Manager: Telecommunications (2984) at The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree / BTech / Advanced Diploma (NQF  Level 7) in one of the following fields: Telecommunications Engineering or Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering or Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
• Project Management Professional/ Prince 2/ Agile  
• 10 years’ relevant in telecommunications, network infrastructure or ICT Operations.  
• 3 years’ management experience in telecommunications leadership.

ADVANTAGEOUS:

• Cisco Certified Network Professional  
• ITIL Foundation  
• Fibre Optic Network Design / Telecommunications Engineering certifications

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operational Maintenance Execution (24/7 Environment)

• Define, implement, and enforce network architecture standards for WAN, fibre optic infrastructure, IP/MPLS networks, and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) connectivity.
• Oversee real-time monitoring of telecommunications infrastructure through Network Operations Centre (NOC) tools to ensure proactive detection of faults, performance degradation, and service interruptions.
• Establish and maintain network redundancy, resilience, and failover mechanisms to minimise downtime and ensure continuous service availability.
• Lead the management of major incidents, including Priority 1 and Priority 2 outages, by coordinating cross-functional technical teams to restore services within agreed service levels.
• Provide executive-level operational updates, incident reporting, and risk communication during critical service disruptions.
• Approve and oversee network configuration changes, infrastructure upgrades, patch management, and technology refresh activities.
• Ensure seamless integration and interoperability between core telecommunications infrastructure, tolling systems, and ITS platforms, including traffic monitoring systems, roadside sensors, and Variable Message Signs (VMS).
• Drive network performance optimisation initiatives, including bandwidth management, latency reduction, throughput improvement, and service quality enhancement.
• Oversee capacity planning and infrastructure expansion models to support increasing traffic volumes, toll transaction growth, and smart mobility initiatives.
• Ensure telecommunications infrastructure design aligns with cybersecurity standards, including network segmentation, secure access controls, threat monitoring, and resilience against cyber threats.

Strategic Direction & Commercialization

• Serve as the primary liaison with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa on all telecommunications regulatory matters affecting SANRAL.
• Ensure compliance with the Electronic Communications Act and all applicable telecommunications regulations, standards, and industry frameworks.
• Oversee ECNS and ECS licence applications, renewals, amendments, and spectrum usage compliance where applicable.
• Monitor regulatory developments and policy changes within the telecommunications sector, and advise SANRAL on business impact, compliance obligations, and required strategic adjustments.
• Ensure the timely submission of regulatory reports, statutory returns, compliance declarations, and audit responses to relevant authorities.
• Develop, review, and maintain internal telecommunications policies, standards, and procedures aligned with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure telecommunications operations comply with Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), cybersecurity frameworks, and SANRAL’s ICT governance standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED:

Regulatory & Compliance Management

• Lead SANRAL’s engagement with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and other relevant regulatory bodies on telecommunications matters.
• Ensure compliance with the Electronic Communications Act, spectrum regulations, and all applicable telecommunications licensing frameworks, including ECNS and ECS. Oversee the application, renewal, amendment, and management of telecommunications licenses required for SANRAL operations.
• Manage regulatory reporting obligations, compliance submissions, and audit processes to ensure adherence to statutory requirements.
• Monitor changes in telecommunications legislation, regulatory directives, and policy developments, and assess their impact on SANRAL operations.
• Align SANRAL’s telecommunications strategy, operations, and commercialisation initiatives with national ICT policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Telecommunications Asset Management 

• Establish, maintain, and continuously update a centralised telecommunications asset register for all network infrastructure and related equipment. Oversee the full lifecycle management of telecommunications assets, including fibre optic networks, DWDM transmission equipment, IP network devices, towers, ducts, and associated infrastructure. Implement predictive maintenance, preventative maintenance, and reliability engineering practices to improve asset availability and reduce service disruptions. Ensure continuous uptime, connectivity, and operational readiness of telecommunications infrastructure supporting ITS outstations and field devices. Monitor and support connectivity for critical ITS systems, including traffic cameras, sensors, roadside communication devices, and Variable Message Signs (VMS). Drive integration of telecommunications assets with central traffic management and operational monitoring platforms to support smart mobility and intelligent transport initiatives.
• Monitor asset performance trends, identify infrastructure risks, and implement corrective actions to enhance service reliability and operational efficiency.

Telecommunications Portfolio, Vendor and Operational Governance Management 

• Manage relationships with telecommunications vendors, OEMs, contractors, and service providers to ensure effective service delivery and contractual compliance.
• Oversee vendor performance against agreed service levels, key performance indicators, cost efficiency targets, and project delivery timelines.
• Lead contract management processes, including supplier negotiations, contract renewals, performance reviews, and value realisation from outsourced services.
• Manage the telecommunications portfolio, ensuring alignment with SANRAL’s strategic goals, prioritisation of initiatives, and effective programme governance.
• Oversee portfolio financial management, including CAPEX and OPEX budgets, resource allocation, and management of programme interdependencies.
• Implement governance structures and reporting mechanisms, including Stage Gate reviews, Steering Committee (SteerCo) processes, RAID management, and executive reporting dashboards.
• Lead and develop a high-performing telecommunications team, including network engineers, telecom specialists, and programme managers.
• Drive staff performance, skills development, succession planning, and a culture of accountability, innovation, compliance, and operational excellence.

Closing date for applications: 19 June 2026