RAN Lead FULL TIME & PERMANENT NEW

Role title: Group Technology RAN Lead: Infrastructure Development & Sharing
Location: Midrand South Africa
Duration: 6 month contract
Role purpose and scope:
Support creation & development of infrastructureSPV Technology Strategy, Architecture and Operating model design for the SPV’sSource, drive and negotiate strategic partnerships – vendors, investors, and customersAlignment with Group technology strategy and supply chain processesDrive infrastructure sharing, co-build initiatives across ALL market within the Group Overlay demand, network plans and finalise costingSupport the Programme Management Office, Group SCM and Group Commercial teams for infrastructure development and sharing across ALL Tower, power and RAN asset classesEngage with company and market stakeholders, e.g. Group Chief Network Office (CNO) and market Chief Technical Officers (CTOs) and/or relevant technical personnel to drive all tower related infrastructure development
Role Deliverables:
a. TowerCo Set-up & Strategy
Define the technology strategy, architecture, and operating model Support business case development, due diligence, and market assessmentsAlign network and infrastructure plans to investment and commercial objectives
b. End-to-End Network Planning
Compile a view of existing active and passive network infrastructure comprising of towers, power and RAN across marketsFacilitate due diligence of existing network infrastructure, where required and in consultation with the relevant team and local marketsFacilitate the compilation of fibre network deployment plans in consultation with the partner/s, Group and local marketsLead integrated network planning across RAN, microwave backhaul, and core interconnectsDevelop capacity forecasts, coverage plans, and deployment strategiesEnsure optimisation of Capex, Opex, and network performanceEnsure network plans align with business case and inputs used are well benchmarked and realisticPrepare specifications of infrastructure required to be used in RFP’s
c. Infrastructure & Assets (Tower, Power, Passive)
Define requirements for tower infrastructure, power systems, and site designEnable multi-tenancy, infrastructure sharing, and co-build modelsOversee planning for site acquisition, build, acceptance, and lifecycle management
d. IT, OSS/BSS & Cybersecurity
Develop an End-to-end network architecture, comprising of network, IT (ERP, OSS/BSS, NOC platforms), Cybersecurity, NOC and FFO capabilityEnsure cybersecurity frameworks, governance, and compliance across all systemsIntegrate systems to enable end-to-end operational visibility and automation
e. Programme & Delivery Management
Lead end-to-end deployment plans (plan, build, operate phases)Manage vendors, partners, and RFP processes for network and infrastructure rolloutSupport execution governance, reporting, and stakeholder alignment
f. Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement
Engage with internal leadership, investors, and regulatorsSupport licensing, legal agreements, and infrastructure partnershipsProvide technical input into negotiations and commercial frameworks
g. Execution
Support implementation / execution of plans
h. Legal and Regulatory
Input into detailed Stakeholder engagement plan, Engage with Regulators and secure licensesSupport legal with Shareholder agreements, Master lease agreements and all related legal drafts
i. Governance
Regular steering committees in the business-critical areasRegular EXCO updates
Must have technical / professional qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Geomatics, or related technical discipline.
Experience:
Minimum 10 years’ experience in telecommunications networking, with strong exposure to network strategy, RF (RAN) planning, and fibre network planningProven experience in end-to-end network planning, including RAN, fibre (FTTH/FTTB/FTTS,Metro, NLD), backhaul, and core interconnectDemonstrated experience in large-scale network rollout planning, due diligence, and business case developmentExperience working in multi-market or Group Technology environments and supporting strategic infrastructure initiatives