IT Manager Infrastructure & Cloud Transformation Expert

BINU V PILLAI

IT Manager Infrastructure & Cloud Specialist

Email: ***********@*****.*** Phone: +971********* Location: Dubai, UAE LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/binu-v-pillai-648a1820/ SUMMARY

IT Manager with 16+ years of experience driving digital transformation, hybrid infrastructure, and multi-site IT operations across the UAE and global agency environments. Proven expertise in leading cloud migrations, endpoint management, network modernization, and SaaS integrations. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, negotiating vendor contracts, and delivering scalable IT solutions aligned with business objectives. Strong focus on user experience, cybersecurity, and operational continuity. Experienced in both strategic and hands-on IT leadership. KEY SKILLS

• IT Infrastructure Management

• Cloud Platforms: Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Egnyte, Adobe Admin Console (Creative Cloud Management), Microsoft Entra, Microsoft Azure

• Network Administration: Cisco Meraki, VPN, TCP/IP, Firewalls

• Device & Endpoint Management: Intune, Mosyle, MDM

• SaaS Implementation & Admin: Office 365, Figma, MidJourney, GoDaddy, HubSpot

• ITSM Tools: ServiceNow, Freshservice, Freshworks

• Identity & Access Management: AD, AD Manager+, Group Policy, MFA (Okta, MS Authenticator), SSO

• Cybersecurity: Email security (Mimecast), Incident Response

• Vendor & Contract Management

• ITIL-based Project Execution

• Cross-Functional Team Collaboration

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

IT Manager M&C Saatchi UAE

Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE Jul 2016 – Present

• Led end-to-end IT operations supporting 150+ users across Dubai and Abu Dhabi in a hybrid environment combining on-premise infrastructure and cloud platforms.

• Administered and supported Microsoft 365 (Exchange Online, SharePoint, Teams), Azure AD/Entra ID, Egnyte, Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, and GoDaddy services.

• Implemented and managed MFA, SSO, conditional access policies, and role-based access controls to strengthen security and compliance.

• Managed endpoint devices (Windows & macOS) using MDM solutions, including device provisioning, security policies, and lifecycle management.

• Oversaw network infrastructure including firewalls, switches, Wi-Fi, VPNs, and ISP coordination to ensure high availability and performance.

• Designed and implemented NAS and shared storage solutions for production teams, improving data accessibility and backup reliability.

• Handled cybersecurity incidents, email security, and threat response using Mimecast, including phishing mitigation and user awareness.

• Supported and optimized boardroom and AV conferencing systems for senior management and client meetings.

• Coordinated remote and onsite IT support, managing offshore helpdesk teams in South Africa and New Delhi, ensuring SLA adherence.

• Led IT onboarding and offboarding, including hardware procurement, licensing, access provisioning, and compliance checks.

• Managed IT budgets, asset inventory, and vendor relationships, negotiating contracts with 10+ vendors to reduce costs and improve service quality.

• Acted as the primary liaison with global IT teams, enabling faster issue resolution and standardized IT practices.

• Applied ITIL best practices across incident, change, and service management, improving operational efficiency and user satisfaction.

Technical Support Engineer Alpha Data

Dubai, UAE Jan 2012 – Jul 2016

• Provided Level 1/2/3 support as part of the Network Operations Centre (NOC) team, monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving network/system alerts for 50+ enterprise clients under SLA contracts.

• Conducted real-time monitoring of critical IT infrastructure, ensuring uptime and rapid incident resolution across servers, firewalls, and VPN endpoints.

• Supported system, server, and firewall configurations across client environments.

• Migrated emails to Office 365 from various hosted platforms, streamlining communication and centralizing email management.

• Managed firewall/VPN setups including Cisco, SonicWALL, and FortiGate.

• Performed AD migrations and virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V).

• Implemented data backup strategies using Symantec Backup Exec & Veeam, ensuring business continuity and disaster recovery readiness.

IT Technician Bayanat Engineering Group Ltd

Dubai, UAE May 2009 – May 2011

• Supported IT operations across Terminals 1, 2, and 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

• Maintained Linux-based FIDS systems and resolved network connectivity issues.

• Managed OS/software patching and inventory tracking for terminals. System Administrator Istrox Research Inc

Kerala, India Apr 2006 – Nov 2008

• Administered Windows Server 2003, created user accounts, and managed onboarding.

• Provided Level 1/2 support for desktops, printers, and LAN troubleshooting. KEY PROJECTS

• MDM Rollout using Mosyle & Intune for secure laptop management.

• Led Active Directory migration, including domain consolidation, FSMO role transfers, and Group Policy updates, modernizing IT infrastructure.

• Executed Windows Server upgrades from 2008/2012 to newer versions with zero downtime and full application compatibility.

• Managed MFA transition from Okta to Microsoft Authenticator - oversaw policy deployment, user enrolment, and training, achieving full adoption with no incidents.

• Implemented NAS-based storage solution to centralize high-volume project files, improving access speed, data security, and collaboration across departments.

• Cisco Meraki Network Upgrade, improving bandwidth and reliability.

• Infrastructure Setup for Office Relocation: Supervised full IT infrastructure migration, including structured cabling, disassembly and reassembly of systems, network remapping, and bringing operations live with minimal disruption.

• Infrastructure Setup for Expansion Floor: Planned and executed IT setup for new office floor, handling cabling, connectivity, device rollout, and ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure.

• Provided onsite deployment support during a company-wide network refresh, including mounting Cisco firewalls/switches to racks, cable patching, and coordinating with the offsite configuration team to ensure seamless rollout.

• Implemented access control systems across two office floors and integrated with fire alarm alerts in coordination with the safety team.

• Led IT strategy initiatives focused on cloud adoption, SaaS integration, and infrastructure modernization across two office locations.

CERTIFICATIONS

• MCSA – Windows Server 2003

• MCSA – Cloud Platform

• MCSA – Messaging on Windows Server 2003

• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

• CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)

• ITIL V3 Foundation

EDUCATION

• Master of Computer Application (MCA) Sikkim Manipal University 2005-2008

• Bachelor of Computer Science Kerala University 1998-2001 ADDITIONAL INFO

• Holding UAE Driving License

• Languages Known: English (Fluent), Hindi (Fluent), Malayalam (Native)

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