Head of MSI

We are currently seeking a Head of MSI who will be responsible for leading and establishing the Master System Integration (MSI) function across major aviation transformation programmes to ensure existing and future aviation systems are integrated, interoperable, resilient and operationally ready.Our client, based in Dubai, is one of the leading multinational organisation in the region. This position is a contract role with an initial duration of 14 months and is renewable.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the establishment and implementation of Master System Integration capability to provide an effective and sustainable approach for integration across major aviation transformation programmes.Develop and maintain the MSI strategy, operating model, governance framework and assurance approach to ensure clear accountability and effective control of integration activities.Establish integration objectives, responsibilities, decision-making authorities and escalation routes to ensure effective management of integration across existing and future aviation systems.Develop and monitor the MSI implementation roadmap to ensure integration objectives and programme requirements are achieved.Establish and govern integration architecture principles, standards, interface management requirements and assurance controls to ensure consistency and interoperability across aviation systems.Ensure integration requirements, interfaces, ownership and cross-system dependencies are defined, documented and maintained to provide clear accountability throughout programme delivery.Monitor compliance with approved integration requirements and standards to ensure integration activities remain within agreed governance and controls.Drive the resolution of technical gaps, interface conflicts and deviations to protect integration outcomes and programme delivery.Define the MSI technical scope, integration requirements, deliverables and evaluation criteria to support the effective tendering and appointment of the MSI vendor.Provide technical leadership and evaluation input during MSI vendor selection to ensure the appointed vendor can meet integration requirements.Lead the mobilisation of the appointed MSI vendor to establish the governance, reporting, interface management and assurance arrangements required for effective delivery.Oversee the MSI vendor's performance against approved requirements, standards, controls and deliverables to ensure integration objectives are achieved.Provide integration assurance throughout MSI delivery, testing, commissioning and transition to ensure existing and future aviation systems perform collectively as an integrated operational environment.Oversee end-to-end and system integration testing from an integration perspective to ensure system interfaces, dependencies and integration requirements are effectively validated.Review integration plans, test results, assurance evidence and readiness recommendations to ensure integration requirements are met prior to operational acceptance.Drive the resolution or escalation of integration deficiencies and outstanding issues to protect programme milestones, commissioning and operational readiness.Identify, assess and monitor integration risks, technical gaps, interface issues, vendor dependencies and delivery constraints to protect programme objectives and integration outcomes.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with programme teams, business stakeholders, consultants, vendors and system integrators to support effective integration delivery.Monitor and report integration performance, risks, issues and readiness to support informed management decision-making.Oversee corrective actions and escalate material integration concerns through the appropriate governance arrangements to ensure timely resolution.Knowledge, skills & experience:Bachelor's degree or higher in Systems Engineering, Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Technology Architecture or a related discipline.10-12 years' of overall experience and 7-10 years' of relevant experience.Relevant professional qualifications in systems engineering, technology architecture, programme or project management, testing, commissioning or related disciplines are desirableIndustry experience in Aviation, transportation, critical infrastructure, technology or other complex operational environmentsCore experience in Master System Integration Capability Establishment, Integration Governance, Operating Model Development, Integration Assurance, Stakeholder Management.Master System Integration methodologies and systems engineering principles.Integration strategy, operating model development, and governance framework design.Integration architecture, interface management, and requirements traceability.Management consulting and advisory engagement delivery within complex aviation, infrastructure, or technology environments.Vendor tendering support, technical evaluation, provider mobilisation, and supplier governance.Systems integration assurance, technical oversight, and operational readiness assurance methodologies.Risk, issue, and dependency management.Programme governance, controls, reporting, and performance monitoring tools.Analytical problem-solving, decision-support, and business case evaluation techniques.Executive stakeholder engagement, influencing, negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.