Ahmed Aloub

• Develop and execute a complete vision to improve the company position in retail market.
• Define project scope, goals and deliverable that support business goals in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders
• Managing Web App/Mobile App development team.
• Preparing weekly and monthly project reports and following daily activities.
• Vendor Management for 3rd party vendors.
• Manage acceptance test
• Develop and deliver progress reports, requirements and other PMO methodology documentation
• Facilitate status meetings with project stakeholders

Carrying out GAP analysis and

• Define project scope, goals and deliverables that support business goals in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders
• Managing WebApp development team.
• Preparing weekly and monthly project reports and following daily activities.
• Vendor Management for 3rd party vendors.
• Conducting user training.
• Manage acceptance test
• Develop and deliver progress reports, requirements and other PMO methodology documentation
• Facilitate status meetings with project stakeholders

Inducted into the company as an Application Support - Team Leader, and crafted an impressive growth curve to merit promotions to the Senior Pre-Sales Consultant designation due to foundational contributions towards consistent success and profitability of the organization over the years.

Designation Chronology:
• May 2012 - Present: Senior Pre-Sales Consultant
• Jan 2012 - May 2012: Senior Functional Consultant
• Dec 2005 - Dec 2011: Application Support - Team Leader

Key Responsibilities:
• Spearheading client consultations, product demonstrations, correspondence and presentations to ensure delivery of proposed benefits/capabilities and fulfillment of value delivery objectives.
• Collaborating with client's team to develop technology road maps in sync with customer's business drivers; establishing sustainable relationships, and serving as a focal point for concerns regarding product specifications/implementation.
• Handling bid planning and management, project scoping and statement of work analysis encompassing pricing and resource estimates; prioritizing lead and revenue generation through successful customer engagement.
• Responding to RFI/ RFP, and building proposals complementary to communicated compliance matrix to confirm accommodation of all client requests and business needs within assigned time and financial parameters.
• Preparing workshops to effectively communicate technology vision and strategy; leading consistent improvement in pre/post sales processes to promote adherence with best practice strategies.
• Mentoring the sales team to work in conjunction with implementation/ development teams to aid realization of proposals and budgetary quotes; providing support to steer smooth transition from sales to final delivery.

Key Projects to Credit:
• National Bank of Oman; Muscat, Oman
• Commercial Bank of Dubai; Dubai, UAE
• Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank; Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Alhilal Bank; Abu Dhabi, UAE
• ALMASRAF Bank; Abu Dhabi, UAE

Key Responsibilities:
• Led a team of 11+ consultants to implement Islamic Banking Solutions for seamless functioning of activities in order to build organizational capabilities for improved client servicing.
• Identifyied key business drivers, client needs and existing technical environment; managed pre sale consultation to provide technical advice explaining business benefits of solutions and technical capabilities.
• Directed projects from inception to project closure, thus planning, controlling and managing project resources to best meet project objectives in sync with time and cost parameters.
• Conducted GAP analysis and needs assessments to enhance organizational framework, and drive change management for assured realization of performance targets.
• Formulated and maintained detailed project plans encompassing tasks, milestone dates and deliverables; monitored procedural adherence and team output to secure scope attainment for client ownership.
• Updated senior management with information pertaining to assigned projects including scheduling and budget usage to achieve optimal operations and functions through consistent improvement in processes.
• Organized user training to ensure familiarity with necessary practices and procedures for maximized productivity and high quality results.

Provided technical and pre sales support to leading banks including Commercial Bank of Dubai (Dubai, UAE), Dubai Islamic Bank (Dubai, UAE), ALMASRAF Bank (Abu Dhabi, UAE), Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (Abu Dhabi, UAE), and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (Manama, Bahrain) to facilitate apt fulfillment of program deliverables and technology needs.

Key Projects to Credit:
Role: Project Manager
1. Client: ALMASRAF Bank
• Managed the upgrade of the core banking system (Phoenix), trade finance system (TradeWinds), and branch automation system (GFS Tekker), in addition to accomplishing the successful implementation of the Islamic Banking System (IBS).

2. Role: Project Manager
Client: Dubai Islamic Bank
• Led the upgrade of the ATM network (hardware and software), in addition to a project for the ITS trade finance system to enhance the quality of day-to-day operations.
• Handled interfacing projects between DIB core banking system and ITS trade finance system to facilitate operational growth and efficiency.

3. Role: Project Leader
Client: Commercial Bank of Dubai
• Directed the upgrade project for the ITS trade finance system to secure uninterrupted workflow and high volume transaction processing.

Highlights:
• Appointed Team Leader for the Application Support Group in the UAE, and supervised the Service Account Manager for excellence in IT implementation projects, and accurate alignment of business and user needs.
• Supported core banking application (Phoenix) to maintain high reliability and security; oversaw resource hiring, training and allocation for UAE to confirm no disruption due to shortages, tactical issues or budget mismanagement.

Key Responsibilities:
• Served as an integral contributor towards technical approaches to meet sales targets; created customer proof-of-concepts (POC’s), and managed qualification, pre/post sales support, transition, and service delivery.
• Liaised with clients to identify their technical requirements and business workflow; defined, designed and detailed solutions to enable successful closing of sales opportunities and building of trusted customer relationships.
• Provided feedback to Project Managers regarding precise solution implementation for assured delivery of high service levels, consistent improvement in results, and minimization of risks associated with system changes.
• Generated weekly/monthly reports encompassing cost estimates, project status, variances and relevant activities; managed resource allocation based on project budget and availability to attain targeted ROI value propositions.
• Maintained updated knowledge pertaining to client's industry and competitive pressures; streamlined processes/SOPs, resolved inefficiencies and pursued cost savings for fortification of technical infrastructure.
• Held meetings with clients on a weekly basis to distribute minutes and progress information regarding delivery, standards and cost targets; leveraged technical and financial expertise to effectively communicate all concerns and achievements.

Project Portfolio:
• Dubai Financial Market
• DAMAC, EMITAC; UAE
• EMITAC; Qatar
• Jeema Mineral Water
• Pilot Pen Middle East
• Khaleej Finance and Investment; Bahrain

Highlights:
• 2005: Selected as an official representative for Emitac at GITIX Exhibition.
• Successfully developed an application for the private administration serving H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Key Responsibilities:
• Streamlined technical pre-sales activities for relevant accounts, and developed customer specific customized applications/reports to communicate technical expertise and recommendations based on workflow needs.
• Administered direction as a project coordinator to facilitate accurate planning and implementation; maintained updated knowledge of competitor positioning and emerging technologies to exceed client expectations.
• Provided advice on functionality and usability of solutions aligned with project goals; identified opportunities to improve current practices and processes to aid organizational sustainability and financial growth.
• Implemented, customized, and supported MBS Great Plains (ERP); managed the training of end users to spearhead best practices and ensure fulfillment of technical requirements.

Key Projects to Credit:
• Misr Romanian Bank (MRB); Cairo, Egypt
• Lebanon Commercial Bank (BLC); Beirut, Lebanon

Highlights:
• Developed an IVR interface for core banking; developed ATM solutions and central bank reports targeting significant enhancement in overall service delivery.
• 2003 & 2004: Selected as a representative for ITSoft at the ICT Exhibition.

Key Responsibilities:
• Functioned as a Project Coordinator to confirm appropriate translation of business requirements into software components; provided 1st and 2nd line support for the teller system, in addition to process and policy related advice.
• Participated in the system design, development, implementation and support of a banking teller system (MOSAIC); evaluated technologies and enforced standards to meet objectives and delivery commitments.
• Prepared training materials and technical guidance workshops for bank staff; created technical documentation and reviewed performance feedback for prompt resolution of issues and maintenance scheduling.

Previous Professional Experience:
• Aug 2001- May 2002: Software Developer; Misr Romanian Bank (MRB), Cairo, Egypt
• 2000 - Jul 2001: Software Developer and Software Instructor