Manager, Core & VAS Planning

The Company:

Ooredoo is an organisation on the move. Thanks to our dedicated employees, we
continue to move closer towards our vision to be among the top ‎20
telecommunications companies in the world by ‎2020.
We are a dynamic global telecommunications player operating in ‎17 countries
across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and Asia. We cover a population of
more than half a billion people and serve more than ‎68 million customers.
In Kuwait, we employ approximately ‎1,000 talented people, all of whom are
driving Ooredoo to be the number one choice for world-class communications
services in Kuwait. In the face of intensifying competition, increasingly
sophisticated technology and rising customer expectations, nothing is more
important to our success than our team - and it's a team that you can be part
of.
Ooredoo's future is bright, and you can be part of our ongoing success.
The Role:

Responsible for Planning, Engineering, Dimensioning and Implementation of Core
Telecom Network elements and Value Added Services. Also, evolve network to
support next generation technology.
Plan architecture to support Network evolution and future technologies.
Responsible for Planning, Engineering, Dimensioning and Implementation of
Core Network elements like Circuit Core, Evolved Packet Core (Including
PCRF/PCEF/DPI), HLR/HSS, IMS Core and other Core Network Elements (STP, SS7
firewall, DRA, Entitlement Server, e-SIM and NFV/SDN inclusive of
infrastructure) including roaming, Value Added Services (VAS) and interconnect
business requirements and evolve network to support next generation
technologies.
Lead & Initiate professional work of considerable difficulty which requires
multi-disciplined technical engineering capabilities in planning and designing
of Telecom Grade Network, CapEx/OpEx optimization and Technology
Transformation. Complete complex engineering projects and function either as
advanced specialists by independently completing assignments which involve
multi-disciplined technical engineering duties but do not involve providing
work direction to other staff.
Plan & design complex projects and lead migrations of services
independently.
Responsible for preparing the Business Plan and Annual Operating Plan, which
shall contribute in budget planning, in line with Ooredoo Kuwait and Ooredoo
group strategy and roadmap. Key Activities

Network Planning:
* Plan, Design and Dimension Core Network elements like Circuit Core, Evolved Packet Core (Including PCRF/PCEF/DPI) / 5GC, HLR/HSS, IMS Core and other Core Network Elements (STP, DSR, Entitlement Server, e-SIM, and NFV/SDN inclusive of infrastructure) including roaming and interconnect business requirements and VAS
* Project management and supervision of VAS and Core Network Transformation/Modernization project and Core Network expansion.
* Build Project plan and implementation documents that would be the reference document for Implementation and operation team while integrating new systems/services.
* Plan and Design geo-redundant and resilient network to eliminate single points of failure for VAS and Core Network elements and all critical core components and services with ‎99.999% availability. Build standard operating procedures for business continuity in the event of system and network failures or due to Force Majeure
* Bringing in cost saving measure by Identifying and implementing measures to keep the projects expenditure (avoid change request) within budget and on schedule to avoid unbudgeted CapEx.
* Lead special projects as and when assigned by seniors and superiors.
* Monitor, optimize and maintain Core Network platforms and VAS KPI to ensure performance, capacity utilization, features requirements and call flow
* Plan, Design and create work orders based on business needs, ensuring the desired business requirements is executed
Solutions & RFP:
* Prepare Technical Specifications, Statement of Compliance, Responsibility Matrix, Scope of Work and finalising Technical evaluation criteria.
* New Technologies, Solutions, functionalities and features evaluation through RFI/RFP process in Core network from multiple vendor bids as per the state of compliance and specified technical requirements.
* Core Network strategic roadmap planning in alignment with marketing roadmap and Ooredoo group strategic initiatives
* Procurement:
Support Supply Chain in procurement process of Core network elements and
services needed to fulfil business requirements, network modernization and
expansion. Follow up on all stages from initiation to delivery/implementation
ensuring sound process for purchase until deployment.
* Budget Planning & Strategy:
* Contribute in budget planning (CapEx and OpEx),
* Prepare ‎3 Year Business Plan and Annual Operating Plan for Core Network elements and associated services.
* Align with internal business requirements and OOREDOO group Core Network strategy & Roadmap
* Process & Procedure:
* Audit & Standards Compliance - Internal Audit, Security Governance, Ooredoo Group recommendations and standards compliance. This includes drafting processes and planning Network architecture Upgrades based on Audit & standards compliance.
* Provides internal consultation in specialised field and assists in the review of prepared designs.
* Assess network and system performance. Identify opportunities for network and system optimization, development and upgrades that extend and exploit the full potential of Ooredoo Telecom existing technological capability
* Technical BOQ review and validation and comply with Ooredoo Group Technical counterpart and Central Validation Desk.
* Ensure upper management is well informed on all critical issues pertaining to the area responsible. Assists the management in developing and implementing procedures and standards that will provide effective workflows.
* Device Management - Coordinate and Support OEM in certifying new Operating Software, devices and technologiesProvide strategic inputs to Business teams to help formulate future strategies and implementation plans. Also contribute from technology function to co-create business plans and product roadmap
* Strategic planning, roadmap in alignment with marketing roadmap and Ooredoo group strategic initiatives
* Participating in OOREDOO group strategies and competency centre covering strategy drafting and knowledge sharing with Ooredoo OPCO's
* To ensure stringent Regulatory & Statutory compliance in the relevant Network elements, architecture, processes and the systemsUndertake regular on job training to ensure to have the necessary skills to overcome new challenges or existing responsibilities.
* Drive high team performance, include team members in decision-making processes.
* Provides leadership in facilitating the activities of the project team. Works with the team and other stakeholders to establish project goals and priorities.
* Promote an equitable, positive and respectful work environment that values cultural and diversity among all employees.Proactively, takes responsibility for self-improvement by staying well-informed of developments, knowledge and innovations in relevant field of expertise
* Participate in seminars and conferences for gathering global insight into telecom technological and business strategies and utilize the gathered information for Ooredoo Telecom's benefit.
* Provide support on special projects as and when assigned by seniors and superiors.

Qualifications
* Bachelor degree in Telecommunication/ Computer/ Electronics Engineering or related discipline and appropriate registration with a recognised professional institute.
* Degree shall be duly approved by Kuwait Society of Engineers