Director of City IT/OT Network & Security Operations

About the role

The Director of IT/OT Network & Security Operations leads the end‑to‑end management, reliability and security of Qiddiya City’s converged IT and operational technology infrastructure. As the city moves from construction to full operation, this role ensures operational readiness, infrastructure acceptance and continuous management of city‑wide digital platforms.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the operational strategy for converged IT/OT environments aligned with the City Operations Target Operating Model.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operation, maintenance and optimisation of fiber backbone, MMRs, MDCs and active network components.
• Lead incident management, root‑cause analysis and resolution of complex IT/OT network issues.
• Implement and monitor cybersecurity controls across OT environments, including network segregation, access control and threat detection.
• Coordinate vulnerability assessments, penetration testing and security audits to ensure compliance with national regulations and internal policies.
• Act as the primary authority for acceptance and handover of network and security infrastructure from QTECH, MDU and district developers.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in managing large‑scale IT and OT network operations.
• Strong vendor management and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Deep understanding of smart‑city use cases across utilities, transportation and facility management.
• Ability to define, monitor and enforce SLAs, KPIs and performance metrics.

Required skills

• Network architecture and design
• Network security and cybersecurity controls
• Fiber optics and backbone management
• Operational Technology (OT) networking
• Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) processes
• Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing
• Security audits and compliance (e.g., NCA)
• Access control, threat detection and network segregation
• Smart‑city systems, CCTV, VMS, ACS