Binu V Pillai

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.

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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 55 240 2384 | binuvpillai@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/binu-v-pillai-648a1820

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

Master of Computer Applications (MCA) | Sikkim Manipal University | 2008

Bachelor of Computer Science | Kerala University | 2001