Senior Manager - TCOE Converged Enterprise Networking Platform.Technology Information at MTN

Mission/Core purpose of the JobWorking closely with the MTN Executive Leadership Team and the Opco CEOs, the Executive: Group 

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job:

• To provide Strategic and Operational Leadership to ensure the efficient and effective planning of various converged enterprise network systems within the Enterprise space, focusing on SDWAN, SDN, Cloud connectivity, Wi-fi, 5G & Enterprise Customer networks according to required timelines, budget constraints and quality standards. 
• To manage the Provisioning initiative when it comes to the deployment of layer three (3) and above services in accordance with the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) Stack
• To manage the future growth within the Enterprise Business & Budgetary priorities in terms of existing 3rd Party business relationships while continually assessing Risk and Return
• To map out the Enterprise technology roadmap for technological migration in line with global technology trends in relation to Enterprise IP Networks also referred to as ISP Networks 
• To ensure a clear & concise strategy is defined for Enterprise Automation, Optimisation & tooling focusing on the ISP network layers
• To manage the optimisation of Converged Enterprise Networks, including the management of Enterprise Network and Enterprise Service-related performance & KPI criteria, in relation to Enterprise Customer & Network SLAs

Context (Global influences, environmental / industry demands, organisational mission etc.)
Context:

• Ability to create an Enterprise technological strategy in line with the company’s business requirements
• Ability to keep track of global technology advancements and stay abreast of standardization work of relevant industry bodies
• Understanding of the regulatory environment and associated impact on existing and future business
• Understanding of the DEVNETOPS environment, focusing on the strategic and tactical enablement of Enterprise related automated journeys
• The technology function must ensure the successful delivery in context of:
• Rapidly changing ICT (Information and Communication Technology) environment
• Driving growth through business intelligence and standardization to maximize business impact
• Enhance MTN (Mobile Telephone Networks) position as a leading Enterprise network and Enterprise Services provider in the ICT space
• Constant dynamics and local challenges in the economic, regulatory, and legal environments

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's)
Task Complexity: 

• Ensure future proof Enterprise network designs to guarantee deliverables are met according to Customer requirements both internal and external
• Ensures that all the Enterprise licensing requirements are met, and controls budget related to any upgrades or licensing requirements, including (RTC) Right to Connect licenses, System licensing & Enterprise Customer specific licensing in-regard to sell-too & sell-through licensing requirements
• Maintains capacity and functionality requirements timeously and ahead of traffic needs for the Enterprise ISP network elements.
• Development of policies on the deployment of selected equipment
• Oversee and approve detailed Enterprise Product and Service design (Demand Forecasting, Optimisation)
• Oversee the assigning of resources, the right people for the right job to specific Enterprise tender solutioning requirement and or ISP infrastructure planning requirements
• Oversee and approve Enterprise equipment configurations to be ordered from supplier(s) including cost containment
• Strategic planning (brainstorming with all relevant departments) of the ISP network (Edge & Customer requirements):
• Deliver a target Product and Services architecture with a 3-year time horizon taking global technology developments into consideration
• Drive cross-functional product roadmap design, development, and delivery with the enterprise business units, wholesale, consumer, or enterprise (e.g., SDWAN, Wifi, etc.)
• Advises MTN Group regarding relevant technologies 
• Procurement of new equipment including internal MTN tenders for the selection of new vendors 
• Act as subject matter expert regarding network design and capacity planning
• Advises Pre-Sales and Technical Solution architects regarding customer engineering requirements  
• Bidding for new business in relation to type 1-3, 3+ ISP related requirements (Edge & Customer)
• Taking an engineering approach to Service and Network improvement in relation to the ISP network elements
• Oversees the issues relating to resource requirements to complete critical design, planning and process tasks
• Strategy, planning, optimisation, and management of 3rd party operators, providing services to the ISP network
• Strategic optimisation (cross-functional with all relevant departments) of the enterprise network (ISP network, and related Enterprise Services):
• Drive cross-functional optimisation roadmap design, development, and delivery within the business
• Perform network optimisation management, applying automation, artificial intelligence, and machine learning tools to evaluate and improve performance
• Develop network / service automation including testing and rolling out new ICT related products and services across the enterprise and digital portfolio
• Work with PMO management to ensure effective project management of enterprise specific requirements (particularly relating to availability, accessibility, and retention)
• Support enterprise network pricing and contract negotiations 
• Support strategic enterprise customer technical meetings, solutions delivery, and operational performance
• Monitor OEM and MS partners’ performance on service deliverables for enterprise

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity: 

• Act as a 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 manages under performers.
• Communicate actively throughout the technology portfolio.
• Develop and manage standards and specifications
• Motivation of personnel

Role Complexity: 

• Ensures development of own division’s budgets / performance contracts based on robust analysis linked to clear priorities
• Monitors overall performance and helps direct reports overcome gaps
• Acts as main conduit to direct superior on performance

Creativities (improvement/innovation inherent) 

• Continuously strive to make financial savings by driving improvements to methods and processes to increase productivity, at the same time maintaining strict quality levels. 
• Keep abreast of technology trends, new developments, and enterprise customer needs in terms of enabling technologies.
• Research innovative technologies in aid of savings regarding ISP network costs.
• Continuous consultation with external service providers (e.g., OEM vendors, Managed Service Providers, Partners) to improve service levels, policies, and procedures within the enterprise scope.
• Innovating current ideas and procedures to improve the planning, availability, and quality of the ISP network
• Creating unit to fulfil all aspects of the design team criteria

Vulnerabilities (control span) 

• Suppliers (e.g., Huawei, Cisco, Nokia, etc.) not meeting contractual obligations (e.g., SLAs, delivery schedules, etc)
• Insufficient inputs from the business units (consumer, wholesale & enterprise) regarding product requirements
• Lack of cooperation from other internal departments
• Unexpected demand & traffic growth
• Skill level of the team
• Budgetary constraints – provide a balance between cost and opportunities of local market
• Drastic changes in enterprise network requirements brought about by the dynamic nature of the mobile telecommunications industry

Independent thought and Judgement: 

• Adapt to changing circumstances and structures
• Need to adhere to the delegation of authority as determined within the technology area
• Equipment selection within the boundaries of the Procurement policy
• Determining of enterprise planning/design policies
• Reviews end products and ensures that analysis is correct and prioritised in line with MTN strategy
• Lead Enterprise IP Planning & Optimisation department
• Lays out process guidelines and deadlines for budget milestones
• Use own discretion when no procedures or specifications exist

KPA Quality Standards

• Enterprise ISP network elements (Edge & Customer) to be designed & optimised to meet Network KPIs for availability, congestion, and Total Quality Management
• Record keeping of all plans, documents, and policies
• All ISP elements conforms to MTN and supplier Quality standards and agreed standards

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)
Education:  

• Minimum 4-year Academic Degree with Honours (B Eng. / BSc Degree Preferred)
• MBA / Masters advantageous
• Relevant certification/accreditation/membership with professional body as required for role

Experience:

• Over 5 years in Telecommunications, with 5 years specifically in the enterprise IP planning environment 
• Leading cross-functional project teams, with at least 2 years at a senior management level.

Competencies:

Head - Big Picture Focus (10)

• Analytical Thinker - Manages the alignment and execution of strategic and tactical activities
• Problem Solver - Assists in solving business challenges and provides guidance to others
• Operational Value Creator - Executes on innovative technical & commercial practices and identifies areas for continuous improvement

Heart – Emotionally Intelligent (20)

• Culture and Change Champion - Role models ethical practices by living the MTN values and vital behaviours for others to follow
• Supportive People Manager – Is self-aware and supports team capability development through opportunity creation for realising potential
• Relationship Manager - Builds relationships with customers and teams to uphold the MTN brand

Hands – Results Focused (50)

• Results Achiever - Drives team objectives and contributes to sustainability of results
• Operationally Astute - Clarifies priorities, plans, organizes and co-ordinates the work of others 

Other:

• General working conditions
• Driver's License (own transport to attend to company business away from office), some local travel, some international travel

Training:

• Certification courses relating to IP e.g., CCIE, HCIE, other 
• Management Training

Knowledge:  

• Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet, Telecommunications Industry understanding, MS Project,
• Knowledge of vendors and suppliers' capacity and trends, Trends of convergence of networks, Basic Telecomm legislation, Basic ICASA regulations, Integration of network systems, Telecoms facilities
• ISP network elements (MPLS, SDWAN etc.), Knowledge of tools and performance technologies, Knowledge of Telecommunications Implementation Principles and Quality Standards, Integration of network elements, MTN vocabulary, Knowledge of systems engineering for lifecycle 
• Business understanding, financial knowledge, project management, Basic knowledge of Human Resource practices, Knowledge and application of Industrial Relations policies and procedures, Knowledge and application of company policies and procedures, HR procedures relating to selection, IR, Disciplinary code and procedure, performance management, Leadership and Staff motivation.

Skills / physical competencies: 

• Interpersonal Skills, Communication (verbal, written and visual) across all levels, Change management, Listening, Presentation, Facilitation, Coaching, Organization vision, mission, culture, values, Advisory, Diversity management, Co-ordination, Conflict management, Knowledge management,  Provision of feedback, Project Management, Negotiation skills, Planning, Cost Improvement and Avoidance, Manpower planning, Goal setting, Decision making, Identification of business risks, Rectification of risk areas, Identification of training needs, Research, Crisis Management, Organizing, Global thinking, Problem solving skill, Guidance, Motivating, Chair meetings, Leadership and Management of people.

Behavioural qualities: People sensitivity (must be approachable) 

• Information sharing, Influencing, Persuasive skills, Lateral thinking, Leadership, Analytical Skills, Independent thinking, Methodical thinking, Innovative, Assertive, Co-operative, Flexible, Creative, Motivated, Confident, Confidentiality, Reliable, Honest, Goal orientated, Insight and Judgement, Integrity, and ethics

Authorities
Authorities:  

• Approval signatory for Capex and Opex expenditure within designated authority level.
• Selection and Management of personnel, setting and monitoring performance criteria.
• Management of contractors
• Engaging in contract negotiations with suppliers (e.g., Vendor & Partner Agreements)

Collaboration (Formal and Informal Relationships)
Responsibility towards: 

• Direct reports, - Managers, Senior Specialists, Specialists, Engineers, and Consultants
• Matrix reports, - close working with platform architects and enterprise architects
• Key customers, - Service Delivery, Infrastructure Delivery, Operations, Business Units (consumer, wholesale & enterprise) & Regional Network Managers
• Key suppliers, - Internal departments (Product, Finance, Network Support, IP Core Planning); External service providers, equipment suppliers & various other external sub-contractors 
• Other relations, - Network with counterparts in the industry.