Programme Manager: Private Networks

Recruit-It; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruit-It in Centurion, Gauteng, is seeking a seasoned Project Delivery and Solution Coordination professional. You will lead end-to-end delivery of private network projects from design through deployment, activation and handover, coordinating with design, engineering, field services, network operations and external partners.

You will manage scope, milestones and client expectations across the project lifecycle, drive cross-functional collaboration for on-time delivery, and ensure readiness for

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications or related field.
• At least 8+ years' experience in telecommunications project management, ideally within consumer/5G network rollout.
• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent) advantageous.
• Experience with private network technologies (e.g. dedicated LTE/5G, fibre, microwave) advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of private network projects from design to handover.
• Coordinate with design, engineering, field services, NOC and partners for successful implementations.
• Manage scope, requirements, milestones and client expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure timely delivery and operational readiness.
• Ensure SLAs, budgets and risks are managed; report progress and risks to leadership.
• Coordinate transition of deployments into Managed Services and hand over documentation.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budgeting

Risk management

Client coordination

Vendor coordination

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications or related field

Job description

Project delivery and solution coordination:

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of private network projects, from solution design and project initiation through to implementation, deployment, service activation, and final client handover.
• Coordinate closely with technical design, engineering, field services, network operations, and external delivery partners to ensure the successful implementation of bespoke private network solutions.
• Ensure that project scope, technical requirements, delivery milestones, and client expectations are clearly defined, aligned, and effectively managed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure seamless execution, timely delivery, and operational readiness of private network deployments.

Client and SLA management:

• Ensure client requirements, timelines and contracted SLAs are met for all private network deployments.
• Report project progress and risks to the Program Deployment Head.

Budget, risk and change management:

• Manage project budgets, resource requirements, delivery costs, and overall financial performance in line with approved project plans.
• Identify, assess, and proactively manage project risks, issues, dependencies, and potential delivery constraints.
• Maintain comprehensive risk and issue registers, ensuring appropriate mitigation and escalation actions are implemented.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and communication across clients, internal teams, technical stakeholders, vendors, and delivery partners.

Handover and continuity:

• Coordinate the successful transition of completed private network deployments into the Managed Services environment.
• Ensure all technical, operational, and project documentation is complete and formally handed over to the relevant support teams.
• Support service acceptance, operational readiness, and resolution of outstanding issues prior to final project closure.

Key performance indicators:

• Lead the planning and delivery of private network projects.
• Coordinate internal technical teams, vendors, contractors, and delivery partners.
• Manage project risks, budgets, resources, and delivery schedules.
• Ensure compliance with client requirements, contractual obligations, and SLAs.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and project governance.
• Oversee successful project handover to Managed Services.

Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications or a related field.
• At least 8+ years' experience in telecommunications project management, ideally within consumer/5G network rollout.
• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent) advantageous.
• Experience with private network technologies (e.g. dedicated LTE/5G, fibre, microwave) advantageous.
• Experience managing complex network deployment projects.

Core competencies:

Technical and functional:

• Private network solution delivery (dedicated LTE/5G, fibre, microwave).
• Project planning, budgeting and resourcing.
• SLA compliance and contract management.
• Risk management.
• Project management methodology (PMP/PRINCE2 or equivalent).

Behavioural and interpersonal:

• Client and vendor coordination.
• Strong project execution and delivery focus.
• Communication and stakeholder management.
• Problem solving and adaptability.
• Planning, organising and coordination.