OVERVIEW
NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a new future might look like. A region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, NEOM is being built from the ground up to include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports, next-generation infrastructure and industries, enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations.
As a destination, it will be a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.
As a workplace, it is a place for people who share our core values of care, curiosity, diversity, passion, respect, and becoming a catalyst for change.
Are you ready to help NEOM find solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges? Are you prepared to create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come? Then we want to hear from you!
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Port IT Network Lead is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of structured cabling, fiber optic networks, and Extra Low Voltage (ELV) systems in port environments. This role ensures seamless integration of network infrastructure with port operations, enabling high availability and compliance with maritime and industry standards. The candidate will also oversee vendor coordination, project execution, and system performance optimization for all passive network components, ensuring that critical port IT and OT services are efficiently supported.
REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY
- Strong expertise in IT and OT systems design, implementation, and maintenance
- Expertise in fiber splicing, OTDR testing, and passive network design.
- Strong understanding of ELV, structured cabling, access control, and surveillance systems.
- Experience in vendor and project management for large-scale passive network infrastructure deployments.
- Familiarity with IT and OT integration, cybersecurity best practices, and network segmentation.
- Strong ability to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
- Problem-solving mindset with a focus on delivering innovative and scalable solutions.
ROLE COMPETENCIES & ACTIVITIES
The Port IT Network Lead's responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
Systems Operations
- Analyze stakeholders’ needs, interests, and influence to prioritize engagement strategies.
- Oversee the design, deployment, and maintenance of structured cable and fiber optic networks across terminals, control centers, and data centers.
- Be a technical point of contact for the installation, splicing, testing, and certification of fiber cables, patch panels, and network enclosures.
- Validate fiber patching schedules and ensure proper documentation.
- Ensure passive network infrastructure aligns with port automation, security, and communication systems.
- Collaborate with network, cybersecurity, and automation teams to integrate passive networks with active IT and OT systems
- Oversee deployment and integration of CCTV, access control, and building management systems within port infrastructure.
- Ensure ELV systems are aligned with cybersecurity policies and operate within defined network segments.
- Define and implement best practices for structured cabling, power provisioning, and fault tolerance for ELV components.
- Serve as the technical lead for passive network infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with port expansion plans.
- Work closely with contractors, vendors, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with industry and safety standards.
- Oversee site inspections, quality control, and adherence to project timelines for infrastructure deployment.
- Validate Jacobs’ responsibility matrix and ensure all contractors deliver as per defined scope.
- Ensure all network infrastructure and ELV systems meet government and maritime compliance standards.
- Work with cybersecurity teams to segment and secure ELV & passive network components against potential threats.
- Implement monitoring and audit mechanisms to track system performance and maintain up time
- Monitor and fine-tune system performance, ensuring minimal downtime and high efficiency.
- Implement proactive maintenance schedules for critical IT systems.
- Work with cross-functional teams to align IT solutions with operational and business goals.
- Act as a key liaison between the IT department and port operations teams.
- Maintain detailed documentation of system architecture, configurations, and processes.
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations for IT systems.
- Provide technical guidance to IT teams and stakeholders.
- Lead troubleshooting efforts for critical system issues and incidents
People Management
- Coordinate with vendors, consultants, and contractors to ensure project success and quality deliverables.
- Guide and mentor a team responsible for passive networking, fiber infrastructure, and ELV systems.
- Conduct training sessions and knowledge-sharing on structured cabling, fiber testing, and passive network troubleshooting.
- Support internal teams in developing network and security policies for structured cabling and passive components.
Leadership
- Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and other communication materials tailored to stakeholder needs.
- Ensure that all stakeholder engagement activities comply with the relevant regulations and ethical standards.
- Utilize data analytics to drive strategies and decisions.
Culture and Values
- Embrace NEOM’s culture and Values https://www.neom.com/en-us/about
- Act with honesty and integrity by following best practices, and upholding the robust standards and expectations set out in NEOM’s Code of Conduct.
- Maintain fair, ethical and professional work practices in accordance with NEOM’s Values and Code of Conduct.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- 5+ years of experience in designing and managing fiber and structured cabling infrastructure for ports, airports, or industrial environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading systems projects in IT and OT environment
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
- Certifications fiber optics, structured cabling, or passive network design are a plus.