Senior Manager : IP Planning and Optimisation at MTN

Primary Job Purpose: 

• Take accountability and responsibility for the efficient Planning, Design and Optimization of a sustainable, future-proof IP network (Mobile and ISP) in line with the business requirements of MTN SA (required timelines, budget constraints, roll out of roadmap and quality standards). 

Key Performance Areas:

Strategy Development

• Contribute to IP network strategy and architecture clearly describing the future vision for IP and identifying key decision points to enable this vision to be achieved
• Contribute to IP network security strategy and architecture clearly describing the future vision for IP network security and identifying key decision points to enable this vision to be achieved
• Contribute to IP network security strategy and architecture clearly describing the future vision for ISP IP network and identifying key decision points to enable this vision to be achieved
• Research and assess new IP technologies: Identify opportunities and concerns to be addressed from emerging IP technologies and technology trends
• Research and assess new IP network security technologies: Identify opportunities and concerns to be addressed from emerging IP network security technologies and technology trends
• Deliver a target Product and Services architecture with a 3 year time horizon taking global technology developments into consideration
• Ensure the IP architecture of Mobile, ISP and Network security architecture align with business objectives and the strategic plans of other departments

Planning & Delivery

• Drive execution of near term and long term plans
• Maintain capacity and functionality requirements timeously and ahead of traffic needs for IP network and network security elements.
• Develop policies on the deployment of selected equipment
• Oversee and approve detailed Product and Service design (route sizes, dimension)
• Ensure identification of geographical location for equipment to be installed
• Assign and oversee resource requirements to complete design, planning and process tasks
• Oversee and approve equipment configurations to be ordered from supplier(s) including cost containment
• Ensure the IP plan and its implementation are co-ordinated with those of Radio, Core, Enterprise Business Unit (EBU), Group and Transmission
• Ensure detailed designs for IP network growth and evolution are comprehensive and can be directly implemented
• Ensure implementation of IP plans is carried out fully with a smooth handover to Network Operations, EBU operations or Group for cutover and integration into the live network
• Oversee implementation by IP implementation team and resolve any design issues
• Request funding and issue request for purchasing (RFP) to vendor, verify bill of material and confirm order of equipment and services
• Ensure configuration loading and verification

Network Optimisation & Performance

• Ensure future proof IP network (Mobile and ISP) and security network design to guarantee deliverables are met according to customer requirements both internal and external
• Ensure resources and systems are in place for optimising the IP network (Mobile and ISP) to meet quality and performance targets
• Ensure Internet Service Provider (ISP), Network Service Provider (NSP) and Wireless Application Service Provider (WASP) requirements are met and oversee technical planning initiatives
• Ensure the IP network consistently delivers on customer expectations
• Ensure redundancy and disaster recovery policy
• Provide resources, systems and inter-departmental process to ensure IP network capacity meets business requirements
• Provide appropriate IP network technology capability to achieve business needs
• Ensure effective processes are to track and report on performance problems and performance improvements on division level
• Ensure investigation of performance issues and identification changes required on division level
• Ensure review of design and drive optimisation changes

Communication and co-ordination

• Ensure co-operation with and support of other network group departments at all levels
• Manage interfaces with other areas of the MTN business outside of the IP department as required for successful strategy development, planning and implementation
• Build the understanding of existing and emerging IP network technologies across the business to ensure IP developments are fully exploited
• Ensure provision of detailed design documentation for build and operations

Financial Management

• Ensures that all the licensing requirements are met and controls budget directly related to any upgrades or licensing requirements
• Forecast, plan, develop and review IP network budgets and long range plans in line with MTN SA financial requirements
• Manage IP network expenditure in line with agreed budgets
• Ensure IP network budgets are optimised and linked to clear priorities with proper business cases
• Continuously strive to identify and eliminate non-contributory expenditure
• Drive improvements to methods and processes to increase productivity, at the same time maintaining strict quality levels.

Technology Competencies

• Interpret URS, Telecommunications Industry understanding, User Trends within Telecommunication, Trends of convergence of Networks, Voice Over-IP, Trends within Technology, Network Business Objectives, Knowledge of vendors and suppliers capacity and trends, Knowledge of other network providers developments, Basic Telecomm legislation, Basic ICASA regulations,
• Equipment dimensioning principles, Telecoms facilities, IP/MPLS networks, routing protocols, GSM fundamentals, IP/MPLS OSS system
• Thorough understanding of design aspects of L2VPN, L3VPN, pseudo wires, CSC and legacy systems
• Good knowledge of network security aspects

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity: 

• Act as Technical representative in contract negotiations with Commercial/Legal departments
• Control budgetary management for both capital and operational expenditure in line with the Business Units requirements
• Manage activities between internal MTN departments and resources.
• Set and manage KPI’s for personnel
• Recruits, develops, and retains people with outstanding potential
• Identifies and nurtures top performers and manage under-performers.
• Communicate actively throughout Network Group and relevant interfacing departments
• Develop and manage standards and specifications
• Motivation of personnel

Minimum Requirements

Education:

• Minimum of 4 year Technical tertiary qualification / Masters advantageous
• Fluent in English

Experience:

• Manager track record of 5 years or more
• 3 years or more in management role within Telecommunications,IP standards, protocols and applications essential.
• Basic financial understanding.
• Leading cross-functional project teams, with at least 2 years at management level.
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies advantageous

Please note that MTN is an equal opportunity employer.