Head of Governance and Architecture

About the job
Role purpose:

Vodafone is Oman’s latest Network Operator. The presence of Vodafone in Oman will contribute to the development of all sectors, including the economic and educational sectors, and in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Our purpose is to ‘Connect for a Better Future ‘which underpins everything we do. Our solutions will positively impact society as we connect everyone in Oman for a better future. What we offer are market-leading customer experiences and innovative digital services.

We are looking for energetic self-starters to work in this 100% Omani owned, positive collaborative start-up environment, where key talents will create Oman’s happiest workplace. We are looking for individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset who get excited by challenges and constant change and truly want to positively impact the lives of our customers and the people of Oman.

This role has the overall Governance and Architecture responsibility across Technology. On Governance, they are accountable to track and ensure Projects are on schedule as well as lead the Technology Planning function and Capex/Opex tracking linked to Budget management. Demand management, Data Centre management and Vendor Management also fall under the remit of this area. On Architecture, they are responsible to prepare the mid to longterm strategies as well as innovation for the Technology unit as whole (covering Networks and IT) in full alignment with their respective counterparts in the TLT. The role holder is also expected to work closely with the Enterprise area to outline the solutions needed to drive Vodafone Oman’s growth in this sector.

The role holder must be a seasoned Telco professional with strong stakeholder management capabilities, having a can-do attitude, and looking to deliver new functionality into the market. They must be proactive and embody a ‘hands on’ approach to decision making and solving issues. The role is also required to engage and deliver on certain Government projects.

Key accountabilities and decision ownership:

Develop and track delivery of technology programmes
Lead and manage Technology Budget Planning to develop and maintain 3 Year Long Range Planning.
Lead Architecture area for IT, Networks and Enterprise solutions.
Maintain a Technology Strategy across all areas and incorporate requirements with all Business Units and local Regulatory bodies.
Work closely with the Heads of Network, IT and Operations for the delivery of the key milestones, ensuring overall progress and adherence to timescales.
Responsible for Data Centre management, driving efficiencies, availability and operational excellence as well as the longterm plans to sustain market growth.
Accountable for technology demand management to address new commercial market requirements therefore ensuring practical solutions are provided from design through to deployment.
Select and manages the technical specifications SIMS, eSIMS from suppliers to ensure quality and adequate testing of the commercial products.
Maintain technical relationships with all major OEMS.
Select and manages the technical specifications CPEs from suppliers to ensure quality and adequate testing of the commercial products.

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:
Relevant Mobile Networks experience in a telecoms environment (Group/Opco) and substantial experience of the relevant fields of competence across Network and IT domains; experience with Fixed Networks a bonus.
Substantial management experience at senior level, presenting to Exco level stakeholders and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Strong Vendor engagement and management including commercial acumen to a contracting level.
Delivery focused with proven track record, highly motivated and customer orientated individual.
International experience across different cultures, ideally experience of having lived and worked in Oman (or in the Gulf) and/or understanding of the Arab culture.
Ability to manage, inspire and motivate peers and stakeholders to achieve company’s goals.
Flexible, adaptable and agile
Negotiating skills
Financial skills
Balance sheet knowledge
Good problem solving skills
Good project management skills
Good Communication skills
Very good written and spoken English
Good written and spoken Arabic is a benefit

Key performance indicators:

Strategic initiatives are delivered as per plan
Deliver the Technology budget submissions (DB, quarterly tracking and LRP) as per planning timelines.
Cloud architecture plans are up-to-date and executed as per growth requirements
Drive H&S awareness and Absolute Rules adoption
Strong Vendor management to control the discussion and ensure our processes are followed

Must have technical / professional qualifications:

University degree Electronics or computer science or Telecommunications
Minimum of 10 years’ experience in telecom industry
Detailed knowledge of GSM/UMTS/LTE/5G and IT BSS/OSS technologies and functionality
Ability to deliver challenging targets in a dynamic market environment
Full understanding of customer demands/needs and flexibility to exceed customers’ expectations in fully digital ecosystem