Manager - Automation.Bayobab at MTN

JOB DESCRIPTION

Mission/ Core purpose of the job

• The Manager - Automation will form a part of a highly skilled group of commercial, technical and management experts who are responsible for wholesaling and leveraging Bayobab global fixed / mobile connectivity infrastructure, within the MTN Group and developing the external business for 3rd party carrier providers. 
• The role will overview the Automation needs of Bayobab. The Manager - Automation will cater to internal customers (MTN Group OpCos) and external customers (3rd parties, e.g. global carriers, ISPs, MNOs and digital players) when it comes to the fulfilment of orders. The role will develop and define initiatives to assist in strategic positioning of connectivity services to maximise revenues from MTN Group’s fixed / mobile network capacity and connectivity, as well as other assets (e.g. satellite). The Manager - Automation position is driven by the need to enhance efficiency & reduce costs through the integration of advanced technologies like AI, robotics, and IoT. It is pivotal in strategizing, implementing, and overseeing these advanced technologies, ensuring competitive advantage and operational excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Performance Areas 

Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's)

The Manager - Automation will be accountable for the following:

• Design, implement, and manage automation systems to improve efficiency across various operational processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities and develop project scopes and requirements
• Develop and maintain detailed documentation for automation systems, including user manuals, system configurations, and maintenance procedures
• Monitor the performance of automation systems, conducting regular audits and adjustments to optimize productivity and reduce downtime
• Manage the budget for automation projects, including forecasting costs, tracking expenses, and ensuring projects are completed within financial constraints
• Research and implement new technologies and methodologies in automation to keep the organization at the forefront of industry advancements
• This role demands a deep understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of automation within a business context
• Automation pipeline: define a framework to identify good automation candidates
• Benefits Identification: Identify and prioritize business processes for automation
• Processes Revamping: enhancing operational efficiency by scrutinizing existing workflows to identify and eliminate redundancies
• Harnesses advanced algorithms, machine learning, and natural language processing to automate tasks. It can streamline operations, detect anomalies, and provide real-time insights 
• Through the strategic use of technology and data analytics, will redesign procedures to ensure automation solutions are scalable and align with organizational objectives
• Robotics Process Automation & Integration: seamless incorporation of robotic systems into processes & existing systems 
• Automate repetitive tasks typically performed by humans using software e.g. ChatBots, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in conjunction with the data Engineering Business Intelligence Team
• Systems Scalability: ensuring that automated systems can accommodate increasing demands without sacrificing performance or reliability. 
• Meticulously plan and execute scalable solutions that can evolve alongside the organization, incorporating new technologies and processes to sustain efficiency and productivity
• Continuous Improvement Methodologies: By adopting a systematic approach, identify and rectify inefficiencies within automation processes and workflows, leveraging data analysis to anticipate future enhancements, ensuring the automation strategy remains responsive to technological progress and business requirements
• Data Analytics: review extensive datasets to uncover patterns, trends, and actionable insights to identify opportunities for automation, streamline operations, and forecast the impacts of automation initiatives, aligning them with strategic business objectives and optimizing investment returns

QUALIFICATIONS

Job Requirements

Education  

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Technology. 
• MSc, MBA is an added advantage
• Coursework included programming, systems analysis, project management, and automation technologies (desired)
• English, with French as advantage 

Experience 

• 5+ years’ experience with automation technologies and project management, with significant exposure to designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems
• On-the-job training, complemented by formal training programs in leadership and technology management (desired)
• Demonstrates a blend of experience in overseeing technical teams, managing budgets, and driving innovation in automation projects
• Deep understanding of both the technical and strategic aspects of automation within a business context
• Skills within the telecommunication space, preferably in the wholesale/enterprise/ and carrier environment
• Track record of delivery of API orchestration layer
• Track record of delivery of RPA projects
• Track record, or AI courses of any sort
• Track record of delivery of BPM (business process management)
• Strong UX/UI skills

Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) (as advantage)
• Certified Automation Professional (CAP) (desired)
• Six Sigma certifications
• TM Forum certifications
• MEF certifications

Competencies

• Understanding of the fixed connectivity infrastructure wholesale landscape with a focus on emerging markets
• Processes Optimization
• Understanding & proven track record delivery of automation projects that included: integrations, orchestration, open digital architecture & AI/ML
• Product Order Orchestration & Management with TM Forum & MEF Standards (desired)
• Strong networking skills to build professional relationships 
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical, organisational and planning skills to execute commercial reports 
• Strong computer literacy
• Project management skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset