Director - City OPS IT/OT Network and Security Operations
Skills
About This Role
Overview
- The **Director of IT/OT Network & Security Operations** is a critical leadership role within City Operations IT, responsible for the end-to-end management, reliability, and security of Qiddiya’s converged IT and Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure.
- As Qiddiya transitions from construction to operations, this role will lead operational readiness, infrastructure acceptance, and the ongoing management of city-wide digital platforms, including fiber networks, active network equipment, smart city systems, and physical security networks (VMS, ACS, CCTV).
- The role serves as a key bridge between enterprise IT and industrial OT environments, ensuring seamless integration, high availability, and a robust cybersecurity posture across all city operations.
- It requires deep technical expertise in network architecture and security, alongside strong vendor management and cross-functional leadership to collaborate effectively with QTECH, MDU, District Master Developers, and third-party operators.
- **Key Responsibilities****1.
- Operational Leadership & Strategy*** Lead the IT/OT Network and Security Operations function for Qiddiya City IT Operations.
- Define and execute the operational strategy for converged IT/OT environments, aligned with the City Operations Target Operating Model (TOM) and Qiddiya’s digital vision.
- Establish and manage interfaces with the Network Operations Center (NOC) and Security Operations Center (SOC) for city-level infrastructure.
- Define, monitor, and enforce SLAs, KPIs, and performance metrics across internal teams and external service providers.
- **2.
- Infrastructure & Network Operations*** Oversee day-to-day operations, maintenance, and optimization of city-wide network infrastructure, including fiber backbone, MMRs, MDCs, and active network components.
- Manage the operational lifecycle of OT networks supporting smart city use cases across utilities, transportation, and facility management.
- Ensure high availability, resilience, and redundancy of critical network topologies supporting city operations.
- Lead incident management, root cause analysis, and resolution of complex IT/OT network issues.
- **3.
- Security Operations & Governance*** Oversee operational security systems and their supporting network infrastructure.
- Implement and monitor cybersecurity controls across OT environments, including network segregation, access control, and threat detection, aligned with QTECH cybersecurity standards.
- Coordinate vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and security audits for city infrastructure.
- Ensure compliance with national cybersecurity regulations (e.g., NCA) and internal Qiddiya policies.
- **4.
- Transition, Handover & Acceptance*** Act as the primary City Operations IT authority for the acceptance and handover of network and security infrastructure from QTECH, MDU, and District Master Developers.
- Define operational readiness criteria, testing protocols, and documentation standards for onboarding new assets.
- Participate in design reviews to ensure operational, maintainability, and security requirements are embedded early in the lifecycle.
- **5.
- Vendor & Stakeholder Management*** Manage relationships and operational contracts with neutral hosts, data center operators, and managed service providers.
- Collaborate closely with QTECH Design teams to ensure alignment on architecture, shared services, and governance frameworks.
- Engage with Business Units (e.g., Transport, Utilities, Security) to ensure IT/OT infrastructure meets operational and use-case requirements.
Requirements
- **Education*** Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Cybersecurity, or a related engineering discipline.
- **Experience*** 12–15 years of progressive experience in network engineering, IT/OT operations, and cybersecurity, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Proven track record in managing large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure within complex environments such as smart cities, giga-projects, utilities, or industrial sectors.
- Extensive experience bridging IT and OT environments, with a strong understanding of industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA, and IoT network architectures.
- Demonstrated experience in transitioning infrastructure from construction and delivery phases into stable, live operations.
- **Technical Skills & Certifications*** Deep expertise in network routing, switching, and topology design (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, or equivalent technologies).
- Strong knowledge of OT cybersecurity standards and frameworks (e.g., IEC 62443, NIST).
- Experience with physical security network infrastructure, including CCTV, VMS, and ACS systems.
- Relevant industry certifications are highly desirable, such as:
- + **Networking:** CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent.
- + **Security:** CISSP, CISM, GICSP, or equivalent.
- + **Service Management:** ITIL v4.
- **Core Competencies*** Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
- Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, fast-paced, and evolving environments.
- Strong vendor management and contract negotiation expertise.
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