Operation Manager (OSP FIBER) Syria

Location: Damascus, Syria Norconsult Telematics is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the design, implementation, and governance of the operational model for a new greenfield wholesale telecommunications infrastructure operator. This strategic leadership role will be responsible for defining the Target Operating Model (TOM), Operations Readiness Framework, Managed Services Strategy, and operational governance required to successfully launch and operate a carrier-grade telecommunications network. Following commercial launch, the successful candidate will oversee Managed Service Provider (MSP) performance, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and continual service improvement. The role covers a complex telecommunications environment comprising Fiber Networks, DWDM, IP/MPLS Core, Subsea Cable Landing Stations (CLS), Internet Exchange Points (IXP), Technical Facilities, Cybersecurity Operations, and OSS/BSS platforms. Job Description & Responsibilities Lead the development and implementation of the end-to-end Target Operating Model (TOM) across Network Operations, Security Operations, Technical Operations, Field Services, Subsea Cable Landing Stations (CLS), Internet Exchange Points (IXP), Technical Facilities, and Cybersecurity Operations.Design the operational framework covering NOC, SOC, ITOC, L1/L2/L3 support, field maintenance, spare parts management, escalation procedures, shift operations, governance structures, and vendor responsibilities.Develop and implement comprehensive Operations Readiness and Day-1 launch plans, ensuring people, processes, technology, operational tools, facilities, and vendors are fully prepared for commercial service activation.Define and govern Operational Acceptance Testing (OAT), readiness milestones, launch gates, Hypercare activities, Disaster Recovery (DR), Business Continuity (BC), and operational simulations.Develop the Managed Services sourcing strategy, define insourcing and outsourcing boundaries, support RFP/RFI preparation, vendor evaluation, contract negotiations, and transition to Managed Service Providers (MSPs).Establish governance frameworks for MSP performance, contract compliance, service quality, operational reporting, and continual service improvement.Define and implement operational performance frameworks including KPIs, Quality of Service (QoS), Quality of Experience (QoE), Key Quality Indicators (KQIs), Customer Satisfaction (CSAT), Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and Operational Level Agreements (OLAs).Oversee OSS/BSS operational tooling requirements, integration, operational acceptance, and service readiness across all technology domains.Ensure compliance with telecommunications regulations, cybersecurity requirements, and industry standards including ISO, IEC, ITIL, and National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) frameworks.Lead operational governance meetings, executive reporting, and strategic performance reviews with internal stakeholders, customers, vendors, and senior management.Drive continuous operational improvement through performance analysis, operational benchmarking, automation initiatives, and service optimization.Support carrier peering, international interconnection, Internet Exchange Point (IXP) operations, and wholesale service delivery readiness. Key Deliverables Target Operating Model (TOM)Operations Readiness Framework & PlanManaged Services StrategyMSP Governance FrameworkOperational Acceptance Testing (OAT) ProgrammeHypercare & Stabilisation PlanOperational KPI, QoS, QoE & KQI FrameworkSLA & OLA Governance ModelDisaster Recovery & Business Continuity FrameworkExecutive Operations Dashboards & Governance Reports Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related discipline.Minimum 15 years of experience in telecommunications operations, service delivery, or network transformation programmes.At least 5 years in a senior leadership role responsible for operations readiness, managed services, network operations, or operational transformation.Proven experience designing Target Operating Models (TOM) and Operations Readiness frameworks for greenfield or large-scale telecommunications infrastructure projects.Strong experience managing carrier-grade Fiber Networks, DWDM, IP/MPLS Core, OSS/BSS platforms, Internet Exchange Points (IXP), Subsea Cable Landing Stations (CLS), Technical Facilities, and Cybersecurity Operations.Demonstrated experience defining and governing Managed Service Provider (MSP) contracts, operational performance, vendor management, and service governance.Experience leading operational acceptance, service transition, Hypercare, and operational stabilisation activities.Strong understanding of ITIL Service Management, operational governance, service assurance, performance management, and continual service improvement.Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.Experience working with telecom operators, wholesale carriers, system integrators, or large-scale national telecommunications infrastructure programmes is highly desirable.Professional certifications such as PMP, ITIL, PRINCE2, TOGAF, CCNP, CCIE, CISSP, or equivalent will be an advantage.