Head of Engineering and Technical Services

Job Description

The Head of Engineering & Technical Services will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and operational oversight for all engineering and technical functions. The role will ensure the reliability, scalability, security, and innovation of our technology infrastructure, content delivery systems, and technical workflows, enabling the seamless and high-quality delivery of our multimedia content across all platforms within Quantum Expressions Media Consult LTD.

Core Responsibilities

Infrastructure Reliability and Performance:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of robust and scalable technical infrastructure, including network systems, server infrastructure (on-premise and cloud-based), storage solutions, and cybersecurity systems, ensuring high availability and optimal performance as mandated by the infrastructure management section of the operational manual.
• Implement proactive monitoring and alerting systems to identify and resolve potential technical issues before they impact operations, adhering to the incident management procedures outlined in the operational manual.
• Establish and enforce rigorous change management protocols for all modifications to the technical infrastructure, minimizing the risk of service disruptions and ensuring proper documentation of all changes, as detailed in the change management section of the operational manual.

Content Delivery Systems Management:

• Manage and optimize the company’s content delivery network (CDN) and other content distribution systems to ensure efficient, secure, and high-quality delivery of multimedia content across all target platforms and geographic locations, as per the content delivery protocols in the operational manual.
• Implement and maintain workflows for content encoding, transcoding, packaging, and metadata management, ensuring compatibility and optimal viewing/listening experience across diverse devices and network conditions.
• Monitor the performance of content delivery systems, analyzing key metrics such as latency, buffering rates, and delivery success rates, implementing adjustments and optimizations as needed to meet performance targets.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection:

• Implement and enforce comprehensive cybersecurity policies, procedures, and technical controls to protect the company’s digital assets, intellectual property, and sensitive data from internal and external threats, adhering to the cybersecurity framework outlined in the operational manual and relevant Nigerian data protection laws.
• Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities and implement remediation measures, following the security audit protocols detailed in the operational manual.
• Establish and maintain data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans for all critical technical systems and data, ensuring timely recovery and minimal disruption to operations in the event of an incident, as per the disaster recovery plan in the operational manual.

Technical Support and Service Desk Operations:

• Oversee the operation of the IT service desk, ensuring timely and effective technical support is provided to all internal users, adhering to the service desk procedures outlined in the operational manual.
• Establish and monitor service level agreements (SLAs) for technical support services, ensuring responsiveness and resolution times meet the needs of the organization.
• Implement and maintain a knowledge base of common technical issues and solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the technical support team.

Strategic Technology Vision:

• Formulate and champion a long-term technology roadmap for the Engineering and Technical Services Department, anticipating future needs and aligning with Quantum Expressions Media Consult LTD’s overall business strategy and operational objectives as outlined in the operational manual.
• Evaluate emerging technologies in areas such as cloud computing, AI in media workflows, advanced content delivery networks, and cybersecurity, providing recommendations for adoption based on rigorous technical and financial assessments.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and other department heads to ensure the technology strategy supports innovation in content creation, delivery, and audience engagement across all platforms.
• Establish and communicate clear technical standards and architectural guidelines for all engineering and technical initiatives, ensuring consistency and interoperability across the organization's technology ecosystem.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Build and cultivate a high-performing team of engineers and technical specialists within the Engineering and Technical Services Department, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning, as emphasized in the department’s operational guidelines.
• Define clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations for all team members, aligning individual objectives with departmental and organizational goals, and conduct regular, technically focused performance evaluations.
• Identify and address technical skill gaps within the team through targeted training programs, mentorship opportunities, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, ensuring the team remains proficient in relevant and emerging technologies.
• Promote a proactive and solution-oriented approach to technical challenges, empowering team members to take ownership and drive innovation in their respective areas of expertise, consistent with the problem-solving protocols detailed in the operational manual.

Resource Management and Budgeting:

• Develop and manage the annual budget for the Engineering and Technical Services Department, ensuring efficient allocation of financial, human, and technological resources in accordance with the company’s financial operational procedures.
• Prioritize technical investments based on strategic alignment, potential impact on operational efficiency, and return on investment, providing detailed technical justifications for budget requests.
• Oversee the procurement and management of all technical equipment, software licenses, and vendor contracts, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to the company’s procurement guidelines outlined in the operational manual.
• Implement robust tracking mechanisms for departmental expenditures and resource utilization, providing regular reports to executive management on budget performance and potential cost optimization opportunities.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Communication:

• Serve as the primary technical point of contact for other departments, effectively communicating complex technical information in a clear and understandable manner to non-technical stakeholders, as per the inter-departmental communication protocols in the operational manual.
• Collaborate closely with Content, Production, and Distribution teams to understand their technical needs and provide innovative and reliable technical solutions that support their operational requirements and content delivery strategies.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key technology vendors and service providers, ensuring effective communication, adherence to service level agreements (SLAs), and proactive management of technical dependencies.
• Represent the Engineering and Technical Services Department in cross-functional meetings and executive briefings, providing technical insights and contributing to strategic decision-making processes across the organization.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Electronic, Computer), Information Technology, or related field
• A Master’s degree is an added advantage

Professional Requirements

• Relevant professional certifications such as ITIL, PMP, CISSP, or certifications specific to broadcast engineering or cloud technologies are highly desirable.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 12 years of experience with at least 5 years in a senior management role with experience in media, journalism, or related field
• Prior experience in telecommunications, media & communications industries

Knowledge Requirements

• Understanding of Quantum Expressions Media Consult LTD's Technical Infrastructure
• Mastery of Broadcast and Digital Media Technologies
• Expertise in Cybersecurity and Data Protection Best Practices
• Proficiency in Cloud Computing and Hybrid Infrastructure Management
• Detailed Knowledge of IT Service Management (ITSM) Frameworks
• Understanding of Data Analytics and Reporting Tools

Skill Requirements

• Proficiency in using relevant software applications like media and communication software.
• Deep understanding of network architecture, protocols, and security.
• Proficiency in managing server infrastructure, virtualization technologies, and cloud computing platforms.
• Strong knowledge of content delivery networks (CDNs), video encoding/transcoding technologies, and digital asset management systems.
• Expertise in cybersecurity principles, practices, and technologies.

Personal Abilities

• Strong work ethic
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Adaptability  
• Proactiveness
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Strong decision-making skills

Additional Information

Quantum Expressions Media Consult LTD aims to be an Employer of Choice, providing equal opportunity for everyone regardless of their background, gender, race and other protected characteristics.