Manager - IPX Planning.Bayobab

MTN Group; Roodepoort; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications company in Roodepoort is seeking an experienced professional to lead architecture design for Carrier-Grade IPX, Signaling, and Messaging Platforms. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of progressive leadership experience, particularly in developing scalable and secure solutions aligned with global telecom standards. Key responsibilities include ensuring seamless integration with emerging technologies and defining future-ready technology roadmaps. The role requires strong analytical and communication skills, along with budget management experience.

Benefits

Opportunity for regional and international travel

Qualifications

• Minimum 4-year Academic Degree (B Eng. / BSc Degree preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in architecture and planning.
• Proven expertise with major Signaling, Roaming, and IPX vendors.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture design for IPX and related platforms.
• Develop modular architectures for seamless integration.
• Define a technology roadmap for platform evolution.

Skills

Leadership in architecture

System design expertise

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Budget management

Education

4-year Academic Degree (B Eng. / BSc Degree preferred)

Tools

UNIX-Solaris

Linux

APIs

Job description

Mission / Core purpose of the Job

• Architect Carrier-Grade IPX, Signaling, Roaming and Messaging Platforms

Provide leadership in end-to-end architecture design for IPX, Signaling, Roaming and Messaging Platforms, ensuring secure, scalable, and interoperable platforms that meet Tier-1 carrier standards.

Drive System Design & Solution Engineering

Lead system-level design and solutioning for Signalling hub (STP/DRA), Signalling Firewalls (SS7, GTP FW), IPX transport, and related security components. Delivering optimized and resilient solutions aligned with global telecom protocols.

Plan & Design Future-Ready IPX Infrastructure

Develop modular, future-proof architectures for IPX, Signaling, Roaming and Messaging Platforms, enabling seamless integration with 5G, IoT, and emerging technologies while supporting global roaming and messaging services.

Technology Roadmap & Migration Strategy

Define a technology roadmap for IPX, Signaling, Roaming and Messaging Platforms evolution, including protocol upgrades, virtualization, and cloud-native deployments, aligned with industry trends and business growth objectives.

Solutioning for Business Expansion & Monetization

Translate business requirements into innovative technical solutions that optimizeIPX, Signaling, Roaming and Messaging Platforms performance, enhance security, and unlock new revenue streams through advanced interconnect and roaming services

Key Performance Areas

The Role will be accountable to achieve the following objectives:

• Develop and Evolve Planning Function
• Build and continuously enhance the Bayobab planning function to meet changing business needs, new technologies, and strategic projects
• Work closely with business teams to evolve Bayobab systems, ensuring alignment with goals for sales growth, customer experience, and profitability.
• Facilitate Technical Governance & Innovation - Lead governance processes in coordination with Bayobab and MTN Group stakeholders and senior management, driving future-focused planning for innovation and business transformation.
• Define Standards, Tools, and Roadmaps - Establish planning tools, methodologies, and standards for Roaming, Messaging, and Signaling platforms, including technology roadmaps for evolution and migration.
• Develop, Review and Validate Platform Designs - Ensure designs and functional requirements for Roaming, Messaging, and Signaling platforms meet technical, security, and business objectives.
• Align Technology with Business Strategy - Partner with business and technology leaders to ensure system architectures and solutions align with business goals and operational processes.
• Deliver Target Architecture - Define and implement a 3-year platform architecture roadmap, incorporating global technology trends and future-proof design principles.
• Budget and KPI Management - Maintain CAPEX/OPEX budgets within approved plans and ensure delivery against departmental KPIs aligned with company mission and customer satisfaction metrics.
• Support and Ensure Timely Rollout of Platforms - Oversee planning, rollout, and integration of Roaming, Messaging, and Signaling platforms, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards

Job Requirements

Education:

• Minimum 4-year Academic Degree (B Eng. / BSc Degree preferred)
• Relevant certification/accreditation/membership with professional body as required for role

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in architecture, planning, and design of carrier-grade platforms across diverse technologies and geographies.
• Proven multi-vendor expertise with major Signaling, Roaming, and IPX vendors, ensuring interoperability and global standards compliance.
• Extensive experience in implementation, integration, and operations of core telecom systems, including messaging, mobility, roaming, signaling, VAS, and security platforms.
• Strong knowledge of end-to-end network architecture, including GSM/LTE/5G, IPX, signaling (STPs, DRA, DEA), and connectivity at solution level.
• Strong knowledge and understating of GSMA standards Signaling, roaming architecture.
• Expert in signaling protocols and standards: CAMEL, GTP, DIAMETER, SIP, RTP, MEGACO, SCCP, GSM MAP, SS7/SIGTRAN/ISUP.
• Hands-on experience with roaming hubs, messaging platforms, signaling systems, and value-added services, including SMS/SMPP (A2P, P2A, P2P, RCS).
• Solid understanding of virtualization (VNFs), containerization (CNFs), APIs, and cloud-native architectures for telecom platforms.
• Knowledge of IP networking (CCNA certified), architecture blueprints, and implementation methodologies.
• Familiarity with IoT platforms, roaming VAS, and open connectivity hubs, including experience with Data Clearing Houses.
• Proficient in billing systems, CDRs, TAP flows, and related financial processes for roaming and messaging services.
• Strong technical foundation in UNIX-Solaris, AIX, HPUX, Linux, Windows, and cloud technologies.
• Functional expertise in voice core, unified communications, SIP/IP telephony, and security frameworks.
• Skilled in troubleshooting connectivity and service issues, ensuring high availability and performance.
• Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills, with a proven track record in managing diverse teams across cultures and geographies.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with ability to present complex solutions clearly to stakeholders.
• Experienced in budget management (CAPEX/OPEX), KPI definition, and governance processes.
• Managerial experience of 3+ years, including 2+ years in telecom sector, driving strategic initiatives and technology evolution.

Competencies

• Implementers, Decisive Problem Solver, Best Practice Value Creator
• Culture and Change Champion, Guiding People Manager, Relationship Builder
• Results Achiever, Operationally Astute
• Detailed knowledge on the international telecommunication infrastructure industry regarding latest industry trends and competitive landscape within the Bayobab footprint
• Strong analytical skills to be able to execute market analysis, competitor landscape reports and customer monitoring - Understanding the connectivity infrastructure wholesales landscape with a focus of emerging markets
• Ensures execution of strategies through creating and implementing tactical plans for others to follow
• Encourages commercial innovation and continuous improvement for systems, processes, products and service offerings
• Role models ethical practices by living the MTN values and vital behaviours for others to follow
• Builds relationships across the business in order to influence decision-makers and build team credibility
• Produces sustainable divisional results through ethical practices
• Sets priorities, plans, organizes and co-ordinates the work of others

Supervisory / Leadership / Managerial Tasks

• Accountable for a customer centric culture.
• Employee relations and collaborative teamwork.
• Build professionalism, loyalty, and commitment to the organization.
• Communicate actively and effectively resolving any potential conflicts that may arise.
• Living the MTN Brand – changing and influence employees’ behaviour.
• Manage conflict proactively and monitor disciplinary and grievance actions and trends
• Team learning and knowledge sharing within team; appropriate strategic timing for people up-skilling in line with newly developed technologies and strategic practices

Other

• Regional and international travel (if required)