Vice-President, Engineering at T2 (Formerly 9Mobile)

Job Summary

• Oversee the planning and design of cost efficient and reliable transmission infrastructure, core network, value added services (VAS) and other Intelligent Network (IN) platforms to support the EMTS’s network rollout and transmission support for operational activities. 

Roles and Responsibilities
Strategic:

• Provide inputs in the articulation of the departmental strategy for the technical team.
• Demonstrate ownership of and communicate the Network Engineering strategic direction and objectives to all her staff.
• Provide overall guidance and direction in the execution of different functions and activities.
• Coordinate the execution of the Network Engineering work programs and plans.

Tactical:

• Translate EMTS’s business plan and subscriber growth assumptions into:
• Requirements for the Core and Intelligent Network
• Forecasts for network capacity growth
• Integrated Network Plan, a live document to be maintained on an ongoing basis
• Establish and maintain key vendor relationships in line with established policies and procedures.
• Lead the conceptualization, plan and development of customized technical solutions for enterprise business customers
• Direct the Enterprise Network Design & Planning to provide enterprise solutions to support enterprise business unit. 
• Oversee the maintenance of all power and cooling systems (generators, amplifiers, air conditioners, stabilizers, station batteries, rectifiers etc.) at EMTS BTS/Transmission sites.
• Lead the selection process of maintenance contractors responsible for major maintenance and repairs of power and cooling systems
• Coordinate the design and support the implementation of efficient transmission systems to support network expansion/ rollout
• Develop strategies and plans towards the implementation of a working WAN, and transmission links (E1s, Backbones etc.) to support operational and business needs
• Coordinate the development of EMTS’s radio Base Station Subsystem coverage and capacity rollout.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge and database of existing transmission infrastructure in various EMTS target areas that can be leveraged for transmission services for network development and expansion
• Conduct technical feasibility of new network features/services.
• Support the CTIO in communicating the activities and achievements of the department to all relevant stakeholders.
• Keep abreast of local and global best practices and make recommendations to the CTIO on how this impacts the division’s role.

Operational:

• Oversee the detailed design of EMTS Core and Intelligent Network
• Plan core network capacity in line with approved network roll out/expansion strategy, market viability and demand planning studies
• Determine the appropriate locations for switches and other intelligent network element to ensure optimal efficiency.
• Oversee the planning, design and optimization of core network, systems and platforms to support value added services and ensure compatibility and integration with EMTS’s existing infrastructures.
• Ensure optimal use of resources in the planning, designing, and dimensioning of VAS, Core and Intelligent Network elements.
• Ensure that EMTS’s core network design is in line with accepted local and international standards.
• Provide advice on strategies for rollout of value-added services.
• Follow up with the acquisition, implementation and integration of switches into the network on an ongoing basis in line with subscriber growth and network expansion.
• Plan for contingencies in network design to accommodate differences between projections and reality.
• Ensure that detailed access network plan is in line with the design strategy and consistent with the commercial planning division’s coverage requirements.
• Ensure radio network is designed and optimized in a cost-effective way.
• Oversee, manage and implement all core network and VAS development, transmission planning, RF planning and optimization activities and EMTS’s radio network coverage and capacity rollout.
• Oversee the planning of EMTS transmission network to sustain growth in EMTS subscriber base and ensure that forecasted customer demands are met.
• Provide support in the resolution of issues and faults on EMTS’s transmission network
• Manage the human and material resources of the department to optimize performance and enhance output by;
• Assigning detailed responsibilities to subordinates and supervise them to ensure timely delivery of high-quality results
• Motivating, guiding and ensuring knowledge transfer and capacity building in subordinates
• Reviewing and authorizing key expenditures/transactions of the department in line with approved departmental budget and financial manual of authority
• Ensuring periodic meetings to communicate departmental goals/targets and agree work plans.
• Prepare and submit periodic activity/management reports to the CTIO.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the CTIO.

Requirements

• First degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering
• Postgraduate degree/relevant professional qualification  
• Twelve (12) to fifteen (15) years work experience with at least four (4) years at senior management level.

Knowledge:

• Network Capacity Management
• Network Planning and Design
• Telecommunications & Mobile Network Standards & Specifications
• Engineering Installation

Skills:

• Leadership and People Management
• Communication
• Decision Making
• Change Management.

What's great in the job?:

• Great team of smart people, in a friendly and open culture
• No dumb managers, no stupid tools to use, no rigid working hours
• No waste of time in enterprise processes, real responsibilities and autonomy
• Expand your knowledge of various business industries
• Create content that will help our users on a daily basis
• Real responsibilities and challenges in a fast evolving company