Group Networks Officer

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Role Purpose/Business Unit:

• This role is accountable for developing and executing the network strategy for Vodacom Group to ensure the delivery of exceptional service, network quality, and operational efficiency. This individual will lead the planning, deployment, optimization, and maintenance of robust and scalable telecommunications infrastructures, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to support business growth, enhance customer experience, and drive digital transformation.
• Additionally, the role includes oversight of international connectivity, including the management of undersea cabling infrastructure, to ensure seamless, high-capacity connectivity across Vodacom’s footprint.
• Operating at a senior leadership level, the role requires collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders to shape network strategy, influence regulatory and market conditions, and ensure alignment with organisational goals.

Your responsibilities will include:

Network Strategy and Governance

• Define and execute the overarching telecommunications network strategy for all African operations, aligning with the Group’s business and technology goals.
• Drive investment planning and ensure the implementation of innovative technologies, including 5G, fibre networks, IoT, and cloud-enabled systems, non-terrestrial network, to support current and future business needs.
• Establish governance frameworks to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements, 

Network Deployment and Operations

• Provide strategic input into, and support the OpCo’s, in the planning, deployment, and integration of telecommunications networks across all markets, ensuring scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Oversee network infrastructure expansion initiatives to improve coverage, capacity, and quality of service across diverse geographic regions and challenging terrains.
• Optimize network performance through continuous monitoring, maintenance, and adoption of advanced automation tools and processes.

International Connectivity and Undersea Cabling

• Oversee international connectivity infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted, high-capacity connections for Vodacom’s Africa operations.
• Collaborate with infrastructure providers to secure and optimize undersea cable agreements, ensuring cost efficiency and operational excellence.
• Monitor and mitigate risks related to international connectivity and undersea cable disruptions, ensuring minimal impact on service delivery.

Cross-Market Collaboration

• Work closely with local market leadership teams to ensure the effective implementation of network strategies and initiatives tailored to each country’s unique operational challenges.
• Act as a central point of coordination for all African telecommunications network activities, ensuring consistency and alignment with the Group’s vision.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies, government agencies, and industry associations to influence favourable policies and standards.
• Engage with equipment vendors, technology partners, and service providers to negotiate contracts, ensure cost-effective solutions, and foster innovation.
• Present network performance updates, investment plans, and risk assessments to the Group Executive Committee and other key stakeholders.

Sustainability and Digital Transformation

• Champion initiatives to achieve energy-efficient and sustainable network operations, reducing the organization’s environmental impact.
• Drive digital transformation by implementing cutting-edge technologies and solutions that enhance operational excellence and customer experiences.

Crisis and Risk Management

• Develop and implement risk management plans to safeguard the resilience and security of our networks.
• Lead crisis response efforts during network outages or cyber incidents, ensuring rapid recovery and minimal disruption to services.

Leadership

• Be an ambassador of the Spirit of Vodacom by role modelling the behaviours of;
  
  • Getting it done together
  • Earning customer loyalty
  • Creating the future
• Experimenting and learning fast.
• Ability to inspire, guide and coach the Group-wide teams across multiple geographies
• Openly demonstrate self-awareness and commitment to improvement of self and others

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• A postgraduate qualification (e.g., MSc, MBA) is highly advantageous.
• At least 10 years of experience in telecommunications or related industries, with a strong background in network strategy, deployment, and optimization.
• Proven leadership experience managing large, cross-functional teams and complex network operations in multiple geographies.

Core competencies, knowledge, and experience:

• Proven leadership experience managing large, cross-functional teams and complex network operations in multiple geographies.
• Expertise in cutting-edge telecommunications technologies such as 5G, fibre optics, SDN (Software Defined Networking), NFV (Network Function Virtualization), NaaS (Network as a Service) and cloud-based infrastructures.
• Demonstrated experience in international connectivity and undersea cable systems, including partnerships with infrastructure providers.
• Experience working with regulators, suppliers, and industry bodies in Africa is highly desirable.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and execute long-term plans.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills in complex, dynamic environment.
• Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities, with a focus on cross-cultural collaboration.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to present technical insights to non-technical audiences.
• Financial acumen with experience in budget management and cost optimization.

Closing date for Applications: 26 June 2025. 

The base location for this role is Vodacom, Midrand Campus. 

The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.
Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.