ROLE & CONTEXT

Purpose

Fixed Data services team is the team within Qtel Product Development and Management responsible for defining, developing and implementing Qtel’s World Class Fixed data propositions and products. In particular for leading Qtel’s Broadband Strategy across Enterprise and Consumer.

The role holder is responsible for not only managing fixed network products and services but also for thought leadership and product and user experience, key in the direction and steering of technology decisions and priorities across Qtel. Additionally, he/she will drive innovation and consolidation for residential and business premise equipment that always ensures world class user experience, a platform for profitable growth and driving down capital costs to our business.

The incumbent must be able to augment and influence the organization to evolve and transform to allow a complete change in its operating rhythm, to adapt new go-to-market methodologies and operational scale.

Context

He/She will direct a team of product managers/specialists to develop, deliver and maintain world class Fixed data products and services including, but not limited to, internet access across copper and next generation Fibre networks, fixed wireless equivalent services (LTE wireless “infill”), Telex, VAS, Domain names, Internet VPN, M2M data services, VSAT, IPLC, IP-Metro Area Networks and Wavelink.

The role holder is responsible for – in conjunction with Mobile product team - driving Qtel’s long term Broadband Strategy, a key component of Qtel’s overall strategy in Qatar.

The role holder and subsequent direct reports have approx. QR 1Bn in revenues annually under management

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

Overview

• Responsible for identifying, evaluating and prioritising product development opportunities to deliver value to key customer segments.
• Responsible for directing and delivering strategies that defend market share, grow Qtel’s value share and increase loyalty and retention across the Fixed Data segments.
• Responsible for ensuring that the businesses product teams’ deliverables are adequately resourced.
• Responsible for ensuring the technical and commercial launch of products and services are delivered by the team under management
• Responsible for steering macro network technology choices and leadership within the entire broadband product portfolio (CPE) across Enterprise, SOHO and Consumer.
• Responsible for supporting the architecture, access and connectivity for connected homes, businesses and communities.
• Cross business leadership with steering and direction of mobile data portfolio teams to ensure commercially sound, fixed wireless equivalent services
• Responsible for identifying future technology trends and innovation, sponsoring PoC’s where required (incl non Telco ancillary revenue opportunities)
• Responsible for continuous business improvement driving direct, tangible outcomes for reducing OPEX and CAPEX burdens
• Accountable for the P&L for all fixed data services product and marketing campaigns that drive profitable growth
• Responsible for creating a dynamic and high performing team that thrives in a competitive environment delivering insights and outcomes with world class aspirations.
• Responsible for guidance and support for the entire teams professional and personal development
• Responsible for delivering innovation and leadership not only within the domestic marketplace and the Gulf but to deliver world class services to assist in Qtel’s objectives of being a top 20 operator by 2020.

 Costs & Profitability

• The role-holder is responsible for steering and directing new service propositions for his/her team to market in a cost effective and timely manner and at the same time, ensures that new services deliver a simple, reliable and rich customer service experience.
• The role-holder is responsible for ensuring the team under management demonstrates due diligence with researching, identifying and communicating the development cost (e.g. a cost-benefit analysis or business case) and for recommending particular development / vendor solutions
• The role holder is responsible that the implementation is within the allocated budget and that any vendor implementation is within the agreed contractual limits.

Customers

• The role holder will have frequent contact with senior leaders across Network Engineering, IT, all Marketing (both Consumer and Business), Brand, Sales, Customer Care and Marketing Communications Teams during the implementation of any Broadband service and for handover at commercial launch as well for as post-launch support.
• The incumbent must be a positive advocate for the customer and champion initiatives that directly improve their service quality
• The interfacing and management of Vendors is also an integral part of this role

Business orientation

• To ensure that new products & services under team management are not only delivered on schedule – but that they meet key measurable performance indicators: delivery dates, service performance, quality and customer care.
• Driving the delivery of attractive new services (e.g. smart home CPE and solutions) – they will be responsible for driving both Qtel’s market penetration and customer revenue targets.
• Transformative thinking on aligning global trends and championing their implementation locally.

Planning & Organising

• The role holder is responsible for ensuring that the Fixed Data services team prepare and communicate to all relevant stakeholders detailed Project Plans for the introduction of new services.
• The role holder shall make sure that all involved parties, e.g. Marketing, IT, O&M, NOC, etc are informed of any deadlines they are responsible for and follow up on a regular basis to ensure that all milestones are met on time and delivered to specification.
• The role-holder is responsible for forecasting and requesting resource needs, defining roles & responsibilities and setting performance and delivery timelines for the team

Problem Solving

• The role holder must be able to demonstrate exceptional skill in identifying complex business and technology issues problems that will obstruct any relevant projects progress. Once issues are identified the role holder shall actively try to solve the problem by any means necessary, including liaison with the CxO leadership team and engaging cross business unit resources.
• Responsible for identifying and driving hygiene activities that improve user experience, technical and operational efficiencies, processes and skills within the company. These activities have a significant bearing on Qtel becoming a world class operator.

Communicating, negotiating & influencing

• The role holder needs to be able to identify, develop and negotiate relationships with strategic partners / external suppliers in order to support product development and ensure commercial success.
• The role holder is responsible for a regular dialogue with directorship and senior management of any product within the development cycle and shall seek to influence, direct and shape the Service Development both internally within Qtel, the wider Qtel Group and vendors.
• To accurately represent product development progress to senior leadership
• To make and communicate decisions across business units
• To represent the company at industry events either as a speaker or delegate
• To evaluate and present options / make firm recommendations to senior leadership

QUALIFICATIONS

• The role holder must possess a University Degree
• The role-holder needs to be perfect in English (spoken and written).  An ability to speak & write in Arabic is preferable but not essential.

EXPERIENCE

• At least 10 years’ experience in a related industry (telecommunications, new media, IT)
• Of which at least 5 years have been within a Senior or group management role in a fixed or MSO telecoms operator
• A strong commercial and technical background
• A strong understanding of internet concepts, technologies and telco industry trends
• Experience in managing, directing, cross-functional teams and suppliers and a track record in bringing world class products to market

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Strong Project Management skills – the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly develop an effective network of relationships across the business.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills both verbal and written (English a prerequisite, Arabic preferred)
• Producing quality output, often to tight timescales.
• Being able to contribute innovative &/or strategic thought.
• Successful introduction of new services according to Qtel’s Roadmap.
• Implementation within allocated budget
• Implementation according to Project Schedule.
• Achievement of customer number and revenue targets under team management