Principal Spec: Technology Efficiency PM

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:

Lead the Group Technology Efficiency programme and Group-wide network delivery initiatives to optimise capex and opex across Vodacom OpCos. The role combines programme/project leadership, governance, data-driven performance optimisation, and executive-level reporting to accelerate savings, standardisation, and best-practice adoption across markets.

Your responsibilities will include:

Programme & Project Management

• Develop, implement, and manage integrated programme and project plans aligned to GN strategy, with clear milestones, inter-dependencies, risks, and mitigations.
• Coordinate interdepartmental activities on behalf of the Group Networks team within Vodacom Group, Vodafone, VPC and the Vodacom Group Markets.
• Act as a single point of contact to the Group CTO’s Office, Parallel Group Tech Departments (e.g. IT, Energy, Cyber, etc.), Supply Chain, Finance, Legal and corresponding market equivalents.
• Monitor and govern rollout, budgets and benefits, track performance against KPIs, and drive corrective actions; perform post-implementation reviews to capture learnings.
• Maintain robust stakeholder engagement and cadence (steerco updates, issue escalation, decision logs).

Technology Efficiency & Innovation

• Run the Technology Efficiency & Innovation governance framework across the Vodacom footprint; sustain a pipeline of savings and standardisation opportunities.
• Benchmark key capex/opex categories across markets; consolidate results into GN dashboards and market scorecards.
• Drive special strategic projects focused on modernisation, standardisation, and digital enablers that unlock efficiency at scale.
• Support energy efficiency across all OpCos in line with Vodafone’s global greenhouse-gas agenda.

Best‑Practice Sharing & External Engagement

• Act as principal liaison with Vodafone, vendors, and SMEs to curate and roll out best practices; organise regular workshops and clinics to accelerate adoption.
• Identify and promote inter‑OpCo reuse of methods and solutions proven in mature markets.

Business Case, Financials & Analytics

• Prepare high‑quality business cases for Group initiatives; run cost–benefit and scenario analyses to support executive decisions.
• Foster a data‑driven culture; design and maintain KPIs, reports, and executive dashboards that translate data into action.

Governance & Reporting

• Operate formal programme governance at EXCO‑relevant forums; produce concise, impactful packs for senior stakeholders across Group and markets.

Ways of Working

• Travel to OpCos as required; no direct line reports but strong virtual leadership of cross‑functional teams. 

Typical Outputs

• Efficiency & Innovation governance forum packs and minutes at Group/EXCO level.
• Integrated programme plans, RAID logs, dashboards, and monthly performance reports (actuals vs plan).
• Investment cases and post‑implementation reviews with quantified benefits.

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

• 10+ years in telecommunications with significant technical leadership; strong exposure to analysis, investigations, and research.
• 5+ years leading complex programmes/projects (preferably Group/OpCo contexts).
• RAN/core exposure (GSM/UMTS/LTE as baseline); fixed/mobile architecture, planning, build and operations know-how.
• Demonstrated experience in financial modelling and ROI/benefits realisation.
• Bachelor’s degree Telecommunications/Business/Finance/Statistics (or related).
• Relevant PM certifications (PMP/Prince2/Agile/Six Sigma) advantageous.
• Advantageous: Experience working with African OpCos.

Core competencies, knowledge, and experience:

• Programme/Project Management & Governance; risk, schedule, budget, benefits control.
• Strong technology skills across network architecture, planning, build, and operations (fixed & mobile).
• Data & analytics for decision‑making; KPI design; dashboarding (e.g., Power BI/Tableau/MS Suite).
• Business case development; commercial acumen (revenue, margin, ROI).
• Communication (executive‑level writing and presentations); stakeholder and vendor management; virtual leadership.
• Strategic and innovative thinking; research ('questioning mind').

Working Relationships

• Internal: Group Networks leadership and pillars; OpCo CTIO/Network leadership; Group Finance; SCM; Legal; PMO communities.
• External: Vodafone Group domain leads; strategic vendors and solution partners; industry forums (as relevant).

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: 22 July 2026. 

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.