Role Objective

The Function Head - Strategy and Planning is a pivotal leadership role at Oman Air, reporting directly to the VP – Digital and IT. Responsible for steering the digital and 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 and IT strategy and planning, enterprise architecture, and governance and standards. The Function Head will be tasked with ensuring streamlined and efficient digital strategy and operations and supplying data-driven insights to the senior leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

1.Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Oman Air’s digital and 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

2.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

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

4.Collaborate with Systems and Infrastructure department on the effective implementation of digital transformation strategies

5.Oversee and review digital policies to adapt to organizational changes, particularly

in the context of Oman Air turnaround, and comply with local and aviation industry standards and regulations

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

7.Prepare periodic progress updates for the VP - Digital and IT

Enterprise Architecture

1.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 initiatives

2.Coordinate with department heads to rapidly design, develop, deploy, and deliver digital services and identify technological gaps

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

4.Participate in the strategic direction of the business and provide enterprise-wide digital recommendations to the VP and different department Heads

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

6.Identify, address, and escalate, where required, potential digital enterprise risks

Governance and Standards

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

2.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

3.Oversee and enforce digital governance practices to ensure that digital projects and initiatives adhere to the defined architecture and meet organizational standards

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

5.Coordinate with department heads to ensure that digital projects and initiatives adhere to the defined architecture and meet organizational standards

Coordination and Collaboration:

1.Collaborate with functions such as Systems to ensure alignment in digital practices

2.Provide leadership to all members of the Strategy and Planning Department

3. Any other tasks assigned by management

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics, or equivalent (mandatory). Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., digital transformation, IT management) would be an asset
• 10+ years of experience in aviation industry, with at least 5 years of experience in a managerial role in the digital, data, or IT domain

Ideal Experience:

• 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
• Demonstrable experience in leading digital activities and initiatives during periods of organizational transformation or turnaround, ranging from technology upgrades to major shifts in technology strategies
• Comprehensive understanding of data privacy and industry regulations, and digital best practices, specifically within the Omani context
• Hands-on experience in digital planning, enterprise architecture, and data management, showing measurable impact on organizational and commercial success
• Robust management capabilities, exhibiting excellent team management and interpersonal skills
• Experience in leveraging emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to drive strategy transformation success

Special Skills & Knowledge

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