Applications & Data Manager – 12 Months Contract Rotational – Iraq

28 x 28 Rotation

Essential:-  15 years of progressive experience in IT, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing enterprise applications and data services and managing people. Strong experience in the Oil & Gas sector, ideally within Upstream operations (Exploration, Drilling, Subsurface/Reservoir Management, Production). Proven track record managing both off-the-shelf and bespoke applications across enterprise and technical domains (ERP, EAM, Finance/P2P, Petro technical and Engineering solutions). Solid understanding of IT governance, data/applications architecture frameworks, application development lifecycle (SDLC) and best practices, and cloud technologies. Experience in data warehousing platforms, data management/governance/compliance best practices, BI reporting platforms, database management/performance tuning/ optimization, and AI/Machine Learning solutions. Experience in project management and working knowledge of both agile and waterfall delivery methodologies. ITIL V3/V4 certification or practical experience in IT Service Management, Incident & Change Management. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

Role Synopsis

The Applications & Data Manager is a strategic integrator, technology enabler, and leader of change.  The position plays a critical leadership role within the IT&C department, responsible for overseeing the strategy, delivery, and performance of all enterprise and technical applications, we well as the company’s data services.  This role leads a diverse and multidisciplinary team of 15-20 professionals, and coordinates with multiple third-party vendors to ensure high-quality, secure, and scalable digital solutions.
Operating in a dynamic, large-scale, and fast-paced oil and gas operational environment, the manager will drive innovation and service excellence across business systems, Petro technical platforms, real-time data services, and digital initiatives – including AI and machine learning.  The Applications & Data Manager will combine strong leadership, technical acumen, and vendor management skills with a hands-on mindset and a commitment to digital transformation and continuous improvement.

The department is structured into five key areas:

•            Petro technical Applications
•            Finance & P2P Systems
•            Digital Factory
•            Business Applications
•            Data Services

Each domain is led by specialized experts, while the Applications & Data Manager provides steer and alignment of activities with departmental and organizational objectives.

Applications & Data Manager Key Accountabilities      

Lead the Applications & Data Services team, ensuring delivery of high-performing, resilient, and user-centric digital solutions.

•         Provide strategic oversight and coordination across five key functional domains:
o         Petro technical Applications
o         Finance & P2P Systems
o         Digital Factory
o         Business Applications
o         Data Services
•         Align technology initiatives with business strategy working closely with functional leads and senior stakeholders to ensure IT investments deliver measurable value.
•         Oversee the full application lifecycle, from planning and implementation to operations, maintenance, and decommissioning.
•         Govern delivery models across both Agile and Waterfall methodologies, ensuring project success and value realization.
•         Lead and develop a high-performing team fostering a culture of innovation, ownership, and accountability.
•         Manage a diverse vendor ecosystem, ensuring contractual performance, delivery quality, and adherence to standards.
•         Serve as a technical escalation point and provide strong leadership during incidents or service disruptions.
•         Promote effective governance, data integrity, cyber security, and compliance across all platforms and services.
•         Drive continuous improvement, standardization, and modernization of the application and data landscape.

Applications & Data Manager Required Skills
 

• A collaborative leader who thrives in cross-functional and multicultural teams.
• A strategic thinker who can balance day-to-day operations with long-term planning.
• A strong communicator able to influence senior stakeholders and engage at all levels.
• A proactive problem solver who brings structure, clarity, and energy to complex environments.

Desirable Qualifications    

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Information Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience with Petro technical applications as OpenWorks, Petrel, OpenWells or similar.
• Experience with AI/Machine Learning platforms, data science tools, and cloud-based analytics solutions.
• Certification in IT governance/enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF.
• Certification in Project Management frameworks and methodologies such as PMP, PRINCE2, CSM/PSM/PMI-ACP/other SCRUM or agile certificates.
• Certification in Data Management and Analytics such as CDMP, Azure Data Engineer, AWS Certified Data Analytics, or similar.
• Certification in Database and Business Intelligence such as Azure Database Administrator, Oracle Database Administration, IBM Certified Data Engineer.
• Certification in IT Audit (e.g. CISA) and IT Security (e.g. CISSP).
• Certification in Cloud Technology such as AZ-900, AZ-104, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner/Solutions Architect/Developer, or other Azure or AWS certificates.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.