Yousif Al-Khaja
Head- IT Infrastructure
East Riffa
Summary
Seasoned IT Infrastructure Leader with over 20 years of comprehensive experience in managing and maintaining enterprise-grade IT environments. Currently serving as Head of IT Infrastructure at a central bank, with proven expertise in system administration across Windows, Linux, and Solaris platforms, network management, and cloud services including Microsoft Azure, AWS, and various SaaS solutions. Adept at overseeing mission-critical infrastructure supporting core banking systems, while collaborating cross-functionally with development, information security, and QA teams. Experienced in managing budgets, annual maintenance contracts (AMCs), and coordinating with procurement and contract management functions. Recognized for driving operational efficiency, ensuring high system availability, and aligning technology infrastructure with business objectives.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Head -IT Infrastructure
Central Bank of Bahrain
05.2006 - Current
- Lead the strategic planning, development, and management of the bank’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, storage, and cloud environments (Microsoft Azure, AWS).
- Administer and maintain enterprise systems across Windows, Linux, and Solaris platforms, ensuring high availability, security, and performance.
- Oversee mission-critical infrastructure supporting the bank’s core banking systems, including disaster recovery planning and business continuity.
- Manage and enhance the IT Helpdesk Portal, ensuring efficient handling of support tickets and automating IT service requests and workflows across departments.
- Drive IT service automation initiatives to streamline internal processes and reduce manual intervention.
- Coordinate closely with internal IT teams including Software Development, Information Security, and QA, offering technical support and infrastructure solutions to meet operational requirements.
- Manage infrastructure-related projects from initiation to deployment, including system upgrades, migrations, and architecture redesigns.
- Supervise annual budgeting, vendor management, and contract reviews for infrastructure-related services and AMCs.
- Ensure adherence to regulatory and compliance standards, particularly those related to cybersecurity, data privacy, and financial sector policies.
- Lead and mentor a team of system administrators, network engineers, and support staff, fostering continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
- Proven track record of career progression, having started as a Helpdesk Engineer and steadily promoted through various technical and leadership roles to become Unit Head.
- Hard-working and self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility and dedication to continuous growth and operational excellence.
Help Desk Technician
University of Bahrain
06.2004 - 04.2006
Education
Masters - Public Management
University of Marseille
France 06.2018 - 03.2020
Bachelor - Information Technology
University of Bahrain
04.2001 -
Skills
Teamwork and collaboration
Team management
Problem-solving
Flexible and adaptable
Multitasking Abilities
Dependable and responsible
Accomplishments
- Successfully integrated Microsoft Cloud Services across the organization, enhancing collaboration, scalability, and operational resilience.
- Led the migration of multiple systems to AWS, improving infrastructure flexibility, performance, and cost efficiency.
- Played a key role in advancing the backup and disaster recovery architecture, strengthening data protection and business continuity readiness.
- Introduced and expanded the IT Helpdesk Portal, transforming it from a basic support platform into a centralized self-service hub for all IT and non-IT service requests across departments.
- Directed network architecture improvements, including optimization of core switches, firewalls, and segmentation to enhance security and performance.
- Oversaw comprehensive system administration across Windows, Linux, and Solaris environments, ensuring secure, stable, and high-performing infrastructure operations.
- Actively contributed as a member of the Business Continuity Planning (BCP) Team, ensuring readiness and resilience in crisis scenarios.
- Managed infrastructure operations across multiple remote and on-premises sites, ensuring consistent IT standards and availability.
- Supervised the CCTV infrastructure, implementing enhancements to improve monitoring, storage, and integration with security systems.
- Led cross-departmental collaboration on strategic IT and digital transformation projects, aligning infrastructure capabilities with business goals.
- Oversaw IT infrastructure budgeting, cost optimization, and financial planning for the unit.
- Handled vendor negotiations and service contracts, securing competitive pricing and service levels across all infrastructure-related services.
- Managed annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) for critical systems to ensure consistent support, upgrades, and vendor accountability.
Cources
Strategic Project Management
Cloud Computing: Business Trends and Technologies
Introduction to Digital Banking & Digital Transformation
The Professional manager
IT Governance
Security Operations on AWS
AWS Technical Essentials
IT Contracts & Service Level Agreements
Cyber Attack Simulation
Project Management Essentials
Business Continuity Management BCM
IT Disaster Recovery
Effective Supervisory Skills
Hobbies
Passionate about technology and digital innovation, with a strong personal interest in gaming—particularly strategy, simulation, and cooperative multiplayer genres. Gaming not only fuels creativity and stress relief, but also sharpens problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and teamwork—qualities I bring into my professional life. I also enjoy staying updated on gaming industry trends and emerging technologies.
Timeline
Masters - Public Management
University of Marseille
06.2018 - 03.2020
Head -IT Infrastructure
Central Bank of Bahrain
05.2006 - Current
Help Desk Technician
University of Bahrain
06.2004 - 04.2006
Bachelor - Information Technology
University of Bahrain
04.2001 -
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