolidate divisional budget requests and seek approvals from the Division Head. Act as the IT Procurement Manager, advising business project managers on procurement and sourcing strategies tailored to their needs. 

master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in information technology and computer science. I have professional certifications such as Microsoft (MCSE, MCSA, Azure Cloud fundamentals), Cisco (CCNA), and Checkpoint (CCSA, CCSE). Additionally, I have attended professional training on Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and am pursuing certifications to enhance my skills in IT security.