Manager – Core Network

Job Description

Reporting to: Head of Network Planning & Implementation
Band: 4.2
Department: Technology Division
About This Role
The Manager-Core Network Planning will provide Strategic and Operational Leadership to ensure the efficient and effective planning of the core Mobile (Voice and Data) and Fixed line voice network in line with the business requirements (required timelines, budget constraints and quality standards). Systems include MSC, HLR, SGSN, GGSN, SSW, MGW, IMS etc.).
What You Will Do
Strategic Planning:

Ensure future proof Core network design to guarantee deliverables are met according to customer requirements both internal and external
Active participation in expansion and growth of the network
Translate TKL’s Business plan and subscriber growth assumptions into:

Requirements for the Core Network
Requirements for the IP Network

Strategically drive the Design and plan for cost efficient/least cost core, to support rollout with a 5+ year time horizon taking cognizance of technology developments.

Capacity Planning and network architectural design:

Maintains capacity and functionality requirements timeously and ahead of traffic for the PS Core, CS Core network according to departmental KPI’s in line with the company elements
Develop policies on the deployment of selected equipment
Approve detailed Product and Service design (route sizes, etc.)
Approve equipment configurations to be ordered from supplier(s) including cost control
Ensures that all the licensing requirements are met and controls budget directly related to any upgrades or licensing requirements, mission, objectives and customer satisfaction indices
Sufficient headroom according to KPI’s to provide flexibility in customer and traffic growth

Vendor Management:

Participate as technical lead in all procurement negotiations with vendors and select vendors based on technical expertise and ability to rollout

Core Network Rollout:

Oversee Rollout of the core network
Ensure on time planning and designs are released
Oversee and drive rollout, installation and integration of new nodes and systems

Core Network Rollout:

Oversee, drive and manage network performance in the core areas
Provide weekly and monthly reporting on performance

Requirements for the job

B.Sc. Electrical/Telecommunications/ Engineering
Seven years in Core Network Planning
Additional Training in Network planning & optimization, Advanced Telecommunications and network overview, Supervisory and Leadership Training
Worked across diverse cultures and geographies is advantageous
At least 5 years’ managerial experience; with three years in relevant sector/ industry

Professional Skills:

Ability to take clear and economically sound decisions in a fast moving competitive environment
People leadership and management skills and demonstrated ability to build and energize teams
Strong “can-do“ attitude combined with an ability to take a step back and articulate the strategic implications of key decisions
Excellent relationship building (interpersonal skills)and negotiation skills, to establish successful partnerships with vendors and partners
Good networking skills – the ability to build relationships internally that foster the flow of work