Strategy Development:

- Contribute to shaping the Core network strategy and architecture by articulating the future vision for the Core and pinpointing crucial decision points necessary to realise this vision.
- Conduct research and evaluation of emerging Core technologies, identifying opportunities and addressing concerns arising from technological advancements and trends.
- Develop a target architecture for Products and Services with a 3-year outlook, considering global technological advancements.
- Ensure alignment of Core architecture with business objectives and strategic plans of other departments.

Planning & Delivery:

- Drive the execution of short-term plans.
- Proactively maintain capacity and functionality requirements for core network elements, staying ahead of traffic demands.
- Formulate policies regarding the deployment of specific hardware and software.
- Review and approve detailed designs for Products and Services, balancing business needs with capacity.
- Allocate and supervise resource requirements for design, planning, and implementation.
- Review and approve equipment configurations to be procured from supplier(s), exploring cost optimisation opportunities.
- Coordinate Core plan development and implementation with internal stakeholders.
- Initiate funding requests and issue requests for purchasing to vendors, ensuring accurate verification of bill of materials and equipment/services orders.
- Ensure comprehensive designs for Core network growth and evolution that are readily implementable.
- Oversee the full implementation of Core plans, ensuring a seamless handover to Network Operations for integration into the live network.

Network Optimisation & Performance:

- Establish a future-proof core network design to ensure meeting deliverables according to internal and external customer requirements.
- Ensure availability of resources and systems for optimising Core network to meet quality and performance targets.
- Document and periodically test redundancy and disaster recovery policies.
- Provide resources, systems, and inter-departmental processes to ensure Core network capacity meets business requirements.
- Equip the Core network with appropriate technology capabilities to fulfill business needs.
- Implement effective processes for tracking and reporting performance problems and improvements at the division level.
- Investigate performance issues and identify necessary changes at the division level.
- Optimise the core network to deliver a superior customer experience, aligning with the strategic objective of being the premier network in South Africa.

Communication and Coordination:

- Foster cooperation and support among various departments within the network group at all organisational levels.
- Handle interfaces with other areas of the business beyond the Core department as needed for planning and execution.
- Enhance comprehension of both current and emerging Core network technologies across the organisation to maximize the utilisation of Core developments.
- Provide comprehensive design documentation for both construction and operational purposes.

Financial Management:

- Project, strategise, formulate, and assess Core network budgets and long-term plans in accordance with the business financial guidelines.
- Supervise Core network expenditure to align with approved budgets.
- Optimise Core network budgets and align them with defined priorities.
- Continuously seek to identify and eliminate unnecessary expenditures.

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity:

- Serve as the technical representative during contract negotiations with Commercial/Legal departments.
- Oversee budgetary management for both capital and operational expenses in accordance with Business Unit requirements.
- Coordinate activities among internal departments and resources.
- Establish and manage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for individuals within your reporting structure.
- Recruit, develop, and retain individuals demonstrating exceptional potential.
- Recognise and support top performers while managing underperformers.
- Maintain active communication throughout the Network Group.
- Develop and maintain standards and specifications.
- Conduct performance management of subordinates and ensure timely actioning of annual performance evaluations and Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
- Manage training and development initiatives for subordinates, including identifying required courses and making recommendations.
- Foster team morale and cultivate an attitude focused on improved service delivery.
- Uphold Company values at all times.
- Drive enhancements to methods and processes to boost productivity while upholding stringent quality standards.

Educational requirements:

-Bachelor's Degree or National Technical Diploma with relevant experience. Postgraduate degree advantageous.

Experience:

-5+ years in Telecommunications Mobile Core essential with a broad understanding of RAN and IP technologies.

-Basic financial understanding.

-Leading cross-functional project teams, with at least 2 years at management level.