Manager - Messaging Platforms.Bayobab at MTN

Mission /Core purpose of the job 

The Manager – Messaging Planning is expected to:

• To provide Leadership to ensure the efficient and effective design, planning, deployment, optimisation, and commissioning of the Messaging Platforms including SMS Routers and SMS Firewalls and related service security and in line with the business requirements (required timelines, budget constraints and quality standards). 
• To provide Leadership for the planning, expansion, and monetisation of the Messaging platforms and to manage the design and planning of sustainable, future-proof platforms that support the present and future Expansion for Bayobab.
• To map out a technology roadmap for technological migration in line with global technology trends and business ambitions.
• To provide sound technical leadership in all aspects of business. The role is expected to be the technology go-to expert and play an integral role in setting up the messaging-based infrastructure to deliver products through service orchestration

Key Performance Areas:

The Manager – Messaging Planning will be accountable to the following objectives:

• Developing the Bayobab planning function to meet the changing needs of the business and users, new projects, and technologi
• Collaborating with business teams to continuously evolve Bayobab core network platforms, focusing on supporting improved performance and customer experience.
• Facilitating Network governance process in coordination with Bayobab stakeholders and Senior Management, participate in planning for future strategic innovation and business needs.
• Defining Messaging platforms planning tools, processes, and standards, and roadmaps.
• Reviewing the designs and functional requirements of the Messaging platforms within scope to ensure that all requirements are satisfied.
• Working with business and technology leaders as appropriate to ensure proper alignment of business systems solutions with business goals and processes. 
• Establishing standards, methodologies, and documentation for the Messaging platforms and network. 
• Deliver a target Product and Services architecture with a 3-year time horizon taking global technology developments into consideration.
• Maintain budgetary spend within the company approved business plan
• Ensure timeous rollout of Messaging platforms, infrastructure, and services.
• According to departmental KPI’s in line with the company mission, objectives and customer satisfaction indices

Staff Leadership and Management

• Accountable for a customer centric culture.
• Employee relations and collaborative teamwork. 
• Build professionalism, loyalty, and commitment to the organization. 
• Communicate actively and effectively resolving any potential conflicts that may arise. 
• Living the Bayobab – changing and influence employees behaviour. 
• Manage conflict proactively and monitor disciplinary and grievance actions and trends 
• Team learning and knowledge sharing within team; appropriate strategic timing for people up-skilling in line with newly developed technologies and strategic practices
• Continually develop a culture of strong collaboration and effective team working.
• Provide definition of roles, responsibilities, individual goals and performance objectives for the direct reports.
• Develop and implement a training plan in order to build and develop skills within the team.
• Performance manages resources in accordance with HR policy and legislation where necessary.
• Actively participate in leadership team and develop skills of own team.
• Promote a ‘partnership approach’ to develop strong relationships with other working groups and ensure adherence to Group governance.

Competencies

• Implementers, Decisive Problem Solver, Best Practice Value Creator 
• Culture and Change Champion, Guiding People Manager, Relationship Builder 
• Results Achiever, Operationally Astute 
• Detailed knowledge on the international telecommunication infrastructure industry regarding latest industry trends and competitive landscape within the Bayobab footprint 
• Strong understanding of managed networks 
• Strong analytical skills to be able to execute market analysis, competitor landscape reports and customer monitoring - Understanding the connectivity infrastructure wholesales landscape with a focus of emerging markets
• Ensures execution of strategies through creating and implementing tactical plans for others to follow
• Encourages commercial innovation and continuous improvement for systems, processes, products, and service offerings
• Role models ethical practices by living the MTN values and vital behaviours for others to follow
• Builds relationships across the business in order to influence decision-makers and build team credibility
• Produces sustainable divisional results through ethical practices
• Sets priorities, plans, organizes and co-ordinates the work of others
• Participate and provide inputs to overall Lanning budgets in line with business objectives, under oversight of SM.

Job Requirements

Education:

• Minimum 4-year Academic Degree (B Eng. / BSc Degree preferred) 
• Master’s degree (advantageous) 
• Relevant certification/accreditation/membership with professional body as required for role 
• Fluent in English and language of country (preferable)

Experience:

• 5+ Years of progressive experience managing the implementation, integration, and operations of carrier-level applications and platforms in a variety of technology footprints and geographies and markets.
• Functional experience in Core platforms including messaging, mobility, roaming, signalling, and related value-added services (VAS) and security.
• Knowledge of IP, CCNA is an added advantage.
• Solid understanding of virtualisation and cloud-based solutions and technologies in relation to Roaming, Messaging and Signalling platforms 
• Hands on experience with Messaging hubs / platforms as well as value added platforms.
• Hands on experience with SMS Routing, Hub and Firewall technology
• Understanding open connectivity roaming hub and/or experience working with Data Clearing Houses is a valuable asset.
• Strong Knowledge on GSM/LTE/5G network architecture and signalling architecture (STP’s/DRA/DEA).
• Strong Knowledge on End to End architecture and connectivity at solution level including core network, signalling, roaming and VAS.
• Expert Knowledge of Signalling  protocols and standards relating to CAMEL/GRX/GTP/DIAMETER, SIP, RTP, MEGACO, SCCP, GSM MAP and SS7/SIGTRAN/ISUP.
• Understanding of the standard call flows for messaging, roaming Vas and Signalling involving multiple services. 
• Basic understanding of IPX and its positioning with the career network infrastructure.
• Understanding of IoT platforms, providers and mobile roaming and roaming VAS.
• Expert in SMS/SMPP data solutions (A2P,P2A, P2P, RCS, etc).
• Understanding of billing systems, CDR’s, TAP flows, TAP files.
• Knowledge of UNIX-Solaris, AIX, HPUX, Windows, Linux and cloud technology including containerisation (CNF’s).
• Extensive knowledge of virtualized environments (VNF’s), API’s.
• Understanding of other core platform and network areas including voice core, unified communications and collaboration, and related value-added services (VAS) and security. Familiarity with SIP and IP Telephony protocols 
• Understanding of troubleshooting processes for connectivity and services.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organisation
• Leadership and organisational skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Time management and agility towards change both organisational and network
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to solve problems using a creative and logical mind set
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies (advantageous)
• Identifying and mitigating risks associated with network planning, ensuring business continuity and minimizing service disruptions

Functional Knowledge: 

• Understanding of telecommunications fundamentals, including concepts like circuit-switched and packet-switched networks, standard protocols and interfaces.
• In-depth knowledge of core network architecture, including various generations of mobile networks (2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G), as well as fixed-line networks.
• Familiarity with network protocols and industry standards, such as GSM, CDMA, LTE, IP, MPLS, and others.
• Knowledge of core network elements like Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), and other elements in 4G and 5G networks.
• Proficiency in using network planning tools and software for capacity planning, and network optimization.
• Ability to assess network capacity requirements and plan for the expansion or enhancement of network resources to meet current and future demands.
• Skills in monitoring and managing network performance, including troubleshooting and optimizing network elements to ensure optimal service quality.
• Awareness of regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the telecommunications industry to ensure legal and operational adherence.
• Keeping abreast of emerging technologies in the telecommunications field, such as network virtualization, cloud-native architectures, and edge computing.
• Collaboration with other departments like operations, engineering, and business development to align network planning with overall business objectives.
• Managing relationships with equipment vendors and staying informed about the latest advancements in network infrastructure technologies.
• Leadership skills to manage a team of network planners, engineers, and analysts, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Strategic thinking
• Technical Acumen
• Business Acumen
• Analytical thinking
• Conflict management
• Data interpretation
• Decision making
• Delivery focused
• Leadership
• Negotiations
• Innovation

Collaboration

Responsibility towards:   

Key internal stakeholders:   

• Product Team
• Other functions within Bayobab
• Bayobab Technology Team
• Group Bayobab Teams
• Regional office teams
• MTN Group Technology
• MTN OPCOs

Key external stakeholders:   

• External auditors/ regulators / statutory bodies (need basis only)