Senior Specialist: Core Data Network

Job Description

When it comes to putting people first, we're number 1.

The number 1 Top Employer in South Africa.
Certified by the Top Employer Institute 2025.

Role Purpose/Business Unit:

• In this key role, you will be responsible for monitoring, maintaining and optimising events from Core Data Network elements that support Mobile and Enterprise services..
• The ideal candidate is a proactive professional with in-depth knowledge of Core Data Network with a strong background in real-time network operations, fault management, and incident resolution..
• Drive visibility on Core network elements and continuously evaluate incident handling process for improvement and optimisation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Ensure high network availability, performance, and quality of service (QoS) through proactive monitoring and optimization.
• Perform real-time fault detection, troubleshooting and analysis for high priority Core network incidents during War rooms.
• Analyze KPI’s, alarms, and performance trends to ensure network stability and optimal performance.
• Support incident, problem, and change management processes according to ITIL standards.
• Provide technical guidance to NOC engineers and ensure proper documentation of all activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and automation of NOC monitoring tools.
• Analyse events using diversified tools to ensure proper process flow into fault management platform

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

• Degree /3 Year National Diploma in Elec Eng /IT /Software Eng or related field. Essential
• Networking Certifications CCNP / CCNA/JNIP /ITIL. Advantageous
• Nokia /Ericsson/Huawei Core Certifications. Advantageous
• 5+ years work experience in Telecommunications or IT. Essential
• 3+ years work experience in Core Data Network /IP MPLS Network Elements. Essential
• Strong understanding of LTE / 5G architecture, signalling protocols and IP networking. Advantageous
• Experience in vendor-specific configurations and multi-vendor environments. Advantageous
• Knowledge of virtualization (NFV, VMware, OpenStack) and containerized core solutions (CNFs).Advantageous
• Strong understanding of network monitoring systems (e.g., NetAct, ENM, Zabbix, Nagios, SolarWinds, Syslog, Kafka etc.).Highly Advantageous
• Familiarity with incident management tools (e.g., ServiceNow, Remedy).Advantageous

Core Competence:

• Critical Thinking and problem solving
• Analysing and decision making
• Communication and collaboration
• Innovation and creativity
• Leading supervising
• Customer centric

We make an impact by offering:

• Enticing incentive programs and competitive benefit packages
• Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefits
• Cell phone and data benefits, advantages fibre connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companies

Closing date for Applications: 15 April 2026

The base location for this role is Bellville

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.