Head of Digital Operations & Planning

Overview

Head Of Digital Operations

Strategic Operations

• Lead the day-to-day operational management of the Digital Division, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of business objectives.
• Translate strategic priorities into operational plans, measurable objectives, and execution frameworks.
• Drive operational excellence across all Digital functions through continuous improvement, automation, and process optimization.
• Establish operational governance frameworks, policies, and best practices to support the Division's long-term growth.

Financial Management & Budget Ownership

• Lead the preparation and management of the Digital Division's annual operating (OPEX) and capital (CAPEX) budgets.
• Oversee financial forecasting, budget monitoring, expenditure control, and variance analysis.
• Ensure effective financial governance while identifying opportunities for cost optimization and operational efficiencies.
• Develop business cases and financial models supporting strategic digital investments and transformation initiatives.
• Partner with Finance to manage budgeting cycles, financial reporting, procurement planning, and investment approvals.

Business Performance

• Develop and oversee performance measurement frameworks, KPIs, and executive dashboards across the Digital Division.
• Monitor operational performance against strategic objectives and recommend corrective actions where required.
• Produce executive reports, operational insights, and performance updates for senior leadership and executive committees.
• Drive data-informed decision-making through operational analytics and business intelligence.

Operational Governance & Risk

• Establish robust operational governance, internal controls, compliance frameworks, and business continuity planning.
• Oversee operational risk management, audit readiness, and implementation of governance recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with Al Jazeera policies, financial regulations, procurement procedures, and corporate governance requirements.

Resource Planning & Business Support

• Lead annual workforce planning and operational resource allocation across Digital functions.
• Partner with HR on organizational planning, recruitment forecasting, succession planning, and capability development.
• Oversee operational support functions ensuring efficient coordination across Editorial, Product, Technology, Commercial, Audience Growth, and Corporate Services teams.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Oversee procurement planning and vendor governance across Digital operations.
• Manage supplier performance, contract compliance, and commercial relationships.
• Support procurement evaluations, tender processes, and strategic sourcing initiatives.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong partnerships with Editorial, Product, Engineering, Technology, Finance, HR, Legal, Procurement, Corporate Strategy, and Executive Leadership.
• Represent the Business Performance Unit in governance forums, steering committees, and executive working groups.
• Act as the operational advisor to senior Digital leadership on performance, financial planning, and organizational effectiveness.

Experience & Education Requirements

• The ideal candidate is an accomplished operational executive with exceptional business, financial, and leadership capability, capable of managing complex digital operations within a large-scale international media or technology environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, Economics, Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 12–15 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, business management, finance, business performance, or corporate strategy.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex operational environments within digital media, broadcasting, technology, telecommunications, or multinational organizations.
• Proven responsibility for multi-million-dollar operating and capital budgets.
• Experience leading strategic planning, business performance, governance, and organizational transformation initiatives.
• Strong track record of managing cross-functional teams and delivering operational improvements at scale.