Lead 5G Network Deployment Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Annual leave

Bonuses

Relocation assistance

Company vehicle

Job summary

Placements24 is sourcing a Lead 5G Network Deployment Specialist to head 5G rollouts in Cape Town. You will oversee end-to-end deployments, from site acquisition to core integration, leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-performance networks.

The role requires a master’s in a telecom field, 10+ years in mobile deployment with 5+ years focused on 5G, and strong leadership and budget-management capabilities. Cape Town-based with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years in mobile network deployment, with at least 5 years on 5G.
• Deep knowledge of 5G NR, 5G Core SA/NSA, and transport requirements.
• Proven track record in large-scale deployments with budget oversight.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end 5G deployments from site acquisition to core integration and activation.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets for deployments.
• Mentor a team of engineers, technicians, and coordinators.
• Collaborate with R&D, vendors, and stakeholders on technology choices.

Skills

5G NR

Leadership

Project management

Team management

RF planning

IP networking

NFV/SDN

Vendor management

Education

Master's degree in Telecommunications Engineering

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major player in the telecommunications sector, is looking for a dynamic Lead 5G Network Deployment Specialist to spearhead their 5G infrastructure rollouts in **Cape Town, Western Cape**. This senior position demands a strategic thinker with deep expertise in the deployment and integration of 5G technologies, including RAN, Core, and transport networks. You will be responsible for overseeing project lifecycles, managing technical teams, and ensuring the successful and timely deployment of high-performance 5G networks across the region. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership qualities, a thorough understanding of 5G standards and architectures, and a proven ability to manage complex technical projects in a fast-paced environment. This role is critical to shaping the future of mobile connectivity for our client and its customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end deployment of 5G network infrastructure, from site acquisition and build to core network integration and service activation.


• Develop and execute detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets for 5G network deployments.


• Manage and mentor a team of network engineers, field technicians, and project coordinators.


• Collaborate with R&D, vendor partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on technology choices and deployment strategies.


• Oversee the integration of 5G components with existing LTE and core network infrastructure.


• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, safety standards, and operational procedures during deployment.


• Conduct technical reviews, risk assessments, and quality assurance checks throughout the deployment process.


• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues arising during network deployment and integration phases.


• Monitor network performance post-deployment and identify areas for optimization.


• Prepare regular progress reports for senior management, highlighting key milestones, challenges, and mitigation strategies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.


• Over 10 years of experience in mobile network deployment, with at least 5 years focused specifically on 5G technologies.


• In-depth knowledge of 5G NR, 5G Core (SA and NSA architectures), and associated transport network requirements.


• Proven experience in managing large-scale network deployment projects, including team leadership and budget management.


• Familiarity with RF planning, site acquisition, and construction processes for mobile networks.


• Strong understanding of IP networking, virtualization (NFV/SDN), and cloud technologies.


• Excellent project management skills, PMP certification is a plus.


• Exceptional problem-solving and decision‑making abilities.


• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, particularly within a **Cape Town, Western Cape** context.


• Ability to work under pressure and meet aggressive deployment timelines.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of R.


• Comprehensive medical aid, including private hospital cover.


• Generous annual leave entitlement.


• Performance-related bonuses.


• Opportunities for international training and development in 5G technologies.


• Retirement savings plan.


• Relocation assistance may be available.


• Company vehicle and fuel allowance.


• Exposure to cutting‑edge 5G advancements.


• A challenging yet rewarding work environment focused on innovation.