Senior Telecom Network Planner

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work allowance

Home office support

Travel opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Telecom Network Planner to drive long-term network strategy, capacity forecasting, and technology evaluation for nationwide telecom infrastructure. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on design and financial modeling.

You will influence senior leadership through clear analyses and cross-functional collaboration, while working in a hybrid setup with travel to Vereeniging when required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in a quantitative field such as Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications or Computer Science.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in telecommunications network planning, design or architecture.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term network strategic plans covering capacity, technology, and geographical expansion.
• Conduct capacity analysis and forecasting across mobile, broadband, and enterprise services.
• Evaluate emerging telecom technologies and standards for applicability.
• Create business cases and financial models for network investments and upgrades.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations and product management to align plans with business goals.
• Define requirements for new technologies and solutions.
• Develop detailed network designs and architectures for future phases.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform strategy.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management on network strategy and investment proposals.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder influence

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Network planning tools

Simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the South African telecommunications sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Telecom Network Planner to join their expanding team. This role is critical for the strategic planning, design, and optimization of our client's telecommunications network infrastructure. You will be instrumental in forecasting future network needs, evaluating new technologies, and developing long-term network evolution plans to ensure our client remains at the forefront of the industry. This position is based in **Vereeniging** but offers a predominantly remote work arrangement, providing flexibility for highly skilled professionals. We are looking for a visionary individual with a deep understanding of network capacity planning, technology trends, and financial modeling for telecommunications investments. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proven track record of influencing strategic decisions within a complex technical environment. This is a key role for shaping the future growth and efficiency of our client's network services across South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term network strategic plans, encompassing capacity, technology, and geographical expansion.
• Conduct detailed network capacity analysis and forecasting to predict future requirements across various services (e.g., mobile, broadband, enterprise).
• Evaluate emerging telecommunications technologies and standards, assessing their potential impact and applicability.
• Create business cases and financial models for network investments and upgrades.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and product management teams to align network plans with business goals.
• Define requirements for new network technologies and solutions.
• Develop detailed network designs and architectures for future network phases.
• Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to inform strategic planning.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management on network strategy and investment proposals.
• Ensure network plans comply with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in telecommunications network planning, design, or architecture.
• Extensive knowledge of telecommunications network technologies (e.g., Fiber, 4G/5G, IP/MPLS, SDN/NFV).
• Proven experience in capacity planning, forecasting, and traffic modeling.
• Strong financial modeling and business case development skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Proficiency in network planning tools and simulation software.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects and influencing stakeholders.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks impacting telecommunications in South Africa.
• Must be comfortable working in a hybrid model, with occasional travel to **Vereeniging** required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and insurance benefits.
• Generous remote work allowance and home office support.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and conferences.
• Flexible working hours and a focus on work-life balance.
• Exposure to strategic decision-making processes within the telecommunications industry.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and exposure.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Annual leave and sick leave benefits.
• Access to company wellness programs.