(VF-JA) Network Demand & Planning Manager

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

Optimization Strategy & Planning
o Define and implement the optimization roadmap per region and/or per technology.
o Lead optimization campaigns for new sites, new features, or network changes such refarming, DSS, VOLTE.
o Oversee pre- and post-launch optimization of newly integrated sites or/and clusters.
o Design and implement optimization strategies to improve efficiency, capacity, coverage, quality or cost-effectiveness

Team & Process
o Manage a team of optimization
o Lead all entities (Huawei, ZTE, Accenture, …) subject to Optimization contract with Vodacom
o Define procedures for drive test analysis, parameter tuning, KPI monitoring or for any optimization activity.
o Ensure best practices and standardization across regions and vendors.
o Coordinate borders matter with other country through Regulator’s guidelines and processes.

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

Tools and Automation
o Manage optimization tools
o Promote use of AI/ML or automation for anomaly detection and self-healing
o Oversee database integrity for live and planned configurations.
o 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, knowledge and experience:

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