Head of Network and IT – MVNO at Lebara Nigeria

Job Summary

• The Head of Network and IT is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing and integrating all aspects of the MVNO’s network infrastructure and IT systems. This role ensures the seamless operation, security, and scalability of telecommunications networks, backend IT systems, and enterprise technology solutions to support business growth, operational excellence, and superior customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute the strategic vision for the organization’s network infrastructure and IT systems, ensuring alignment with overall business goals.
• Network Management: Oversee the design, deployment, and optimization of RAN, core, transport, and associated infrastructure to ensure high availability, performance, and capacity.
• IT Infrastructure & Systems: Manage enterprise IT systems, including servers, databases, CRM, billing, provisioning, and cloud-based platforms. Ensure high system availability, scalability, and security.
• Security & Compliance: Establish and enforce security policies across networks and IT systems. Conduct security audits, vulnerability assessments, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
• Operational Excellence: Lead daily operations of networks and IT, including incident management, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Vendor & Partner Relations: Manage relationships with telecom equipment vendors, software providers, and third-party service providers. Negotiate contracts, SLAs, and oversee performance.
• Budget & Resource Planning: Develop and manage budgets for network and IT projects, infrastructure upgrades, and ongoing operations. Optimize resource allocation.
• Innovation & Technology Adoption: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends. Lead initiatives for technology upgrades such as 4G, 5G, virtualization, cloud computing, and automation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product development, customer support, marketing, and executive teams to deliver technology-driven solutions.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain comprehensive documentation of network architecture, configurations, security protocols, and systems. Provide regular reports on operational performance and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related fields. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 10+ years of progressive leadership experience managing both telecom networks and IT systems, ideally within MVNO, MNO, or telecom service providers.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of LTE/4G/5G networks, core network architecture, cloud infrastructure, virtualization, cybersecurity, and enterprise IT systems.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams, manage complex projects, and influence senior stakeholders.
• Security & Compliance: Strong understanding of network and data security protocols, GDPR, and telecom regulatory standards.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Vendor Management: Skilled negotiator with experience managing vendor relationships and contracts.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as Cisco CCNP, CCIE, CISSP, PMP, or relevant cloud certifications (AWS, Azure) is a Must.
• Experience with Virtual Network Functions (VNFs), NFV, SDN, or orchestration platforms.
• Knowledge of OSS/BSS systems.