JOB PURPOSE

To lead the design, implementation, and continuous optimization of Gulf Air Group network and communication infrastructure including LAN, WLAN, WAN, VoIP, and inflight connectivity, airport Network & communication systems ensuring maximum performance, availability, and resilience across all data and voice services. The Senior Analyst serves as a subject matter expert, driving technical standards, overseeing complex projects, maintaining infrastructure documentation, and providing escalation support to ensure the organization's connectivity systems meet operational and business demands.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, design, and implement robust network architectures considering scalability, security, and performance in alignment with Gulf Air Group's strategic direction

• Select appropriate hardware, software, and protocols; develop and enforce network standards across enterprise infrastructure

• Manage, configure, and maintain core network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, wireless controllers, and load balancers

• Ensure ongoing network operation through regular maintenance, updates, patches, troubleshooting, and quarterly health checks

• Implement and maintain security measures including firewall environments in line with cybersecurity policy; monitor access and enforce compliance

• Optimize network performance by monitoring traffic patterns, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing efficiency improvements

• Maintain vendor portal registration to track vulnerabilities, bugs, and EOL notices; upgrade equipment to latest stable firmware

• Develop and implement disaster recovery and backup strategies to minimize downtime and data loss

• Maintain accurate documentation of network configurations, changes, troubleshooting procedures, and performance reports

• Migrate Network & Communication services to cloud-based platforms where feasible, ensuring seamless transition aligned with Gulf Air Group's digital transformation roadmap

• Leverage AI and automation technologies to enhance monitoring, incident management, capacity planning, and predictive maintenance

• Manage infrastructure vendor contracts, maintenance agreements, and software licenses; ensure renewals are initiated well in advance to prevent lapses or service disruption

• Lead RFP and tender processes for infrastructure procurements including technical evaluation and award recommendations

• Manage and monitor connectivity services across all outstations including airport offices, check-in counters, and Gulf Air remote locations

• Review outstation Network & Communication services regularly; provide technical recommendations for upgrades, new procurements, and service improvements

• Supervise Airport connectivity for Departure Control and Reservation systems at Gulf Air Airports

• Manage and coordinate call collection services at outstations ensuring effective routing to the Gulf Air Bahrain Contact Center based on business needs.

• Manage, assign, and oversee outstation projects and tasks ensuring delivery on time and within budget

• Manage outstation WAN, ISP, and remote connectivity contracts; monitor vendor SLA performance and ensure renewals are completed on time without delays or service gaps

• Lead tender and RFP processes for outstation connectivity solutions including technical evaluation and procurement recommendations

• Interact with management, users, and vendors to determine requirements and deliver effective solutions

• Create required documentation including RFPs, business cases, tender evaluations, technical reports, project plans, and policies & procedures

• Manage and monitor inflight connectivity services across the aircraft fleet ensuring service availability, performance, and customer experience

• Plan, deploy, test, and optimize inflight connectivity and satellite solutions in coordination with vendors and internal teams

• Resolve inflight connectivity incidents promptly; coordinate with service providers to implement service enhancements

• Manage inflight connectivity contracts and service provider agreements; track SLA performance and ensure renewals and renegotiations are completed ahead of expiry without delays

• Lead technical evaluation and RFP processes for inflight connectivity platform upgrades or new service provider selections

• Stay current with emerging inflight connectivity technologies, industry trends, and best practices

• Plan, design, implement, and support IP Telephony infrastructure including Contact Center solutions

• Manage and support airport eLTE network, Distributed Antenna System (DAS), VHF and HF ensuring reliable, secure, and resilient communications

• Plan, deploy, test, and optimize eLTE, DAS, VHF, HF, and SITA/ARINC communication solutions

• Secure communication systems by establishing and enforcing policies and monitoring access for all required compliances

• Manage vendor contracts and maintenance agreements for all communication platforms; proactively track expiry dates and ensure renewals are executed on time to avoid operational gaps

• Lead procurement and tender activities for communication system upgrades including RFP preparation and technical assessment of vendor proposals

• Coach and develop team members to ensure delivery of superior user experience; act as communication conduit between frontline staff and management

• Manage the team call-out roster and ensure adequate operational coverage at all times.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Computer Engineering, or an equivalent major in the related field.

• IT certification –ITIL, Cisco routing and switching and/or security (CCNA, CCNP and /or CCIE), F5 BIG-IP Administrator, Palo Alto, Huawei AWS certified solutions architect associate or any other IT specific certification is an advantage.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 2 years of experience in IT.

• Experience of managing heterogeneous network on large systems.

• Experience of working in a team that delivers a high availability service.