Manager – Access Network

About the Role

The role will lead the planning, deployment, operations, and optimization of the radio and transmission networks to ensure high-quality, reliable, and cost-efficient services. The role requires deep expertise in mobile and fixed access technologies, combined with strong operational governance, vendor management, regulatory compliance, commercial awareness, and a strategic view of the evolving telecom landscape to deliver on network performance and business objectives.

Main Responsibilities & Duties:

Radio Network Planning & Optimization

• Lead end-to-end radio network design, capacity planning, and coverage expansion.
• Oversee optimization activities to ensure quality of service (QoS), capacity utilization, and customer experience targets are achieved.
• Monitor and analyze KPIs, troubleshoot performance issues, and recommend enhancements.

Transmission Network Management

• Manage and optimize transmission infrastructure, including microwave, fiber, and leased lines.
• Ensure sufficient transmission capacity to support network growth and service quality requirements.
• Oversee planning, deployment, and maintenance of backbone, backhaul, and last-mile transmission networks.

Operations, SLAs & KPIs

• Oversee day-to-day operations of radio and transmission domains to ensure network stability, availability, and reliability.
• Define, monitor, and govern SLAs and KPIs related to service performance, incident response, and fault resolution.
• Ensure adherence to operational processes, preventive maintenance schedules, and escalation procedures.
• Drive continuous service improvement through root cause analysis, operational audits, and corrective action plans.

Vendor Management & Governance of Managed Services

• Manage relationships with equipment vendors and managed services partners to ensure contractual commitments are achieved.
• Govern partner performance by monitoring SLAs, KPIs, and operational deliverables.
• Conduct regular vendor performance reviews, enforce compliance, and drive accountability.
• Ensure cost efficiency and service quality through effective vendor governance and contract management.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with national telecom regulatory requirements, standards, and licensing conditions.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory guidelines impacting spectrum, transmission, and network operations.
• Prepare and submit required reports, audits, and documentation to regulatory authorities.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external regulators during audits, inspections, and compliance checks.
• Ensure all network activities (planning, deployment, operations) are aligned with legal and regulatory frameworks.

Commercial Awareness & Cost Efficiency

• Align network investment and operational decisions with overall business strategy and financial objectives.
• Evaluate network expansion, vendor proposals, and technology upgrades with a focus on ROI, cost optimization, and value creation.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and CAPEX/OPEX management for radio and transmission domains.
• Provide insights on market trends and competitor benchmarks to support strategic decision-making.

Strategic Telecom Landscape Overview

• Maintain a strategic understanding of global and regional telecom trends, including spectrum evolution, 5G/6G readiness, and fiber expansion.
• Anticipate market developments and regulatory shifts and align network strategies to support long-term business growth.
• Provide leadership with insights on how emerging technologies, customer demands, and competitive dynamics will impact radio and transmission domains.
• Contribute to corporate strategy by ensuring the network is prepared for future digital services, convergence, and new revenue streams.

Technology & Innovation

• Stay up to date with advancements in mobile (2G/3G/4G/5G) and fixed broadband technologies.
• Recommend adoption of new solutions to enhance network efficiency and readiness for future services.
• Support network modernization initiatives, including IP migration and transport transformation.

Leadership & Coordination

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers, ensuring knowledge transfer and professional development.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, quality, and safety standards in network deployment and operations.

What We Need From You

• Education

• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or related field (Master's degree preferred).

• Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in radio network planning, optimization, operations, and transmission management.

• Skills and Knowledge

• Strong understanding of mobile technologies (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) and fixed broadband solutions.

  Proven experience with transmission mediums such as microwave, fiber optics, and IP-based transport.

  Demonstrated expertise in vendor management, managed services governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial awareness.

  Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

  Strong leadership, project management, and stakeholder management experience.

  Radio frequency planning & optimization tools knowledge.

  Transmission network design and capacity planning.

  SLA/KPI definition, monitoring, and governance.

  Vendor governance and contract management.

  Telecom regulations, spectrum management, and compliance frameworks.

  Strong commercial acumen with ability to evaluate ROI and cost efficiency.

  Strategic view of the telecom landscape, technology evolution, and market dynamics.

  Strong communication and leadership skills.

  Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution.