Head of Telecoms Infrastructure Operations

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Bonus opportunities

Premium medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 and our client in Sandton, Gauteng, seek a Head of Telecoms Infrastructure Operations to lead end-to-end management of the company’s network, ensuring reliability, availability, and performance across transmission, access and core networks.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in telecoms operations, at least 5 in senior leadership, strong ITIL knowledge, and a proven track record of directing large teams, budgets, and vendor performance to deliver superior service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Telecommunications Engineering (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years in telecom network operations with 5+ in senior leadership.
• Experience managing large-scale networks and cross-functional teams.
• Strong budgeting, vendor management, and stakeholder skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of telecom network infrastructure with high availability and performance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to optimize efficiency and service delivery.
• Manage a large team of engineers, technicians, and staff across multiple disciplines.
• Ensure adherence to safety, regulatory, and compliance standards.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance network reliability and reduce costs.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Decision making

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Telecommunications Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ITIL knowledge

Network monitoring tools

Network automation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major telecommunications operator, is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Head of Telecoms Infrastructure Operations to lead their infrastructure division, overseeing critical functions supporting Sandton, Gauteng. This executive position is responsible for the end-to-end management and operational excellence of the company's extensive network infrastructure, including transmission, access, and core network elements. You will ensure the reliability, availability, and performance of all infrastructure services, while driving efficiency and implementing innovative operational strategies. The ideal candidate possesses extensive leadership experience in telecommunications operations and a deep understanding of network infrastructure technologies and best practices. This is a vital leadership role impacting service delivery across the nation.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the telecommunications network infrastructure, ensuring high availability and performance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to optimize efficiency and service delivery.
• Manage a large team of engineers, technicians, and operational staff across multiple disciplines.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant safety, regulatory, and compliance standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance network reliability, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Manage the operational budget, resource allocation, and vendor relationships for infrastructure operations.
• Lead incident management and crisis response for major network outages.
• Implement and maintain robust monitoring, reporting, and performance management systems.
• Collaborate with planning, engineering, and customer support teams to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and technical excellence within the operations team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in telecommunications network operations and infrastructure management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale, complex telecommunications networks and operational teams.
• In-depth knowledge of network infrastructure components (e.g., fiber optics, microwave, IP networks, data centers).
• Strong understanding of operational frameworks such as ITIL.
• Excellent leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional ability to manage budgets, resources, and vendor performance.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, particularly relevant to operations in Sandton, Gauteng region.
• Experience with network automation, monitoring tools, and service assurance technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and foster a high-performance culture.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, significant bonus opportunities, equity options, and a comprehensive benefits portfolio comprising premium medical aid, life insurance, and a robust retirement fund. This role provides immense scope for leadership and strategic impact within a leading telecommunications company. You will have the opportunity to shape the operational future of critical national infrastructure. The hybrid work model offers flexibility for strategic planning and remote collaboration, balanced with essential leadership presence at our Sandton, Gauteng headquarters. We are committed to fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment.