General Manager - Technology Infrastructure

Mission
The General Manager Technology Infrastructure’s role is to define and lead the adoption of AI‑enabled optimisation, predictive maintenance, and energy efficiency capabilities across MTN Group’s Network Infrastructure, Data Centres and Project Zero portfolio. The role ensures alignment with MTN’s technology strategy, ESG and Net Zero commitments, cost efficiency objectives, and operational governance, while maintaining high availability, resilience and accountability across OpCos and PlatformCos.

Context
MTN is entering a new phase in its lifecycle where operational and commercial excellence has become critical for success. The urgency for change has become more heightened amidst increased competitive intensity across all markets in which MTN operates.  The Group’s Technology function must therefore ensure the successful delivery in context of:

• Enhanced focus on ESG strategy and corporate sustainability. Focus on environmental protection and management of improved energy efficiencies and reduction of emissions, releases and waste 

• Development and management of Technology infrastructure agreements (Power as a Service, ESCO, etc) to ensure efficient and resilient operations of network infrastructure.

• Rapidly changing ICT environment

• The geographic complexity of MTN’s foot print across Africa and the Middle East

• Management of executive and local shareholder expectations across all MTN markets and Platforms

• Achievement of top quartile operating efficiency and effectiveness through scale and common processes

• Driving growth through business intelligence and standardization to maximize business impact

• Management of customer and supplier expectations 

• Enhance MTN position as a leading network and system provider

• Constant dynamics and local challenges in the economic, regulatory and legal environments

Values

We at MTN are a purpose and value-led organization. At MTN, we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, everyday. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood and empowered to live an inspired life. 

Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.

 

As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us. 

Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.

 

Live Y’ello

• Lead with Care

• Can-do with Integrity

• Collaborate with Agility

• Serve with Respect

• Act with Inclusion

The General Manager - Network Infrastructure will be accountable to achieve the following objectives

 

Strategy, Vision and Roadmap for Infrastructure, Data Centres and Energy 

• Define and own the vision and roadmap for Network Infrastructure, Data Centres and Project Zero, aligned to: 

  • MTN Group Technology strategy

  • ESG, Net Zero and TCFD commitments

  • Cost efficiency, availability and resilience objectives

• Integrate AI initiatives into the broader Network Infrastructure, Data Centre and Passive Infrastructure strategy across the MTN Group.

• Evaluate, research and introduce new AI‑enabled technologies supporting Project Zero, energy optimisation and infrastructure resiliency.

 

Energy Optimisation & Net Zero Enablement

• Lead the introduction and scaling of AI‑based energy optimisation solutions, including: 

  • AI‑driven reduction of power consumption at sites, shelters and data centres

  • Predictive optimisation of solar, battery, grid and generator usage

  • AI‑assisted load balancing based on traffic patterns, site conditions and environmental factors

• Ensure AI solutions directly support: 

  • Renewable energy adoption

  • Emissions reduction

  • CAPEX and OPEX optimisation

• Oversee trials and evaluation of energy efficiency technologies, including solar, fuel cells, battery storage, efficient generators and cooling solutions.

 

Predictive Maintenance & Infrastructure Resilience

• Establish and govern proactive, AI‑based infrastructure maintenance capabilities, including: 

  • Predictive failure detection for power, cooling and passive assets

  • Early warning and anomaly detection to reduce unplanned outages

  • Data‑driven maintenance prioritisation and spares optimisation

• Improve infrastructure resilience against climate risks and extreme weather events using AI insights.

• Drive measurable improvements in network and data centre availability.

 

Operational Integration & Governance

• Ensure AI solutions are embedded into existing operational platforms (NOC, DCIM, energy management, fault and performance management systems) without disrupting: 

  • Operational accountability

  • Existing governance and SLA models

• Define and implement AI governance frameworks, including: 

  • Model performance oversight

  • Data quality, integrity and ownership requirements

  • Cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and explainability standards

• Maintain alignment with Group, OpCo and PlatformCo governance forums and operating models.

   

Vendor, TowerCo and Partner Enablement

• Act as Technology lead for AI‑enabled infrastructure requirements in all RFPs, contracts and partnerships related to: 

  • TowerCos

  • ESCOs

  • Data Centre partners

  • Infrastructure and energy vendors

• Ensure: 

  • AI‑enabled monitoring and optimisation are included where relevant

  • Clear data ownership, access and performance transparency

  • AI supports operational decision‑making rather than replacing it

• Lead vendor governance, SLA management, performance reviews and efficiency initiatives.

• Tower deal and negotiation support

 

AI Pilots, Scale‑Up and Value Realisation

• Oversee AI pilots and trials across energy efficiency, predictive maintenance and asset optimisation, ensuring: 

  • Business case validation

  • Measurable cost, energy and availability benefits

  • Controlled and standardised scale‑up across OpCos and PlatformCos

• Coordinate with PMO, operations and procurement teams to ensure effective delivery and adoption.

 

Infrastructure Design, Operations & Performance Management

• Data Centre and passive site design guidance and best practice

  • Provide expert guidance on site design excellence to ensure optimal site and data centre performance by incorporating best practice and efficiencies with latest technologies

• Lead end‑to‑end Network Infrastructure and Data Centre operations, including: 

  • Monitoring, fault, configuration and performance management

  • KPI definition, reporting and benchmarking

• Ensure high availability and quality of service across mobile and fixed networks.

• Assess, approve and monitor infrastructure CAPEX and OPEX budgets across the Group.

 

Key Deliverables & KPIs

Energy & Sustainability

• Demonstrable energy savings achieved through AI‑based optimisation of network and data centre infrastructure

• Increasing access to, and use of, renewable energy across networks and buildings

• Reduction in emissions aligned to Net Zero and ESG targets

Availability & Resilience

• Reduction in unplanned infrastructure outages through AI‑driven predictive maintenance

• Percentage increase in network and data centre availability

• Improved infrastructure resilience to climate and environmental risks

   

Cost & Efficiency

• Reduction in infrastructure‑related OPEX through predictive and preventive interventions

• Improved CAPEX efficiency through data‑driven planning and asset utilisation

Asset & Operations Intelligence

• Improved asset health visibility using AI‑based early warning indicators

• Standardised infrastructure performance and energy reporting across the Group

Governance & Standardisation

• Standardised AI usage model for infrastructure operations across MTN Group

Clear AI governance, data ownership and compliance frameworks embedded into operations

Education:

• Minimum 4-year Academic Degree with Honours (B Eng. / BSc Degree Preferred)

• MBA / Masters advantageous

• English, French and Arabic (as advantage)

• Relevant certification/accreditation/membership with professional body as required for role

 

Experience:

• Experience in management of Net Zero and Network Infrastructure programs advantageous 

• Minimum 5-8 years of Senior Management Experience

• Minimum 5-8 years relevant sector/industry/area of specialisation

• Relevant in experience/specialization in Network Design & Planning, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance landscape), Data Centres, Passive Infrastructure, Vendor and Contract management

• Relevant in experience/specialization in Network Design & Architecture/ RAN/Core

• Work across diverse cultures and geographies

• Proven track record of business improvement and strategy development

• Network design planning and rollout 

• Knowledge of RAN, voice and data core network, transport and IP network

• Network optimization and efficiency

• Infrastructure and data centre planning and cost optimization

• Spectrum strategy

• Adoption of new technologies 

   

Competencies:

• Business Acumen, Problem Solving, Information processing, Influencing others 

• Data interpretation, Judgement, Continuous improvement, Reporting 

• Get it done, Communication, Innovative, Agile, Accountable

 

Other:

• Regional and international travel

As part of MTN’s recruitment process, your personal information may be processed using secure Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to assist with the shortlisting of candidates. This is done in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). By applying for this position, you consent to the processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. All data will be handled securely and used solely for evaluating suitability for the role.

We are a purpose and value-led organization.

At MTN, we believe that understanding our people’s needs and aspirations is key to creating experiences that delight you at work, everyday. We are committed to fostering an environment where every member of our Y’ello Family is heard, understood and empowered to live an inspired life.

Our values keep us grounded and moving in the right direction. Most importantly, they keep us honest. It is not something we claim to be. It is in our DNA.

As an organisation, we consider it our mission to create an exciting and rewarding place to work, where our people can be themselves, thrive in positivity and ignite their full potential. A workplace that boosts creativity and innovation, improves productivity, and ultimately drives meaningful results. A workplace that is built on relationships and achieving a purpose that is bigger than us. This is what we want you to experience with us!

Our commitments go beyond an organisational promise. It is in our leadership and managerial ethos to meaningfully partner with our employees, customers and stakeholders with a vision to realise our shared goals.

We are delighted that you are considering us as your career partner to make a mark in the world. We look forward to your application!