Job Description

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Role Purpose/Business Unit:
To lead strategic planning and transformation of Vodacom South Africa's Radio Access Network (RAN) at a national level. This role is of an expert engineer who will drive innovation, digital transformation, and strategic foresight in RAN planning. Ensuring Vodacom remains at the forefront of mobile technology evolution. The role demands a unique blend of technical depth, data analytics, coding proficiency, regulatory insight, and strategic leadership.
Your responsibilities will include:
Strategic RAN Planning & Transformation

• Develop and execute long-term plans for a mobile network's radio access infrastructure, ensuring high performance, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with business goals
• Drive proactive network evolution strategies to ensure readiness for emerging technologies (e.g., 5G Advanced, 6G) , Responding to challenges of today while creating the future.
• Timeously deliver an End-to-End Capacity and Coverage plan ensuring speed to market
• On-time equipment and technology life cycle management plans
• Manage RAN CAPEX budget ensuring correct and meticulous allocation to the right strategic projects.
• Lead transformation of planning tools and methodologies and lead strategic discussions at a national level.
• Advise organisation on cost effective ways to bridge digital divide while still maintaining Revenue growth and delivering on purpose.
• Support other national teams, i.e. Project management, Finance business partner, national property, National transmission engineering.
• On time insights delivery to commercial teams to drive evolution, revenue growth and improve customer experience.

Coding & Digital Skills

• Apply coding expertise to build custom tools, automate workflows, and enhance planning capabilities.
• Collaborate with IT and data science teams to integrate AI/ML models into RAN planning.

Digital & Data Analytics Leadership

• Utilize advanced data analytics to generate actionable insights for network optimization and strategic decision-making.
• Develop and maintain intelligent dashboards for key performance indicators (KPIs), spectrum efficiency, and network health.
• Automate planning processes and integrate systems for seamless data flow and operational efficiency.

Vendor & Regulatory Engagement

• Maintain expert-level knowledge of RAN vendor hardware/software (e.g., Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, Samsung).
• Influence and support Vodacom's regulatory agenda through technical insights and strategic positioning.
• Advise finance and project management teams on smart sourcing, cost optimization, and investment prioritization.

Research & Development

• Lead R&D initiatives to explore and pilot new technologies, architectures, and planning paradigms.
• Collaborate with academic and industry partners to stay ahead of global trends and innovations.

Team Development & Leadership

• Mentor and upskill engineering and operations teams in digital tools, strategic thinking, and automation.
• Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

• Diploma or bachelor's or BSC degree in electrical engineering, Data science Telecommunications, Computer Science, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in RAN planning, with at least 3 years in Data analytics, software development in strategic or national-level role.
• Proven experience in digital transformation, coding, and data analytics.
• Strong understanding of mobile network architecture, RF principles, and vendor ecosystems.
• Experience in regulatory engagement and strategic advisory.
• Vendor or Consulting experience will be advantageous

Key Coding Languages & Tools:

• Python - for data analysis, automation, and ML integration
• SQL - for database querying and performance analytics
• R - for statistical modelling and forecasting
• JavaScript (Node.js, React) - for dashboard and tool development
• MATLAB - for RF modelling and simulation
• Bash/Shell scripting - for automation in Linux environments
• Power BI / Tableau - for visualization and reporting
• Git/GitHub - for version control and collaboration

Pro-efficiency in the following tools

• Atoll planning tool
• ACP and ASP,
• Smart CAPEX
• Sonar
• Actix, TEMS, Azenqos
• QGIS, Map info, ArcGIS
• Smartsheet's

Core competencies, knowledge, and experience:

• Strategic foresight and systems thinking
• Advanced analytical and coding skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Innovation and transformation leadership
• Regulatory and vendor ecosystem knowledge
• Project management
• Financial literacy
• Time management
• Process automation and system integration expertise

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: 11 September 2025
The base location for this role is Midrand, Vodacom Campus
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.
Commitment from Vodacom
Vodacom is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace in which talent is truly recognized, developed and rewarded. We believe that diversity plays an important role in the success of our business and we are committed to creating an inclusive work environment which respects, values, celebrates and makes the most of people's individual differences - we are not only multinational but multicultural too. At Vodacom you will have access to our excellent flexible benefits programme that you would expect from any global company.

Skills Required