Senior Manager - Senior Regional Manager Technology

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job
To provide focused strategic and
operational leadership for the regional team, and responsible for the integrity
of the MTN Network in the region. Be the primary interface with MTN management,
including accountability and authority within the Region. Provide a superior
quality Network continuously striving to satisfy the needs of our customers.

Key Performance Areas:
Strategic Planning:
Provide input into all long term plans regarding Network Operations for the region
Translate the Network Operations strategies into operational plans and activities to realise these strategies within the region
Adopt and align NWG strategies with that of Sales and Marketing

Operational Excellence
Responsible for managing the following NWG functions in the Region in accordance with the Head Office matrix management structure:
o Radio: Radio Planning (Coverage & Quality), Optimisation and Network quality
o Transmission: Planning, Optimisation and Transmission quality
o Operations: Radio maintenance, Switching Operations and Switching maintenance
o Mechanical and Electrical: Energy management, Energy maintenance, Facilities management
o Implementation: Co-ordinate

Implementation function in the Region in conjunction with CPG Project office
o Property: Site acquisition, Site renewals and Monitoring permit process
Responsible for ensuring network availability across the region meets target levels
Drive the agreed service levels and exceed as per agreed KPIs for the region
Accountable for ongoing operation and reliability of all network infrastructure in the region including interconnect and roaming infrastructure where applicable
Translate company objectives to align with the activities in the regions
Drive the process to ensure the appropriate resources, systems and processes are in place to maintain and support the network in the region
Responsible for the interface with the transmission and interconnection suppliers (e.g. Telkom) in the region
Provide resources to support the integration of new network elements and software in the region
Accountable for the process to ensure all network and service faults assigned to the region and are tracked and managed effectively
Manage MTBF and MTTR across the region as defined
Responsible for the technical performance of the network in the Regions
Drive the adherence to quality and safety in the region through ISO 9001, ISO14000 & RCMP and monitor the performance ensuring compliance
Ensure participation in implementation:
Manage to carry out Lab testing (software & hardware) and to perform testing, i.e. get vendor acceptance tests
Responsible that end-to-end integration is successful
Ensure a process for 2nd level support for network and services are in place
Responsible for the process to ensure documentation is comprehensive, sufficiently detailed, up to date, accurate and maintained effectively to ensure business continuity

Communication and co-ordination
Develop and maintain efficient and effective co-ordination and interworking between network operations and the planning and implementation teams in the region and between regional and
central functions
Responsible for activities carried out in the region including planning and design, deployment and implementation, integration, operation and optimisation of the network.
Continuously review and update best practice implementation across the region and knowledge sharing with other regions and the central teams
Ensure effective troubleshooting procedures are in place and utilised by skilled and motivated resources across the region
Develop the matrix reporting and management practices in the region to be successful
Present the senior face of Network in the region for negotiations on site acquisition and council authorisation
Develop, maintain and nurture a sound working relationship between the regional network sections and all associated parties, both within the company and external
Ensure vendor interaction is managed appropriately
Ensure close co-operation and alignment with central operations and attend monthly meetings with other regional heads
Prepare and submit comprehensive reporting regarding the network region as required
Interface with National Managers and attend monthly meetings with other BU (Business Units) and Telco companies

Financial Management
Forecast, plan, develop and review network operations budgets for the region in line with MTN SA financial requirements
Ensure network operations budgets for the region are optimised
Manage network operations expenditure in the region in line with agreed budgets
Identify and eliminate non-contributory expenditure

Project Management
Develop and drive the execution of agreed projects
Drive the implementation, tracking, monitoring and compliance of Projects
Contract management in line with Procurement Policies
Co-ordinate project reporting
Ensure effective implementation of the integrated project management model
Risk management

Business Analysis
Perform Business Analysis MTN SA Business Analysis in line with the methodology and guidelines
Identify ways to fine tune policies, processes and systems in line with changing work practices
Determine, document, and review requirements for projects within the scope of the value stream or impacting processes and systems
Design, analyse and document workflow and make appropriate recommendations that will positively impact operational effectiveness
Identify Business Improvement and Optimisation opportunities that will result in improvement of process performance
Ensure that benchmarking is conducted with other companies and organizations within and outside the industry.
Construct business cases for initiations proposed by the business. Research and consider best practice, local conditions, trends, as well as competitor activity
Identify and implement innovative ways to use minimum resources to achieve maximum outputs

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Complexity:
The performance management of subordinates and actioning of annual performance meetings twice annually and IDPs to be actioned timeously
Management of training and development for subordinates including their required course identification and recommendations
Manage all timing and attendance of subordinates
Manage team morale and attitude towards improved service delivery and focused actions
Manage and must have ER knowledge and implement where and when applicable within the respective area of management
To set the objectives of the Regional Network Heads of Departments in order to meet the national KPAs and monitor their performance against these objectives.
To ensure that adequate training is received by staff, both informal and formal, and provide succession planning and career paths for staff.
Providing guidance and tactical leadership in developing new methods and systems to continuously strive for improved performance of staff and the service provided to our customers.
Collate and manage the budget for all of the Groups regional offices
Manage suppliers/contractors' relationship to ensure deliverable are achieved in timely and cost-effective period
Management of direct reports
o Frequent visits
o Monitor and co-ordinate work of direct reports
o Provide technical, procedural and policy guidance
o Evaluate performance (conduct performance appraisals)
o Transfer knowledge and skills
o Knowledge transfer programme
o Manage staff KPAs.

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)
Education:
Minimum of 4-year tertiary qualification in Telecoms or light current electronics / Master's advantageous

Experience:
Manager track record of 5 years or more in years managing a similar function at the national/continent level in a multinational organisation experience in the telecoms/GSM industry with at least 3 years in relevant sector/ industry.
Budgeting and financial processes.
Worked across diverse cultures and geographies advantageous

Knowledge:
Technology competences:
Good knowledge of the operation, maintenance, planning and implementation of Digital Transmission, Microwave Technologies, RF, ATM and IP transmission and multiplexing systems
In-depth knowledge of GSM systems architecture & principles
In-depth knowledge of Transmission systems, protocols including, SDH, PDH, uWave, ATM, IP transmission and Optical Systems (includes MTN self-provision technologies)
In-depth understanding of network quality management
Thorough understanding of use of network metrics in management of network quality
Thorough understanding of Industrial safety, housekeeping and good practice
Good working knowledge of HVAC / Power/ LV & HV / security and safety systems
Overview of interconnect and licensing as contained in the telecommunications act

Skills / physical competencies:
Able to set objectives and targets that is beneficial to the smooth running of the network and monitor progress against them.
Innovative self starter able to face the challenges of evolving technology re-evaluating objectives, procedures, processes to continuously improve network performance.
Strong practical technical skills in all relevant disciplines
Strong process and management (especially people management) skills
An excellent facilitator, communicator, team player and coach
Proven track record wrt budgetary control
Strong leadership profile
Demonstrable ability to develop, plan and execute strategies
Strong negotiation skills
Must have a natural leadership ability with the necessary skills to control, motivate and lead staff to achieve excellence.