Function Head - IT Strategy and Planning

Oman Air has built up a reputation as a strong, competitive leader in the airline industry. We are committed to recruiting and nurturing bright and dynamic individuals to meet our manpower needs. In the new millennium, our mission is to seek out new ways to develop and improve our position as a leader in aviation excellence.

We believe our people are the reason behind our success and we offer you a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in a team-based customer-oriented environment. Our emphasis is on continual staff development we achieve through the training we impart to our staff members.

The Function Head - IT Strategy & Planning is a pivotal leadership role at Oman Air, reporting directly to the VP - Digital & IT. Responsible for steering the Digital & IT strategy to ensure Oman Air remains at the forefront of technological innovation and transformation, this position will directly oversee key managerial roles in Digital & IT strategy and Planning, Enterprise Architecture, and Governance and Standards. The Function Head will be tasked with ensuring streamlined and efficient Digital & IT strategy and operations and supplying data-driven insights to the senior leadership.

Strategy and Planning

Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Oman Air’s Digital & IT strategy, providing guidance to the Manager - Strategy and Planning as required. This is crucial to support Oman Air’s objectives and ensure alignment with the airline's business strategy

Contribute to the business and strategic planning and annual budget planning (CAPEX /OPEX) to ensure that Oman Air takes full advantage of the efficiencies offered by current information technology in a cost-effective manner

Oversee the development and implementation of 3-Year (Upper limit) Strategic Plan and IT Risk Management Plan

Collaborate with IT Infrastructure & Operations Department on the effective implementation of digital transformation strategies

Oversee and review Digital & IT policies to adapt to organizational changes, particularly in the context of Oman Air turnaround, and comply with local and aviation industry standards and regulations

Oversee short and long-term technology and contingency plans prepared by the reporting managers for various IT systems operations and development methods

Prepare periodic progress updates for the VP - Digital & IT

Enterprise Architecture

Directly oversee Enterprise Architecture activities and support with strategic steering input, as required, to ensure architecture framework aligns with Oman Air's business goals and supports its Digital & IT initiatives

Coordinate with department heads to rapidly design, develop, deploy, and deliver Digital & IT services and identify technological gaps

Drive the alignment with other functions to align digital enterprise architecture with the needs of different departments

Participate in the strategic direction of the business and provide enterprise-wide Digital & IT recommendations to the VP and different department heads

Oversee the implementation of security architecture evaluation reports on cloud providers, cloud-native platforms, data center solutions, and software

Identify, address, and escalate, where required, potential Digital & IT enterprise risks

Governance and Standards

Identify legal requirements and government regulations affecting digital innovation, direct the preparation of information required for compliance, and support the VP - Digital & IT in contact with the government entities

Oversee data management and governance practices, focusing on data quality, security, and compliance. Ensure that Oman Air's data architecture supports data-driven decision-making and analytics across various business functions

Oversee and enforce Digital & IT governance practices to ensure that Digital & IT projects and initiatives adhere to the defined architecture and meet organizational standards

Oversee data management activities to ensure that data is protected and compliant with data privacy and industry regulations, such as GDPR for international airlines

Coordinate with department heads to ensure that Digital & IT projects and initiatives adhere to the defined architecture and meet organizational standards

Coordination and Collaboration

Collaborate with functions such as Digital Product Development and IT Infrastructure & Operations to ensure alignment in Digital & IT practices

Provide leadership to all members of the Strategy & Governance Department

Any other tasks assigned by management

Education & Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Business, or equivalent (mandatory). Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., Digital Transformation, IT Management) would be an asset
2. 10+ years of experience preferably in aviation industry, with at least 5 years of experience in a managerial role in the IT domain

Ideal Experience:

1. Proven track record in formulating and executing digital and innovation strategies that align with broader business objectives, ideally within aviation or a similar complex industry
2. Demonstrable experience in leading Digital & I activities and initiatives during periods of organizational transformation or turnaround, ranging from technology upgrades to major shifts in technology strategies
3. Comprehensive understanding of data privacy and industry regulations, and Digital & IT best practices, specifically within the Omani context
4. Hands-on experience with software development, API development and management, database management and IT infrastructure.
5. Hands-on experience in digital planning, enterprise architecture, and data management, showing measurable impact on organizational and commercial success
6. Robust management capabilities, exhibiting excellent team management and interpersonal skills
7. Experience in leveraging emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to drive strategy transformation success

Special Skills & Knowledge

1. Strong analytical capabilities, with a focus on using data to develop strategies and inform decision-making
2. Industry knowledge: possesses in-depth understanding of the aviation industry broadly, and expertise in digital innovation related to aviation
3. Strong understanding of business transformation, digital, software builds, and change delivery
4. Capacity to adapt and function efficiently in high-pressure, fast-paced work environments
5. Proficiency in English (must) and Arabic (preferred)