Head of Network ( Network) Unit

About the Role

Riyad Bank is seeking a Head of Network Unit to join their team in Riyadh. This full-time role involves guiding and controlling the secure and effective operation of the Bank’s Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure for branches and offices. The objective is to ensure maximum performance and availability for system users, thereby supporting effective business operations through continuous monitoring, problem-solving, and upgrades. The position requires 5-10 years of relevant experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement approved departmental policies, processes, and procedures, providing instructions to subordinates and monitoring adherence.
• Manage day-to-day operations for the Product Development function, ensuring compliance with established standards.
• Analyze banking business growth, current BT infrastructure, and development plans to identify network infrastructure requirements.
• Direct the analysis of existing BT infrastructure to identify necessary improvements, investments, developments, and configurations.
• Guide the design of network infrastructure characteristics and requirements, developing analytical plans and technical specifications.
• Direct Network Engineers and Technicians in the accurate implementation of network projects and development plans.
• Identify and propose suitable service providers that meet the Bank's requirements for infrastructure development.
• Implement best monitoring processes and systems for proactive network oversight.
• Analyze network monitoring results to assess WAN infrastructure efficiency, ensuring accurate, continuous, and preventive maintenance.
• Address reported network malfunctions, guiding timely problem-solving to maintain connectivity and efficient operation.
• Review and approve network change requests, ensuring integration with BT infrastructure, NMS, and high quality of services.
• Stay informed of market trends and technological improvements to propose value-adding solutions for the Bank’s network.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for systems, processes, and practices, focusing on best practices, cost reduction, and productivity.
• Prepare timely and accurate departmental reports in line with bank and department requirements.
• Ensure staff have clear objectives, regular performance feedback, annual appraisals, and individual development plans, with emphasis on Saudi national staff.
• Facilitate the employment, training, and development of Saudi nationals within the organization.
• Lead change initiatives related to collaboration technology adoption.
• Manage the WAN technology budget, including procurement, licensing, and cost optimization.
• Collaborate with vendors and service providers on contract negotiation, technical issue resolution, and platform updates.
• Comply with all relevant safety, quality, and environmental management policies.
• Perform other related duties as directed.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5 to 10 years of experience in network operations or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to guide and control complex network infrastructures.
• Experience in network monitoring, problem-solving, and system upgrades.
• Proficiency in analyzing business requirements and translating them into network infrastructure designs.
• Strong understanding of WAN infrastructure, including IPVPN Data link and SIP voice.
• Experience in budget management, vendor collaboration, and contract negotiation.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, within Riyad Bank. The role involves working in a dynamic banking environment, ensuring 24/7 internal and external connectivity for all employees and banking operations.