Senior Manager - Platforms Infrastrucre.MTN GlobalConnect at MTN

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Role will be accountable to achieve the following objectives: 

• Developing the MTN GC planning function to meet the changing needs of the business and users, new projects, and technologies
• Collaborating with business teams to continuously evolve MTN GC systems, focusing on supporting increased sales, customer experience, and profitability.
• Facilitating Network governance process in coordination with MTN GCTIO stakeholders and Senior Management, participate in planning for future strategic innovation and business needs.
• Defining Core network planning tools, processes, and standards, and roadmaps.
• Reviewing the designs and functional requirements of the Core network 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 Core networks. 
• 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 Core infrastructure and services.
• According to departmental KPI’s in line with the company mission, objectives, and customer satisfaction indices

QUALIFICATIONS

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 in a variety of technology footprints.
• Functional experience in Core platforms including messaging, mobility, roaming, Signaling, 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 Signaling platforms 
• Hands on experience with Roaming, Messaging and Signaling 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 Signaling architecture (STP’s/DRA/DEA).
• Strong Knowledge on End to End architecture and connectivity at solution level including core network, Signaling, roaming and VAS.
• Expert Knowledge of Signaling 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 Signaling 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.
• Functional experience in Core platforms including voice, unified communications and collaboration, and related value-added services (VAS) and security.
• Familiarity with SIP and IP Telephony protocols and call flows as well a troubleshooting 
• Extensive knowledge of virtualized environments (VNF’s) and API’s.
• Extensive knowledge of cloud native solutions i.e containerisation (CNF’s).
• Strong Knowledge on IMS Core technologies and GSM/LTE/5G network architecture.
• Strong knowledge in Voice Core network elements - MSC, MGW, HLR, HSS, SBC and IMS (TAS and CSCF), EPC.
• Extensive experience with unified communications and collaboration (UCC) platforms including voice, IP telephony, instant messaging, desktop sharing, presence and web conferencing, audio and video conferencing, hosted contact centre solutions, etc.
• Strong understanding of various deployment architectures and approaches including customer premise, infrastructure partnerships, interconnects, cloud delivery UCaaS, etc.
• Understanding and experience with IP, VoLTE, VoWiFi, or IMS nodes (SBG, CSCF, DNS/ENUM, MMTEL, SCC-AS, HSS, AFG).
• Experience and knowledge with Mobile Number portability and Number inventory management solutions.
• Platform analytics relating to voice and UCC platforms.
• 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) 
• Manager track record of 3 years or more; with at least 2 years in relevant sector/ industry
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies advantageous