AHMED A. KHURSHID

- Participate in strategic planning for datacenter exit and enterprise migration to Microsoft Azure-based.

- Evaluate cloud migration frameworks and reference architectures to guide RUA’s cloud transformation roadmap.

- Lead the end‑to‑end planning, design, implementation, and governance of IT infrastructure across Jeddah, Makkah, and remote RUA sites.

- Drive IT operating model improvements in alignment with corporate technology strategy, including ITIL‑based capabilities and service management practices.

- Manage daily operations of IT infrastructure, ensuring platform stability, availability, and operational efficiency.

- Oversee L1/L2 operations, service desk processes, incident coordination, and escalation management in line with ITSM practices.

- Workforce planning methodology, including functional responsibility distribution, productivity analysis, and staffing models.

- Oversee major IT infrastructure projects, including IT network hardware rollout and new office setup, ensuring delivery quality and adherence to project plans.

- Collaborate with vendors, PMO, and internal teams to drive project execution and resolve implementation challenges.

- Review and validate project plans, Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), quality assurance processes, and timelines to ensure compliance with best practices.

• Lead the development and execution of IT strategies, ensuring alignment with goals, business requirements, and long-term vision.
• Oversee the design and deployment of IT infrastructure, ensuring high availability, security, and performance across all systems.
• Develop and implement IT policies, systems, processes, and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
• Managing Microsoft 365 E5 environment—including Intune, MDM, Purview, and Exchange Online—with a focus on secure, compliant, and efficient administration.
• Manage IT project lifecycles, from conceptualization to delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, timelines, and budgets.
• Identify cost-effective technology solutions to support organizational growth, leveraging emerging technologies to drive innovation.
• Align IT strategy with business objectives, prioritizing security, cost efficiency, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Perform financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for IT operations, ensuring alignment with business growth plans.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement technical solutions for complex business challenges.
• Optimize IT service delivery by implementing ITIL frameworks and best practices for incident, problem, and change management.
• Conduct vendor and contract management, negotiating favorable terms for technology procurement and support services.
• Oversee cybersecurity initiatives, implementing security protocols, monitoring systems & compliance with data protection standards.
• Ensure seamless integration of IT systems and services, driving digital transformation and enhancing end-user experiences.
• Continuously evaluate IT infrastructure and applications to identify areas for improvement and scalability.

• Led the strategic planning & execution of IT infrastructure initiatives, ensuring alignment with Savola Foods' operational objectives.
• Oversaw the design, deployment, and maintenance of IT systems, including network architecture, servers, and storage solutions.
• Developed and enforced IT policies and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Managed IT service delivery, implementing ITSM frameworks to optimize support processes and improve user satisfaction.
• Led a team of IT professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring the delivery of high-quality IT services.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate technology solutions that enhanced production and supply chain management.
• Managed vendor relationships, negotiated contracts, and ensured the procurement of reliable and scalable IT resources.
• Monitored system performance metrics, implementing proactive measures to ensure high availability and reliability of IT services.
• Oversaw the development and testing of disaster recovery and business continuity plans to safeguard critical business operations.
• Ensured effective financial management of the IT department, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.

• Implemented SASE 'SD-WAN & Cloud Firewall' solutions using Palo Alto, enhancing network security and connectivity.
• Optimized network performance by monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving outages using tools like SolarWinds.
• Documented network architectures, providing detailed as-builts and recommending process improvements to streamline operations.
• Secured network systems by establishing and enforcing access control policies, and maintaining compliance with security standards.
• Maintained network devices, including routers, switches, firewalls (Palo Alto), wireless controllers, and access points.
• Resolved wireless connectivity issues by configuring wireless LAN controllers (WLCs) and optimizing SSIDs.
• Evaluated and optimized network performance to improve traffic flow, security, and operational efficiency.
• Managed internal IT projects, aligning deliverables with organizational goals and ensuring timely execution.
• Provided wireless solutions by deploying and supporting LAN controllers and access points, delivering reliable wireless connectivity.
• Coordinated with ISPs and conducted site visits (30% travel) to ensure robust service delivery and resolve off-site issues efficiently.
• Scheduled and implemented network upgrades to enhance capabilities and minimize downtime.
• Applied advanced troubleshooting to identify and resolve issues with firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless access points.

• Supervised IT infrastructure deployment and maintenance, ensuring reliability, security, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitored system and network performance, identifying root causes of issues and implementing effective resolutions.
• Managed hardware and software lifecycles, including procurement, installation, updates, and troubleshooting, ensuring seamless functionality and security.
• Provided technical support to users, addressing hardware, software, and network inquiries to enhance productivity and satisfaction.
• Streamlined IT operations by setting up and maintaining workspaces, tracking support tickets via ServiceDesk - ManageEngine, and optimizing asset utilization.
• Conducted quality assurance on employee and customer interactions, ensuring high service standards and continuous improvement.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align IT infrastructure with evolving business needs.