Website MTN
MTN Group Limited entered the telecommunications scene at the dawn of South Africa’s democracy, in 1994. In 1998, we began our expansion by acquiring licences in Rwanda, Uganda and Swaziland. Since then, we continued to grow, with a view of bringing world-class telecommunications and digital servi… read moreces to markets across Africa and the Middle East. Through our extensive investment in advanced communication infrastructure over the past two decades, the talent and experience of our people, as well as the strength of our brand, we have grown to now have a presence in 24 countries, connecting over 231.0 million people. We offer an integrated suite of communications products and services, including traditional mobile voice and data, digital and mobile financial services as well as enterprise services. MTN continues to believe in the investment potential of emerging markets and thus deliver quality services that respond to our customers’ present and future needs. Every initiative undertaken, every innovative stride made, every award-winning product developed, is aimed at making our clients’ lives a whole lot brighter, as we lead the delivery of a "bold, new Digital World”. MTN Group Limited Innovation Centre 216 14th Avenue Fairlands
Job Description
Mission/ Core purpose of the Job: (Short description)
Provide visionary leadership and operational excellence for the planning, integration, optimization, and lifecycle management of MTN’s next-generation transport networks, ensuring high performance, resilience, and alignment with business and digital transformation objectives.
Responsibilities
Context:
(Global influences, environmental / industry demands, organisational mission, etc.)
Global trends, technology changes, market changes and the MTN Network and Technology requirements.
Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA’s)
Task Complexity:
Strategic input
Provide input into the Network Operations strategy for the Transport Network Operations department
Provide input into the annual business plan
Translate the Network Operations strategies into operational plans and activities to realise these strategies within the Transport Network Operations department
Shape and execute the transport network strategy in alignment with MTN’s digital transformation, 5G, and cloud-first vision.
Drive adoption of SD-WAN, 5G transport, IP/MPLS, OTN, and edge computing to support evolving business and customer needs.
Lead research and implementation of AI-driven network automation, orchestration, and security solutions.
Ensure network architecture is future-proof, scalable, and supports MTN’s ambitions in IoT, enterprise, and digital services.
Operational Excellence (Overall)
Manage and co-ordinate the integration and maintenance of the following technologies and systems: Microwave, Fibre and Converged Transport Network and future technologies, the TX network including its associated components such as cabling and fibre technologies, the IP Routed and Switched Network for MTN and the NMS Systems for MTN
Overseas all configuration management and second line fault management for the transport network.
Ensure appropriate resources are in place to manage these areas and aspects of the transport network
Ensure appropriate resources are in place to integrate new transport network elements and carry out upgrades to existing
Ensure the transport network operations department provides expert input and feedback to support network design
Approve transport network designs which meet necessary operations and configuration criteria and drive commitment for the implementation and integration of network infrastructure according to these designs
Ensure comprehensive configuration tests and acceptance procedures are carried out to ensure full compatibility and maintain network performance during the integration of new and upgrades to existing transport network infrastructure
Contribute to the development and implementation of the network spares management policy, support audits of the spares management database and support authorisation of requisitions for new spares
Identify new opportunities for operational efficiency and eliminate processes or activities that are not adding value
Give guidance in Developing new initiatives for integration into all MTN Group Opco’s within the context of this position
Make sure to be consulted in the planning and design and implementation phase of the network roll-out and upgrades
Take accountability for transport network ops and services
Ensure that design problems are communicated and provide input to design team
Ensure Transport Network Operations documentation of live network configurations is comprehensive, up to date, accurate and maintained effectively
Oversee integration, operation, and optimization of SD-WAN, 5G, OTN, Ethernet, and converged transport networks.
Champion automation and use of AI/ML for predictive maintenance, self-healing, and real-time network analytics.
Ensure robust disaster recovery, redundancy, and cybersecurity measures are in place.
Drive continuous improvement in network performance, availability, and customer experience.
Vendor Management and ensuring SLAs are me
Network Optimisation & Performance
Ensure future proof Transmission network design to guarantee deliverables are met according to customer requirements both internal and external
Ensure resources and systems are in place for optimising the Transmission network to meet quality and performance targets
Ensure Internet Service Provider (ISP), Network Service Provider (NSP) and Wireless Application Service Provider (WASP) requirements are met and oversee technical planning initiatives
Ensure the Transmission network consistently delivers on customer expectations
Ensure redundancy and disaster recovery policy
Provide resources, systems and inter-departmental process to ensure Transmission network capacity meets business requirements
Provide appropriate Transmission network technology capability to achieve business needs
Ensure effective processes are to track and report on performance problems and performance improvements on division level
Ensure investigation of performance issues and identification changes required on division level
Ensure review of design and drive optimisation changes
Communication and co-ordination
Continuously review and update best practice implementation for transport network operations
Provide guidance and input to the network operations centre to ensure efficient fault management, change management, and integration of new transport network elements
Guide and assist packet switch support environment
Use technical ability to advise and provide input when require
Project Management and Change Management
Develop and drive the execution of agreed projects
Risk management
Lead cross-functional teams in delivering complex network transformation projects on time and within budget.
Implement agile methodologies and DevOps practices for rapid deployment and iteration of network services.
Manage vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and ensure compliance with procurement and regulatory standards.
Financial Management and Resource Management
Manage budgeting and preparing of tenders
Develop and manage budgets for transport network operations, ensuring cost efficiency and value creation.
Optimize OPEX and CAPEX through automation, virtualization, and strategic sourcing.
Oversee resource planning, upskilling, and workforce transformation to support digital operations.
People & Culture
Manage the Team and their KPI’s and ensure that all are delivering against the Department’s objectives and KPI’s
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams with expertise in cloud, automation, cybersecurity, and next-gen networking.
Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team and across the organization.
Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate with internal stakeholders (engineering, IT, digital, marketing, enterprise business) to deliver integrated solutions.
Engage with external partners, hyperscalers, and industry forums to stay ahead of technology trends and regulatory changes.
Ensure alignment with customer requirements, SLAs, and MTN’s brand promise.
Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity: Refers to the responsibilities for directing, guiding, motivating and influencing others.
Manage Operations to ensure completion taking into account financial constraints
Develop career paths for all staff
Motivation of team members
Leadership
Management of Staff
Performance management of Team and Direct Reports
Role Complexity:
This role operates at a high level of strategic and technical complexity, requiring deep expertise in Transmission network architecture, optimisation, and performance management. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the network is future-proof, scalable, and aligned with both internal and external customer expectations. The role demands cross-functional coordination, advanced planning capabilities, and the ability to translate business requirements into robust technical solutions.
Lateral Dimensions: These indicate the areas where the individuals could contribute uniquely in addition to the indicated duties, as well as how they could be affected by others or circumstances not necessarily under their control.
Creativities (improvement/innovation inherent) Indicates the potential for improvement and / or innovation inherent in a position.
Recommendation to the IS division in terms of Transport technologies, Support and Integration of systems
Involvement with the core GSM switching networks, i.t.o. movement toward the IP generation of networks for both Voice and Data
Vulnerabilities (control span) Refers to the latent difficulties, or things that could potentially go wrong that affect a specific position.
Such vulnerabilities may / may not be under the control of the incumbent. Direct implication or first level of impact.
In-adequate planning
Split Networks across IS and NWG make it more difficult to ensure maximum performance and availability
Insufficient inputs from Marketing regarding business/product requirements
Lack of cooperation from other internal departments
Unexpected traffic growth
Skill level of the team constantly under threat (retention of staff)
Budgetary constraints – provide a balance between cost and opportunities of local market
Drastic changes in network requirements brought about by the dynamic nature of the mobile telecommunications industry
Collaboration: Refers to formal and informal relationships
Responsibility towards: who are they and what do they receive from the incumbent.
Direct reports: Manager: Transmission Operations and Manager: TNO Optimization
Key customers: All corporate GPRS, Data and 3G customers
Key suppliers
Relations, etc.: other divisions within the MTN Group, both local and international
Discretionary Space: The degree to which individuals are allowed to exercise independent thought and judgment.
Independent thought and Judgment: Relates to the decision-making constraints place upon a position or conversely, the degree of freedom in decision-making.
Make decisions related to performance of the systems and networks maintained to ensure uptime and high performance.
Makes product purchase decisions
Makes staffing decisions
Authorities:
Inputs and recommendations into support and maintenance agreements with OEM or VAR’s (Original equipment Manufactures, Value added resellers)
Authorises staff overtime and staff expenses and leave requirements
Staff recruitment within budgetary constraints
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements – minimum necessary, and not the ideal / preferred should be included.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
Certifications in cloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), SDN/NFV, or cybersecurity are advantageous
Experience:
7+ years in telecom/network operations, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
Proven track record in managing large-scale IP/MPLS, 5G, SD-WAN, and cloud-based transport networks.
Experience with automation, AI/ML in network operations, and digital transformation projects.
Exposure to multi-vendor, multi-domain environments and global best practices.
Competencies
Training:
Strategic thinking and execution
Advanced knowledge of modern transport technologies (5G, SD-WAN, OTN, IP/MPLS, cloud networking)
Strong leadership, people management, and change management skills
Financial acumen and business case development
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills
Agile, DevOps, and digital mindset
Tools & Working Conditions
Proficiency with AI-driven network management platforms, automation/orchestration tools, and cloud-native environments.
Flexible work arrangements, digital collaboration tools, and readiness for remote/hybrid operations.
On-call rotation and availability for critical incident response.
General working conditions
After hours work essential
with flexible/remote work options
KPA Quality Standards
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Network availability, performance, and customer satisfaction
Successful delivery of network transformation projects
Cost optimization and budget adherence
Team engagement, upskilling, and retention
Innovation and adoption of new technologies
Apply Before 10/03/2025
go to method of application »
Apply via company website ( http://www.mtn.com ) or