To provide Strategic and Operational Leadership to ensure the efficiency and effective planning of various Transmission Systems within the Edge and Access networks, (fibre, microwave, IP systems, Synchronisation and other technologies), whilst meeting the required timelines, budget constraints and quality standards.

Responsibilities

 MTN Access Network Transmission includes BTS, transmission and maintenance of infrastructure in the region.
The MTN GSM Network in accordance to ISO 14000 standards.
Rapidly changing and developing technology environment especially relating to the uncertainties surrounding wireless and fibre
Dealing with multiple 3rd party contractors
Highly competitive environment with customer focus as a key differentiating factor

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA’s)
Task Complexity: 
Strategy Development
•    Ensure input to radio planning & optimisation strategy and identify key decision points to enable Radio vision to be achieved
•    Support the radio strategy and ensure that it aligns with business objectives and the strategic plans of other departments
•    Evaluate new radio technologies and assess opportunities and concerns to be addressed from emerging radio technologies and technology trends
•    Support proposals of RAN strategies for future evolution and positioning

Planning & Delivery
•    Align planning with other functions
•    Assist in obtaining Requirements from the Business
•    Develop 2-3 year plans and translate strategy into both long term and near term plans
•    Ensure alignment with strategy and roadmap
•    Ensure appropriate resources are in place to execute radio technology (features and equipment) evaluation and specification as well as support functions
•    Develop resources and systems to ensure radio network elements are appropriately dimensioned and configured for growth
•    Evaluate new planning & optimisation tools, processes and systems
•    Ensure planning & optimisation tool management
•    Ensure new radio equipment identification, evaluation and specification in conjunction with radio planning dept
•    Ensure radio feature evaluation and specification in conjunction with radio planning dept
•    Ensure radio planning & optimisation tool management
•    Evaluate the functionality and complexity of new P&O products or tools on the market
•    Scope the requirements for trials and participate in the physical evaluation of the products
•    Compile evaluation criteria and performance matrix for tender purposes

Support GSM / UMTS RAN software releases: 
•    Ensure valuation of the functionality and relevance of new RAN software from a technical benefit in conjunction with radio optimisation dept
•    Define the business model decisions motivating the purchase of enhanced radio features in conjunction with radio optimisation dept
•    Ensure new RAN parameters, features and KPI are integrated within existing P&O tools and processes in conjunction with radio optimisation dept

Oversee software development and support
•    Identify new software requirements for the P&O department
•    Ensure the specification and evaluation of all custom software tools developed
•    Ensure that these tools are effective and efficient and maintain relevance and value within the department
•    Ensure end to end integration of software tools and systems
•    Ensure specialised technology support
•    Oversee spectrum management support
•    Prioritise the development of new applications and tools as required by the P&O department
•    Oversee the management of key technology development projects within the Radio Technologies Team
•    Ensure documentation is sufficiently detailed and up to date to ensure business continuity

Network Optimisation & Performance
•    Support the Planning and Optimisation staff with high level problem solving & performance investigations within the Radio Access Network
•    Identify the source of the problem and provide effective solutions
•    Perform technical investigations into topics related to radio network design and performance, such as new types of hardware, new design methodologies and the evolution of telecoms
•    Ensure the network consistently delivers on customer expectations regarding network quality, coverage and capacity
•    Provide appropriate radio network technology capability to achieve business needs
•    Ensure effective processes are in place for continuous improvement from the radio department and feedback is in place for confirmation that plans meet objectives
•    Oversee the Software Support division, i.e. ensure delivery of required level of support within the Planning and Optimisation domain

Project Delivery
•    Develop and drive the execution of agreed projects
•    Drive the implementation, tracking, monitoring and compliance of ProjectsContract management in line with Procurement Policies
•    Co-ordinate project reporting
•    Oversee the management of key technology development projects managed by the Technical Specialist
•    Ensure effective implementation of the integrated project management model
•    Risk management
•    Oversee the management of key technology development projects managed by the Technical Specialist Team

Business Analysis
•    Perform Business Analysis MTN SA Business Analysis in line with the methodology and guidelines
•    Identify ways to fine tune policies, processes and systems in line with changing work practices
•    Determine, document, and review requirements for projects within the scope of the value stream or impacting processes and systems
•    Design, analyse and document workflow and make appropriate recommendations that will positively impact operational effectiveness
•    Identify Business Improvement and Optimisation opportunities that will result in improvement of process performance
•    Ensure that benchmarking is conducted with other companies and organizations within and outside the industry.
•    Construct business cases for initiations proposed by the business. Research and consider best practice, local conditions, trends, as well as competitor activity
•    Identify and implement innovative ways to use minimum resources to achieve maximum outputs

Network Optimisation & Performance
•    Support P&O staff with high level problem solving & performance investigations within the RAN. Identify the source of the problem and provide effective solutions
•    Perform technical investigations into topics related to radio network design and performance, such as new types of hardware, new design methodologies and the evolution of telecoms
•    Ensure the network consistently delivers on customer expectations regarding network quality, coverage and capacity
•    Provide appropriate radio network technology capability to achieve business needs
•    Ensure effective processes are in place for continuous improvement from the radio department and feedback is in place for confirmation that plans meet objectives
•    Oversee the Software Support division, i.e. ensure delivery of required level of support within the P&O domain

Communication and co-ordination
•    Provide support and assistance to Marketing and Sales for MTN technology strategies
•    Ensure co-operation with and support of other network group departments at all levels
•    Manage interfaces with other areas of the MTN business outside of the radio department as required for successful strategy development, planning and implementation
•    Build the understanding of existing and emerging radio network technologies across the business to ensure radio developments are fully exploited

Financial Management
•    Assist in forecasting, planning, developing and reviewing radio network budgets
•    Ensure radio network budgets are optimised for investment where necessary
•    Identify and eliminate non-contributory expenditure
•    Evaluate the functionality and relevance of new RAN software and systems from a financial benefit

Technology Competencies
•    Competent knowledge of GSM/UMTS radio technology
•    Detailed knowledge of GSM / UMTS system design and principles, the Logical and Physical layers of GSM / UMTS radio interface  and RF propagation principles
•    Good knowledge of radio network planning & optimisation techniques
•    Knowledge for appropriate architecture and technology selection, multi-tier application design and development
•    Understanding of protocol analysers, TEMS test tools, OSS Statistics, Call data records and Radio Optimisation tools
•    Understand principles of software development and programming
•    Detailed knowledge of Information Technology trends and best practices with a basic knowledge of telecommunication system trends

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity:  Refers to the responsibilities for directing, guiding, motivating  and influencing others.
High Level Support: 
•    Assist P&O staff with problem solving & performance investigations within the radio access network. Identify the source of the problem and provide effective solutions.
•    Manage supplier relations and support with respect to Customer Serve Requests and coordination of corrective actions

GSM / UMTS RAN Software Releases: 
•    Evaluate the functionality and relevance of new radio access network software from both a technical and financial benefit and provide recommendations to Senior Manager : Radio Network Optimisation
•    Ensure the software features are debugged before implementation and that the new features are utilized to enhance the performance and efficiency of the radio network. Assist in the rolling out of these features.
•    Ensure Planning and Optimization engineers understand the advanced radio features and their functionality
•    Ensure new radio parameters and features are integrated within existing P&O tools and processes

Technical Investigations: 
•    Perform technical investigations into topics related to radio network design and performance, such as new types of hardware, new design methodologies and the evolution of telecoms
•    Propose and recommend radio access network strategies for future evolution and positioning

Evaluation of Radio Planning and Optimisation Tools:
•    Evaluate the functionality and complexity of new P&O products or tools on the market.
•    Scope the requirements for trials and participate in the physical evaluation of the products
•    Compile evaluation criteria and performance matrix for tender purposes
  Qualifications

Minimum Requirements  – minimum necessary, and not the ideal / preferred should be included.
Education:
•    Minimum of 4 year tertiary qualification in Electrical/Electronic Engineering / Masters advantageous
•    Qualification in Business & Project Management advantageous
•    Fluent in English

Experience:
•    Manager track record of 5 years or more; with at least 3 years in GSM/UMTS or telecommunications with a proven track record
•    Worked across diverse cultures and geographies advantageous