Head of Digital Operations & Planning

Description

Head of Digital Operations 

Al Jazeera Media Network's Digital Business Performance department are seeking an exceptional operational leader to drive business performance, operational excellence, and strategic execution across the Digital Division.

As the Head of Digital Operations & Planning you will report directly to the Manager of Business Performance, responsible for leading the operational management and business performance of Al Jazeera's Digital Division. The role ensures the effective planning, governance, financial management, and operational delivery of the Division, enabling editorial, product, technology, audience, and commercial teams to operate efficiently and achieve strategic objectives.

The position plays a pivotal role ensuring operational resilience, financial discipline, and sustainable growth.

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.