Executive Head- Telco IT

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Role Purpose/Business Unit:

The Core IT Manager will work in Vodacom’s central Group Technology function and will lead the strategic direction, transformation, and governance of the Core IT function across Vodacom’s operating companies in Africa. This role is responsible for defining the vision, roadmap and best practices of the BSS and core IT stack; including Billing, Convergent Charging, CRM, Integration, Mediation, Order Management, Product Catalog, Revenue Assurance, Fraud Management, and other core IT platforms. The incumbent will ensure alignment with Vodacom Group’s strategy, drive standardization and transformation programs, find synergies between local markets, define success metrics that align with business objectives and measure performance through defined KPIs, and oversee program governance across markets.

Your responsibilities will include:

1. Strategic Leadership:

• Define and evolve the Group-wide BSS/Core IT strategy, target architecture and selected vendors in alignment with the Vodacom’s business transformation agenda.
• Drive standardization and synergy across local markets to ensure agility, short time-to-market, cost efficiency, and customer-centricity.
• Provide strategic guidance, blueprints for IT modernization, and technical expertise to support business goals with reference to Vodacom Group and industry standards.
• Continuously assess technology trends and evolving BSS/Core IT capabilities to find the best solution for business challenges.
• Set the standards for IT systems, frameworks, tools and practices to meet business requirements in the most effective and efficient ways.
  Reduces redundancy, complexity, information silos and business risks associated with IT investments.

2. Program Governance:

• Oversee and govern BSS/IT transformation programs across markets, ensuring adherence to Group’s strategy, budget, scope, and timelines.
• Establish governance models, delivery frameworks, and cross-market coordination mechanisms.
• Serve as the executive sponsor for Group-led BSS/IT initiatives and transformations in local markets.

3. Performance Management:

• Define success metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure BSS/IT maturity, program outcomes, operational performance, and customer impact.
• Drive transparency and accountability through periodic reporting, dashboards, and performance reviews with both group and local stakeholders.

4. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Act as the bridge between Group Technology and local markets by engaging with CIOs, CTOs, and other C-level executives in local markets.
• Collaborate with other Group technology and business functions to ensure BSS/IT capabilities support evolving business needs.

5. Team & Vendor Leadership:

• Lead a cross-functional group team of technical experts, solution architects and program managers.
• Manage relationships with key technology partners and system integrators to ensure optimal delivery, innovation, and support.

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

• Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in IT of telecom operators.
• Deep understanding of Core IT domains including Billing, Convergent Charging, CRM, Integration.
• Proven track record of leading BSS/IT transformation programs in complex telecom environments.
• Expertise in enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, TMForum) and best practices for IT stack modernization.
• Experience with IT vendor ecosystems and managing strategic technology partnerships.
• Ability to translate Business Strategy and needs into Enterprise Architecture blueprints; estimate the financial impact of architectural alternatives.

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:

• Strategic Thinking & Vision Setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and executives.
• Excellent customer-facing and stakeholder management skills.
• Program and Portfolio Management.
• Governance and Risk Management.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making.
• Cross-Cultural Leadership and Collaboration.
• Excellent Knowledge of IT stack in telcos.

Closing date for Applications: 17 June 2025.

The base location for this role is Vodacom, Midrand Campus.

The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.
Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.