IT Manager Cloud, Security, & Enterprise Infra Lead

BINU V PILLAI

IT Manager Enterprise Cloud & Security Infrastructure

Dubai, UAE +971-**-***-**** ***********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/binu-v-pillai-648a1820 PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

IT Manager with 16+ years of UAE experience leading enterprise IT infrastructure, cloud transformation, and cybersecurity across multi-site environments. Most recently managed 150+ users at M&C Saatchi UAE with 99.9% uptime and 15–20% annual cost savings. Expertise in Microsoft 365, Azure, IAM (Okta, Entra ID), Zero Trust security, endpoint management (Intune/Mosyle), Cisco Meraki networking, and enterprise applications (SAP ERP, MS Dynamics CRM). Proven in vendor management, team leadership, and complex migrations with zero downtime.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Cloud & Hybrid Infrastructure: Windows Servers, Active Directory, MS Exchange Servers, Microsoft 365, Azure, Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), SharePoint, Egnyte, Kubernetes (AKS), Hyper-V, VMware vSphere Security & Zero Trust: Zero Trust Architecture, Conditional Access, MFA, SSO, RBAC, Endpoint Security, Mimecast, Okta, PAM/PIM

Networking: Cisco Meraki, FortiGate, Firewalls, VPN, Network Modernization Endpoint Management: Microsoft Intune, Mosyle MDM, SCCM, Windows & macOS Lifecycle Management IT Governance & Operations: IT Budgeting, Vendor Management, ITIL, SLA Management, Offshore Team Leadership ITSM & Productivity Tools: ServiceNow, Freshservice, ManageEngine (ServiceDesk Plus, Endpoint Central, ADManager), Adobe Creative Cloud Admin, Figma, HubSpot

Enterprise Applications: SAP ERP, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, VMware vSphere, Hyper-V PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

IT Manager M&C Saatchi UAE

Dubai & Abu Dhabi, UAE July 2016 – November 2025 M&C Saatchi is a global creative advertising agency. As sole IT Manager, responsible for all technology operations, security, and infrastructure across Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices.

– Own end-to-end IT operations for 150+ users across multiple office locations, maintaining 99.9% uptime and full SLA compliance against business-critical deadlines.

– Reduced IT operating costs by 15–20% annually through strategic vendor negotiations, license audits (Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, Egnyte), and reclaiming unused subscriptions.

– Led enterprise identity platform migration from Okta (SSO, MFA, user provisioning for 150+ users) to Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Authenticator — consolidating identity management, reducing licensing costs, and strengthening Zero Trust security posture.

– Implemented Zero Trust security architecture including Conditional Access policies, MFA enforcement, RBAC, and SSO across all business applications — significantly reducing attack surface and unauthorized access risk.

– Architected and administered the full Microsoft 365 ecosystem including Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD), SharePoint, Exchange Online, and Teams for a creative agency workforce with complex SaaS needs.

– Managed Windows and macOS device fleet via Intune and Mosyle MDM — covering provisioning, patching, security policy enforcement, and end-of-life lifecycle planning.

– Modernized network infrastructure by upgrading to Cisco Meraki (firewalls, Wi-Fi, VPN) and managing ISP relationships, enabling reliable hybrid working across both office locations.

– Oversaw offshore IT support teams, defining SLA frameworks and escalation processes to maintain consistent global service delivery.

– Planned and executed full IT infrastructure for office relocations and new floor expansions — including cabling, network setup, device provisioning, and day-one readiness.

– Administered specialized agency tools including Adobe Creative Cloud licensing, Figma, and HubSpot, ensuring access governance aligned with HR onboarding/offboarding workflows. Technical Support Engineer Alpha Data

Dubai, UAE January 2012 – July 2016

Alpha Data is a leading UAE IT solutions provider. Delivered L1/L2/L3 NOC support for 50+ enterprise clients.

– Resolved multi-tier infrastructure alerts for 50+ enterprise clients under strict SLA, achieving consistent first-call resolution targets across networking, server, and endpoint issues. Binu V. Pillai +971-**-***-**** ***********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/binu-v-pillai-648a1820

– Led multiple Office 365 email migration projects — including PST imports, DNS cutover, and user training — with no data loss or unplanned downtime.

– Performed SAP ERP and Microsoft Dynamics CRM installation, configuration, and deployment for enterprise clients across the UAE.

– Executed Active Directory migrations and VMware vSphere/Hyper-V virtualisation projects, consolidating physical server estates and reducing hardware overhead.

– Implemented backup and disaster recovery solutions using Veeam and Symantec, ensuring RPO/RTO compliance for critical client environments.

IT Technician Bayanat Engineering Group

Abu Dhabi, UAE May 2009 – May 2011

Supported IT operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport across Terminals 1, 2, and 3 — a high-availability, mission-critical environment.

– Maintained Linux-based Flight Information Display Systems (FIDS) across all three terminals, ensuring continuous passenger information availability in a 24/7 airport environment.

– Managed territory-wide software patching and hardware maintenance schedules, minimising system downtime across a geographically distributed terminal estate.

KEY PROJECTS & ACHIEVEMENTS

– Identity Platform Migration (Okta Microsoft Entra ID): Led full migration of enterprise identity platform from Okta to Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft Authenticator — covering SSO, MFA, and user provisioning for 150+ users — consolidating identity under the Microsoft stack and reducing third-party licensing costs.

– Zero Trust Security Rollout: Designed and deployed Zero Trust architecture at M&C Saatchi UAE — implementing Conditional Access and RBAC across all business applications, reducing unauthorised access incidents and strengthening compliance posture.

– Network Modernization (Zero Downtime): Replaced legacy network infrastructure with Cisco Meraki across both UAE offices during active business hours, achieving full cutover with zero unplanned downtime.

– SaaS License Optimization: Conducted full audit of Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Egnyte subscriptions — reclaimed unused licenses and restructured agreements, saving 15–20% on annual IT spend.

– Office Expansion & Relocation: Delivered end-to-end IT infrastructure planning and execution for multiple office relocations and floor expansions, including network buildout, device provisioning, and day-one operational readiness.

– Windows Server Migration: Migrated legacy Windows Server environment to current versions with zero business disruption, improving security patching compliance and reducing EOL risk. CERTIFICATIONS

– Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)

– Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104)

– Microsoft Certified: Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert (MS-102)

– MCSA: Cloud Platform Messaging Windows Server

– ITIL V3 Foundation

– CCNA – Cisco Certified Network Associate

– CEH – Certified Ethical Hacker

EDUCATION

Master of Computer Applications (MCA) Sikkim Manipal University 2008 Bachelor of Computer Science Kerala University 2001 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Languages: English (Fluent), Hindi (Fluent), Malayalam (Native) Driving License: Valid UAE Driving License

Visa Status: Visit Visa

Binu V. Pillai +971-**-***-**** ***********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/binu-v-pillai-648a1820

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