Senior Manager: Core Planning & Optimisation

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.