Senior Analyst Network & Communications

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. 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. 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.