Rikki Auluk

Head of IT / DPO
Ipswich, UK.

About

Highly accomplished Head of IT and IT Project Manager with over two decades of experience in network operations and strategic IT leadership. Proven ability to oversee intricate IT projects, manage complex network infrastructures, and lead high-performing teams to drive organizational efficiency, innovation, and expansion. Expert in aligning technology initiatives with business objectives to deliver measurable impact and safeguard critical systems.

Work

Liquidline Ltd
|

Head of IT / DPO

UK

Summary

Led comprehensive IT strategy and infrastructure development for a multi-site organization, driving technological alignment with business goals and ensuring robust operations across 12+ sites.

Highlights

Developed and executed a comprehensive IT strategy, aligning technological resources with company goals and objectives to meet short and long-term needs across 12+ sites and for 275+ personnel.

Led, mentored, and managed a 5+ member IT team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that enhanced continuous development and efficient performance.

Chaired and led the Change Management Board, driving group-wide business, IT, and operational changes to ensure smooth transitions and optimal technology adoption.

Enhanced IT system security by developing and enforcing robust security policies and protocols, including managing disaster recovery and backup procedures.

Functioned as Data Protection Officer (DPO), creating, managing, and educating users on GDPR and Data Protection policies to ensure full compliance with relevant regulations.

XMA
|

Network Operations & Infrastructure Manager

UK

Summary

Managed network operations and infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance, security, and scalability for diverse IT environments.

Highlights

Designed, implemented, and maintained complex LAN, WAN, and other network systems, ensuring optimal performance and seamless connectivity.

Managed network security, implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and VPNs to safeguard critical data and resources.

Conducted regular security audits and enforced security policies and procedures, proactively identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.

Collaborated with external vendors to source, evaluate, and negotiate contracts for network equipment and software, ensuring effective service delivery and cost-efficiency.

Led troubleshooting efforts for network and communication issues, coordinating with teams and stakeholders to minimize disruptions and improve incident response processes.

XMA
|

ICT Programme & Project Manager

UK

Summary

Directed and managed key ICT delivery projects, including cloud migrations and infrastructure builds, ensuring successful deployment and continuous improvement.

Highlights

Led the end-to-end project management of an Azure Cloud implementation and a D365 transition from on-premise services to the cloud.

Managed the deployment of O365 services for over 400 users, ensuring smooth adoption and integration.

Directed the building of new LAN/WAN infrastructure across 4 locations, encompassing 5k to 100k square feet of office and warehouse areas.

Contributed to building a cross-functional team to deliver complex change across multiple projects and stakeholders, enhancing business-wide collaboration.

Collaborated with PMO and Service Delivery Office senior management to drive continuous improvements in project delivery workflows and processes.

Ridgewall
|

IT Project Manager, Technical Delivery Pre-Sales

UK

Summary

Managed diverse IT projects from hardware upgrades to new builds, specializing in hotel technology deployments and O365 rollouts.

Highlights

Managed hardware upgrade projects and new build installations using Autotask CRM, Prince2, and Agile methodologies.

Implemented full ICT services on new build commercial and residential properties, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.

Successfully rolled out O365 and Windows OS upgrades for up to 400 users, enhancing productivity and system compatibility.

Directed 3rd party vendor management for hotels (15-400 bedrooms), restaurants, and new build properties, optimizing service delivery and project timelines.

Managed projects for call center environments and collaborated with finance and sales teams to ensure accurate project pricing, forecasting, and invoicing.

Ford Motor Company
|

Business & IT / Security Project Manager (Joint Ventures and Partner Management)

US

Summary

Managed IT security and integration projects for joint ventures and high-value partners, ensuring global policy compliance and robust security posture.

Highlights

Provided expert advice on the corporate IT Security Policy Manual, impacting 165,000 employees globally.

Defined and enforced corporate and extranet security controls for projects with global responsibility, including VPN access for the corporate network.

Promoted ISO 27001 user awareness to over 50,000 users, covering cybersecurity, data protection, and loss prevention.

Led investigations on security breaches and threat management issues, collaborating with the Cyber Security Team to maintain system integrity.

Managed complex projects for Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestiture programs, ensuring smooth transitions of infrastructure, security, applications, and personnel.

Ford Motor Company
|

Global Supplier Migration Project Manager - Data Centre Consolidation Program

US

Summary

Directed the migration of 1,800 suppliers and 260 applications during Ford's Data Centre Consolidation program, ensuring seamless transition and minimal downtime.

Highlights

Managed a cross-functional team of 12 members across various time zones to migrate 1,800 suppliers with 2,600 connections.

Project managed the end-to-end migration of 260 applications to various datacenters using an agile approach, optimizing transition efficiency.

Executed vulnerability and threat assessments for supplier network migration, ensuring zero downtime during the datacenter and supplier services transition.

Reviewed in-house applications for network access post-migration, collaborating with virtual teams in North America and Asia.

Ford Motor Company
|

Project Manager

US

Summary

Managed large-scale telecoms and integration projects, delivering significant cost savings and seamless transitions for acquired companies.

Highlights

Achieved a 75% reduction in annual telecoms bills for vendors and suppliers, saving £600K annually.

Project managed a cost-saving initiative that reduced circuit costs from over £600K to below £150K per annum without service disruption.

Led the successful integration of supplier companies acquired by Ford into the existing Ford network.

Delivered end-to-end lifecycle management for large telecoms projects, ranging from £100K to £25M.

Provided project support for data migration to Microsoft Dynamics and gained exposure to Salesforce CRM systems.

WaveCrest (formerly Interoute/GTT)
|

Project Engineer, VoIP & Telecoms

UK

Summary

Engineered and implemented VoIP and Telecom solutions, including software-based PBX systems, within the hospitality industry.

Highlights

Produced regular update reports for internal and external project stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication.

Implemented software-based PBX systems specifically tailored for the Hospitality industry.

Contributed to the design and deployment of VoIP and telecom infrastructure solutions.

WaveCrest Communications (formerly Interoute)
|

INOC Engineer

UK

Summary

Managed network operations and incident response within the International Network Operations Center (INOC).

Highlights

Monitored and maintained critical network infrastructure to ensure high availability and performance.

Responded to and resolved network incidents, minimizing downtime and service disruptions.

Performed routine system checks and preventative maintenance to ensure operational stability.

VIATEL UK LTD
|

TIER II, Telecoms Analyst

UK

Summary

Provided Tier II technical support and analysis for telecommunications systems, resolving complex issues for clients.

Highlights

Analyzed and resolved complex telecoms issues, providing Tier II support to ensure service continuity.

Diagnosed and troubleshot network faults, collaborating with engineering teams for resolution.

Maintained detailed records of incidents and resolutions to improve future support efficiency.

Telia of Sweden
|

Marketing Coordinator, Contract

Sweden

Summary

Coordinated marketing activities to support brand initiatives and promotional campaigns.

Highlights

Assisted in the coordination and execution of marketing campaigns and promotional events.

Collaborated with sales teams to develop marketing materials that aligned with business objectives.

Managed communication with external vendors for marketing collateral production and distribution.

Movistar of Spain
|

Customer Services GSM Support, Contract

Spain

Summary

Provided comprehensive GSM technical support to customers, ensuring high levels of satisfaction.

Highlights

Delivered direct customer support for GSM services, resolving technical queries and issues.

Assisted customers with mobile network configurations and troubleshooting.

Maintained accurate customer records and service request logs.

Telecom Italia
|

Carrier Relations Support, Contract

Italy

Summary

Supported carrier relations, facilitating communication and operational efficiency between Telecom Italia and its partners.

Highlights

Supported the management of relationships with telecommunications carriers.

Assisted in resolving inter-carrier operational issues and disputes.

Maintained documentation for carrier agreements and service level agreements.

France Telecom
|

Project Controller, Contract

France

Summary

Monitored and controlled project progress, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets for various telecom initiatives.

Highlights

Monitored project schedules and budgets, identifying deviations and recommending corrective actions.

Prepared project status reports for management, highlighting progress and potential risks.

Assisted project managers in resource allocation and task tracking.

Education

University of Central England

MBA

Executive Management

University of Central England

DBS

Basic CLEARED

University of Central England

BA (Hons)

Business Information Management and Finance

Certificates

Certified Data Protection Specialist

Issued By

The Data Management Institute

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

Issued By

ISACA

CompTIA SYO-401

Issued By

CompTIA

ITIL v3 Trained, ITSM ISO 27001 compliant, conversant with PCI-DSS and GDPR Regulation within the EU

Issued By

Various

6 Sigma Green Belt Certified

Issued By

Various

Prince2 Foundation Certified

Issued By

AXELOS

Skills

Project Management

Project Lifecycle Oversight, Resource Allocation, Risk Mitigation, Project Delivery, Stakeholder Management, Agile Methodologies, Prince2, KANBAN, Autotask CRM.

Network Operations

LAN, WAN, Network Systems, Network Performance Monitoring, Troubleshooting, Network Design, Network Implementation, Network Security, Firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems, VPNs, Network Traffic Monitoring, Capacity Planning, Telco SD-WAN, VOIP, Ubiquiti, Ruckus, CISCO.

IT Strategy & Leadership

IT Strategy Development, IT Operations Strategy, Team Leadership, Mentoring, Staff Development, Change Management, Technology Adoption, Strategic Implementation, Business Objectives Alignment.

Cybersecurity & Data Protection

IT System Security, Security Policies & Protocols, Disaster Recovery, Backup Procedures, GDPR, Data Protection Officer (DPO), ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, GRC Systems, Cyber Security Threats, Threat Assessment Modelling, Security Audits, Incident Response.

Cloud & Infrastructure

Azure Cloud Implementation, D365 Transition, O365 Deployment, SharePoint Administration, On-Prem Services, Hybrid Cloud Solutions.

Business & Process Improvement

Business Analysis, Operational Efficiency, Process Optimization, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma Green Belt, AGILE Working Practices, Data Governance Model, Problem Solving.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

3rd Party Vendor Management, Supplier Relationships, Contract Negotiation, Cross-functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Communication, Business Partnering.

CRM & ERP Systems

Dynamics 365, Salesforce CRM, ICT / CRM Implementation, Oracle-Opera, Hotel Perfect, Captini, Guestline.