Senior Manager, Network Operations (Fibre) at IHS Towers

For 15 years we have been building and managing telecommunications towers that are the essential backbone of mobile telecommunications in Africa - the leapfrog technology driving economic development, prosperity and self-sufficiency across the continent. Right now, IHS is leading a new telecoms service sector driven by the growth of middle class business and consumer demand for mobile and data. We are the partner of choice for Africa’s and the world’s leading network operators because they demand the widest reach and highest reliability for their customers, and the highest standards of governance and operational excellence for themselves. Our long-term contracts and strong sustainable cash flows mean IHS is a unique, low risk entry point for investment in Africa. Over the last four years, IHS has brought over US$5 billion of investment to the continent. Our belief is that the future economic and social development of Africa will be exponentially accelerated by mobile connectivity, and our team of over 1,000 engineers in five countries is focused on making this happen. We are committed to developing our people and the communities we serve, and to help people and businesses across the region build a powerful, prosperous future - by Africa and for Africa. IHS is Africa’s leading mobile infrastructure company. Founded in 2001 by an experienced team of engineers and business people, IHS serves clients responsibly in the building and managing of effective telecommunications infrastructure and by employing the highest quality people, services and equipment.

Job Purpose

The purpose of a Senior Manager, Fiber Network Operations is to ensure the efficient, reliable, and scalable operation of the company's fibre network infrastructure.

This role is critical in achieving high-performance network services that meet the needs of the organization and its customers.

The key purpose of this position shall include but not limited to the following:

1. Ensure Network Reliability and Performance
2. Strategic Planning and Implementation
3. Operational Efficiency
4. Leadership and Team Development
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
6. Customer Satisfaction
7. Innovation and Adaptation
8. Compliance and Security
9. Financial Management
10. Risk Management

Key Roles:

Strategic Leadership

1. Develop and implement the strategic vision for fiber network operations.
2. Align network operations goals with the company’s overall objectives.

Operational Management

1. Oversee day-to-day operations of the fiber network infrastructure.
2. Ensure the network’s high availability, reliability, and performance.

Team Leadership

1. Lead and mentor a team of network engineers, technicians, and support staff.
2. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

Project Management

1. Manage large-scale fiber network projects, from planning to execution.
2. Ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and budget.

Stakeholder Engagement

1. Act as the primary point of contact for stakeholders regarding network operations.
2. Communicate network performance and updates to senior management and other departments.

Responsibilities:

Network Planning and Design

• Develop comprehensive plans for network expansion and upgrades.
• Evaluate and select appropriate technologies and vendors.

Maintenance and Support

• Establish and enforce maintenance schedules and procedures.
• Ensure timely resolution of network issues and minimize downtime.

Performance Monitoring and Optimization

• Implement and maintain network monitoring tools.
• Analyze network performance data to identify and resolve bottlenecks.

Compliance and Security

• Ensure network operations comply with industry regulations and standards.
• Implement robust security measures to protect the network from threats.

Budget Management

• Prepare and manage the operations budget.
• Optimize operational costs without compromising on service quality.

Innovation and Improvement

• Stay updated with the latest developments in fibre network technology.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance network performance.

Risk Management

• Identify potential risks to the network and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure disaster recovery plans are in place and tested regularly.

Vendor and Contract Management:

• Manage relationships with third-party service providers and vendors.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure service level agreements are met.

Job-Specific Competencies

Functional:

1. Technical Competencies
2. Fiber Network Design and Architecture
3. Network Operations Management
4. Project Management
5. Vendor and Contract Management
6. Analytical Competencies: Problem-Solving; Data Analysis and Reporting
7. Leadership Competencies: Team Leadership and Development; Strategic Planning
8. Communication Competencies: Stakeholder Management; Customer Focus
9. Technical Acumen: Industry Knowledge; Technology Proficiency
10. Financial Competencies: Budget Management; Cost-Benefit Analysis

Behavioural

• Collaboration; Teamwork & Resilience

Qualifications & Experience Required

1. Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or any other related discipline.
2. Advanced degree in any of the above Engineering fields and/ or relevant professional certifications, e.g. Network Operation Management, Fiber Certifications will be an added advantage.  
3. 8+10 years’ relevant experience, including most recent 5 years in telecoms Fiber network operations and maintenance.
4. Understanding of transmission networks (SDH/DWDM/OTN), IP/MPLS and other IP based network technologies and solutions will be an advantage.
5. Demonstrable proficiency in MS Office tools including Visio, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Additional Information

Organizational Competencies

1. Customer Focus - People demonstrating this competency understand & exceed our customers’ needs. They develop trusted, reliable & collaborative relationships. They are consistently operating to the highest standards of service & delivery.
2. Innovation - People demonstrating this competency constantly seek new & improved ways to deliver our products & services. They champion engineering & skills development, and work to create a collaborative and supportive operating environment.
3. Integrity - People demonstrating this competency are open & honest in everything they do. They support financially & environmentally sustainable growth. They make socially responsible decisions and treat their stakeholders with respect.
4. Be Bold - People demonstrating this competency are thorough in analyses & decision-making. They are courageous in expanding existing markets & developing new ones. They confidently pursue appropriate financial returns and are forward-thinking and ambitious.
5. Sustainability- People demonstrating this competency are constantly seeking to create positive impact in the communities we serve.

Method of Application

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