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Manager Strategic Network Optimisation

Posting Country:  South Africa
Date Posted:  30 Mar 2026
Full Time / Part Time:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Permanent

At Vodacom, we’re working hard to build a better future. A more connected, inclusive and sustainable world. As a dynamic global community, it's our human spirit, together with technology, that empowers us to achieve this. 

We challenge and innovate in order to connect people, businesses, and communities across the world. Delighting our customers and earning their loyalty drive us, and we experiment, learn fast and get it done, together.

With us, you can be truly be yourself and belong, share inspiration, embrace new opportunities, thrive, and make a real difference. 
 

When it comes to putting people first, we're number 1. 

The number 1 Top Employer in South Africa. 
Certified by the Top Employer Institute 2026. 

 

Role Purpose/Business Unit:

 

To serve as Vodacom South Africa’s principal authority for RAN network strategy, optimisation, and performance evolution, accountable for defining, governing, and driving VSA’s multi‑technology (4G/5G/IoT/MOCN) RAN optimisation strategies. The role provides expert-level technical leadership, shaping long‑term RAN architectural direction, baseline templates, feature governance, parameter frameworks, MOCN strategy, predictive AI/ML‑driven optimisation, and end‑to‑end performance excellence across the network.

 

The Manager leads three capability pillars: RAN Network Strategy, RAN Performance & Operations, and Automation & Data Intelligence ensuring cohesive execution of national RAN evolution plans, feature and parameter trials, optimisation frameworks, and data‑driven decision systems.

 

The role influences Vodacom and Vodafone Group standards, vendor roadmaps, and strategic technology direction with respect to features and parameters to ensure VSA retains market‑leading network performance and customer experience.

Your responsibilities will include:

 

  • Lead VSA RAN Strategy, Evolution & Technical Governance: Own the end‑to‑end RAN strategic optimisation roadmap (4G, 5G/5G+,  IoT, MOCN), including baseline parameter template governance, feature strategy, long‑term feature planning, and alignment with Vodafone Group technology direction. Influence vendor feature roadmaps, standards, release validation, and strategic technology decisions, in relationship to key features meant to enhance customer experience.

 

  • Authority for National RAN Performance, Optimisation & Operations: Provide expert‑level leadership for daily/weekly network performance frameworks, OSS, Crowd & Drive test KPI performance improvement & RAN performance governance forums coupled with national execution across all VSA regions.Own high‑impact gap analyses, parameter governance, feature/parameter trials, automated RF optimisation and operations readiness reviews.

 

  • Drive AI/ML‑Enabled Automation, Data Intelligence & Predictive Operations: Accountable for the strategy and evolution of SON, ML‑driven RAN optimisation pipelines, predictive models, prescriptive analytics, data governance, and automation workflows enabling proactive strategic RAN network optimisation.

 

  • Cross‑Functional and Vendor Technology Leadership: Primary strategic interface with vendors, Vodafone Group, engineering, assurance, regulatory teams, NMG, and regions to align RAN strategies, technical frameworks, architecture decisions, feature prioritisation, and optimisation campaigns. Ensure national alignment on RAN baseline standards, templates, releases, performance methodologies, and operational practices.

 

  • Expert Diagnostics, Innovation & Technical Leadership: Act as principal authority for complex RAN investigations, multi‑technology performance diagnostics, protocol analysis (3GPP AS/NAS), data‑driven insights, and identification of emerging risks/opportunities. Mentor technical teams, uplift engineering capability, and steer innovation initiatives, trials, and future network evolution programmes.

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science or related field (essential).
  • 8+ years of Telecommunications experience
  • Postgraduate qualification such as an MSc in Electrical Engineer or similar field preferred.
  • Professional certifications in in 5G, cloud, AI/ML, SON/automation, or data engineering advantageous.

Core competencies, knowledge, and experience:

 

  • Deep specialist expertise in LTE/NR RAN architecture, 3GPP AS/NAS protocols, RRM, MOCN, SON, AI-SON features & parameter frameworks, and multi‑vendor environments (at least 10years).
  • Proven capability in advanced data‑driven analytics, ML/AI frameworks, Python/R‑based analysis, predictive modelling, and automation enablement.
  • Strong strategic technology, parameter and feature planning proficiency, including long‑range RAN evolution, baseline governance, feature/parameter lifecycle management, and vendor roadmap shaping.
  • Demonstrated leadership in complex network investigations, optimisation methodologies, KPI frameworks, and performance governance.
  • Ability to influence and collaborate across senior technical domains (Vodafone Group, NMG, Engineering, Vendors, VSA), with strong analytical, technical writing, architecture, and stakeholder‑management skills

We make an impact by offering:

 

  • Enticing incentive programs and competitive benefit packages
  • Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefits
  • Cell phone and data benefits, advantages fibre connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companies

 


Closing date for Applications: 09 April 2025. 

 


The base location for this role is Midrand, Vodacom 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.

Commitment from Vodacom

Vodacom is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace in which talent is truly recognized, developed and rewarded. We believe that diversity plays an important role in the success of our business and we are committed to creating an inclusive work environment which respects, values, celebrates and makes the most of people’s individual differences - we are not only multinational but multicultural too. At Vodacom you will have access to our excellent flexible benefits programme that you would expect from any global company.

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