(VF-JA) Network Demand & Planning Manager

Job description

Purpose role The Manager SRAN Optimization leads and manages all activities related to Radio Network Optimization (2G/3G/4G/5G) to ensure the best quality of service (QoS), user experience (Q0E), and efficient of network resources.

Key Responsibilities

Network Performance management

• Supervise daily/weekly/monthly network performance analysis across 2G/3G/4G.
• Track all KPIs as per Vodacom guidelines
• Ensure Performance aligned with business and Regulatory SLAs.

Optimization Strategy & Planning

• Define and implement the optimization roadmap per region and/or per technology.
• Lead optimization campaigns for new sites, new features, or network changes such refarming, DSS, VOLTE.
• Oversee pre- and post-launch optimization of newly integrated sites or/and clusters.
• Design and implement optimization strategies to improve efficiency, capacity, coverage, quality or cost-effectiveness Team & Process
• Manage a team of optimization
• Lead all entities (Huawei, ZTE, Accenture, …) subject to Optimization contract with Vodacom
• Define procedures for drive test analysis, parameter tuning, KPI monitoring or for any optimization activity.
• Ensure best practices and standardization across regions and vendors.
• Coordinate borders matter with other country through Regulator’s guidelines and processes.

Cross-functional Coordination

• Work closely with planning, rollout, transmission and core network teams.
• Coordinate actions following customer complaints, VIP issues, or coverage gaps.
• Interface with vendor partners to validate features, trials, or software upgrades

Tools and Automation

• Manage optimization tools
• Promote use of AI/ML or automation for anomaly detection and self-healing
• Oversee database integrity for live and planned configurations.
• Utilize analytics tools such crowdsourcing, Sonar, Smart planning, Atoll, TEMS….

Accountabilities

• Achieve and maintain network KPIs and user experience scores.
• Ensure on-time resolution of performance degradation or services issues
• Provide accurate and timely performance reports to management and regulators
• Ensure alignment of optimization strategy with growth and business needs

Decision ownership

• Prioritize optimization efforts by region, technology, or business impact
• Approve key parameter changes, features activation or frequency refarming plans.
• Validate performance acceptance for new sites or network changes
• Decide on vendor escalations or design changes based on performance gaps

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management
• Analytical thinking
• Strategic Planning
• Cross-functional communication
• Project Management
• Adaptability & Innovation Knowledge areas
• Strong knowledge of wireless network technologies such as LTE, CDMA, GSM, UMTS. 5G is an advantage.
• Performance management and monitoring Tools (OSS/UME/U2000, Huawei PRS, Smart Care….)
• Excellent computer skills of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Data analytics and scripting in Excel, SQL or other data processing languages for custom analysis and automation
• KPIs, QoE/QoS and SLAs analysis
• Drive test & post-processing
• RF Parameters and futures tuning

Experience

• +/- 7 years in a relevant optimization, engineering, or performance management role and environment
• Cross-Functional Projects
• System integration in multi-vendor or multi-platform environments
• Change management process
• Network Modernization & Audits
• Regulatory engagement & KPI /DT Benchmarking engagement
• Team leadership and organization Must have technical / professional qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree (BAC+5) in electrical engineering (Telecommunications) or related fields