Structural Information

Job number: 10024758

Job title: Executive: Netw Architecture & Modelling

Job grade: M3

Group/ BU: Openserve

Division: Openserve

Span of control: 5-10

Reports to: Top Management

Core Description

The Executive: Network Architecture and Modelling leads the planning, modelling, governance and evolution of Openserve’s fixed, fibre, wireless, satellite and emerging digital network layers.

The role drives standards, architecture governance, technology investment decisions and network capability transformation while ensuring alignment with growth strategy, regulatory requirements, cybersecurity protocols, sustainability commitments, operational efficiency, total cost of ownership and customer experience outcomes.

Job Responsibilities

1. Strategic and Technology Leadership
Define and drive the long-term network architecture roadmap aligned to digital business and customer growth objectives.
Lead transformation initiatives including SDN, NFV, Cloud-native networks, 5G/FTTx, AI-enabled operations (AIOps), and edge computing.
Ensure technology choices support scalability, performance efficiency, resilience, sustainability and cybersecurity compliance.

2. Architecture Governance and Network Modelling
Develop and maintain architectural standards, frameworks, reference models and future network blueprints.
Oversee modelling, simulation and scenario analysis to inform capacity planning, investment decisions, demand forecasting and risk assessment.
Implement governance structures ensuring network design standards are adopted across engineering, project delivery, partner integration and operational teams.

3. Operational Excellence and Quality Assurance
Drive network performance monitoring methodologies leveraging automation, predictive analytics and AI-based optimisation.
Guide and oversee architecture input to major infrastructure programs, migration initiatives, modernisation, and integration workstreams.

4. Market, Innovation and Regulatory Influence
Track global technology and industry trends, standards and regulatory shifts to guide positioning and strategic competitiveness.
Partner with vendors, technology alliances and industry bodies to shape future strategy and capability evolution.

5. Stakeholder and Leadership Engagement
Engage with internal and external stakeholders to align network roadmap, investment priorities and industry collaboration.
Provide executive-level insights, communication and reporting on strategic architecture initiatives, risk posture, and network performance trajectory.

Core Competencies

Functional Knowledge/ Skills
Software-Defined Networks (SDN), Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV)
5G/Next-Gen Wireless, Fibre Access (FTTx, GPON/XGS-PON), IP/MPLS/Optical Network Architecture
Cloud Networking (Hybrid, Multi-cloud, Distributed Edge)
AI/ML for Network Optimisation and Automation (AIOps, Zero-Touch Networks)
Cybersecurity, Zero-Trust Network Architecture, Regulatory and Industry Standards
Digital Twin Modelling, Digital Network Simulation
IT/Network Convergence, API-Driven Integration
Technology Investment Planning and Financial Management
Total Cost of Network Ownership, Lifecycle and Sustainability Optimisation
Vendor and Partner Ecosystem Governance
Regulatory and Telecommunications Compliance Strategy

Competencies (Behaviour)
Strategic Business Acumen and Forward-Thinking Ability
Governance and Ethical Leadership
Decision-Making and Critical Thinking
Stakeholder Influence and Executive Communication
Change Leadership and Digital Transformation Mindset
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Leadership

Certifications

None

Education

NQF 7: Bachelor's Degree/ Advanced Diploma

Experience

8 Years relevant experience, of which at least 3 years on senior management level

Additional Information

Certification, qualifications and experience:
Cloud Architecture or Cybersecurity Certifications will be advantageous.
Qualfication in engineering, Telecommunications, ICT, Computer Science or equivalent.
Master’s degree in engineering, Technology Management, Digital Networks, MBA or equivalent will be preferred.
Minimum 8-10 years relevant experience in telecommunications network or technology leadership.
Minimum 3 years at senior management/executive level.
Proven experience in Network architecture, design and optimisation, Digital transformation, automation and next-generation network evolution and Leading multi-disciplinary engineering and innovation teams.

Special Requirements:
Ability to manage high-complexity decision-making in multi-vendor environments.
Ability to build and maintain executive-level strategic relationships across internal and external ecosystem.
Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, aligned to business needs.

Special Requirements

None

Physical Requirements

None

Key Stakeholders

Internal:
Engineering and Network Operations
Technology Strategy and Digital Transformation
Business Strategy
Legal and Regulatory
Finance and Procurement
Commercial Operations
Product and Marketing
Cybersecurity and Risk Management

External:
Vendors, OEMs and Technology Partners
Industry Bodies and Regulators
International Consortium Networks
Strategic Customers and Enterprise Partners
Contractors and Systems Integrators

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