The IT Operations Lead will be the first hire in this function at Speak, responsible for building and improving the company’s IT infrastructure and day-to-day operations with a focus on security, efficiency, and scalability. This role serves as the primary point of contact for technical support, architects IT solutions, and collaborates across teams to ensure a seamless tech ecosystem in a globally distributed environment.
What You'll Do
- Support all of Speak’s internal IT needs from troubleshooting user issues to optimizing device management
- Manage core IT infrastructure including SSO, Google Workspace, and Kandji
- Ensure teams have the tools and environments they need
- Manage all global on/offboarding processes related to applications and tools
- Set up and maintain A/V for conference rooms and collaboration spaces in SF HQ
- Provide remote support for non-US offices
- Manage and maintain asset inventory of hardware and software, including procurement
- Implement and monitor security controls
- Identify potential threats and respond to incidents
- Manage vendor security assessments and third-party risk management
- Design and deliver security awareness training, including phishing simulations
- Manage the implementation of data privacy policies and compliance frameworks such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
- Support incident response planning, disaster recovery, and business continuity initiatives
- Optimize workflow processes across the organization to drive efficiency
- Develop and implement custom software solutions, scripts, and integrations to automate repetitive tasks
- Partner with teams across the business to align IT priorities with broader business objectives
- Translate technical complexities into clear, actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders
What We're Looking For
- At least 5 years of hands-on experience in IT Operations, including systems administration and security operations
- Deep understanding of SSO, SAML, SCIM and third-party application integration
- Experience with macOS management
- Experience with MDM practices, solutions, and security protocols
- Knowledge of security frameworks (SOC 2) and compliance processes
- Proficiency in troubleshooting technical issues and providing remote support
- Clear verbal and written communication skills
- Ability and willingness to work from the SF HQ three days a week (and up to five when needed)
- Expert AI user (ChatGPT, Claude, etc)
Nice to Have
- Worked in a start-up environment
- Experience working in a globally distributed workforce
Technical Stack
- SSO
- SAML
- SCIM
- Google Workspace
- Kandji
- MDM
- SOC 2
- ISO 27001
- GDPR
Team & Environment
- Founding hire in the IT function
- Cross-functional collaboration with People Operations, Engineering, and Finance
Benefits & Compensation
- Join a fast-growing team at a pivotal time with recent Series C funding
- Work with a tight-knit, high-performing team
- Opportunity to significantly influence the direction of the company
- Work alongside people you enjoy and respect
- Global presence with offices in San Francisco, Ljubljana, Seoul, and Tokyo
- Regular interaction with users across multiple regions
- Opportunity to travel
- Make a major impact on people's lives through language learning
Work Mode
- Must be based in San Francisco and work from the office three days a week, with up to five days when needed
Speak does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
