Executive Head Non Terrestrial Networks

Vodafone Group; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications provider in South Africa seeks an Executive Head of Commercial for Non-Terrestrial Networks. This pivotal role will focus on leading the commercial strategy for LEO satellite technology, managing partnerships, and developing business cases. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in related industries, strong commercial acumen, and a bachelor's degree. Competitive benefits and incentive programs are offered, and the role is based in Midrand.

Benefits

Enticing incentive programs

Competitive benefit packages

Medical aid benefits

Exclusive staff discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' relevant commercial or industry experience, with at least 5 years in management.
• Strong grasp of fixed internet, terrestrial, and non-terrestrial connectivity trends.
• Experience in telecommunications, internet services, or related technology sectors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and own the group-wide commercial strategy for LEO-based NTN services.
• Lead the creation of compelling business cases for NTN products.
• Manage commercial relationships with LEO satellite providers.
• Oversee the design and rollout of NTN-based products.
• Support OpCos in launching and scaling NTN solutions.
• Ensure compliance with local regulatory and legal requirements.

Skills

Commercial Acumen

Stakeholder Management

Financial and Analytical Skills

Connectivity Landscape Understanding

Education

Matric

Bachelor's degree

MBA or master's level post-graduate studies

Job description

When it comes to putting people first, we're number 1.

The number 1 Top Employer in South Africa.

Certified by the Top Employer Institute 2025.

Role Purpose/Business Unit:

The Executive Head of Commercial – Non-Terrestrial Networks (LEO) will lead Vodacom Group’s commercial strategy and execution for all non-terrestrial network initiatives, with a primary focus on LEO satellite technology. This group role is pivotal in driving Vodacom’s ambition to deliver seamless, ubiquitous connectivity by integrating terrestrial and NTN solutions across enterprise, consumer, wholesale, and backhaul segments in multiple African markets. The role requires orchestrating commercial partnerships with leading LEO providers, shaping compelling value propositions, and ensuring Vodacom maintains a leadership position in Africa’s evolving connectivity landscape.

Key Attributes of the Role:

• Commercial Leadership Across NTN: Lead the commercial agenda for LEO-based NTN solutions, including direct-to-dish and direct-to-mobile, ensuring Vodacom leverages multiple LEO partnerships to maximize value and market reach.
• Strategic Market Influence: Influence and align operating companies and group functions to adopt and scale NTN solutions, building robust business cases and unlocking budgets for new commercial models.
• Connectivity Vision: Understand and articulate how NTN and terrestrial connectivity together create differentiated customer value propositions, especially for underserved and remote markets.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with technology, regulatory, legal, and product teams, as well as external LEO partners, to ensure commercial strategies are executable and aligned with group objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders, including OpCos, partners, and regulators, to drive adoption and ensure compliance with local requirements.
• Performance and Impact: Define and track commercial KPIs for NTN initiatives, ensuring alignment with Vodacom’s growth, profitability, and leadership ambitions in Africa.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Group Commercial Strategy for NTN: Develop and own the group-wide commercial strategy for LEO-based NTN services, ensuring alignment with Vodacom’s broader connectivity vision and local market needs.
• Business Case Development: Lead the creation of compelling business cases for NTN products and services, coordinating input from multiple markets and disciplines, and ensuring financial viability and scalability.
• Partner Management: Manage commercial relationships and negotiations with multiple LEO satellite providers, ensuring Vodacom secures the best commercial terms and maintains flexibility to diversify offerings.
• Product and Proposition Development: Oversee the design and rollout of NTN-based products for enterprise, consumer, wholesale, and backhaul, ensuring integration with existing terrestrial offerings and digital platforms.
• Market Enablement: Support OpCos in launching and scaling NTN solutions, providing commercial frameworks, go-to-market strategies, and sales enablement tools.
• Regulatory and Compliance Alignment: Ensure all commercial activities comply with local regulatory, licensing, and legal requirements, and support policy advocacy where needed.

The ideal candidate for this role will have:

• Matric – Essential
• Bachelor’s degree – Essential
• MBA or other master’s level post‑graduate studies – Advantageous
• Minimum 10 years’ relevant commercial or industry experience, with at least 5 years in a management/supervisory role – Essential

Core competencies, knowledge, and experience:

• Commercial Acumen: Proven ability to develop and execute commercial strategies and business cases across multiple markets and segments.
• Connectivity Landscape Understanding: Strong grasp of fixed internet, terrestrial, and non‑terrestrial (LEO) connectivity trends, and how these technologies can be combined for optimal customer value.
• Stakeholder Management: Experience coordinating across diverse internal and external stakeholders, including technology, legal, regulatory, and external partners.
• Product and Proposition Development: Ability to translate technical capabilities into compelling customer propositions and scalable commercial models.
• Financial and Analytical Skills: Strong financial modeling, commercial negotiation, and analytical skills, with experience managing large‑scale commercial partnerships.
• Resilience and Adaptability: High resilience and ability to navigate ambiguity, drive consensus, and deliver results in a fast‑evolving, highly governed environment.
• Communication and Influence: Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage at all levels of the organization and with external partners.
• Experience in Connectivity or Technology Sectors: Experience in telecommunications, internet services, or related technology sectors is highly advantageous.

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: 16 January 2026.

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.