Role purpose:

Vodafone is Oman’s latest Network Operator. The presence of Vodafone in Oman will contribute to the development of all sectors, including the economic and educational sectors, and in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Our purpose is to ‘Connect for a Better Future ‘which underpins everything we do. Our solutions will positively impact society as we connect everyone in Oman for a better future. What we offer are market-leading customer experiences and innovative digital services.

We are looking for energetic self-starters to work in this 100% Omani owned, positive collaborative start-up environment, where key talents will create Oman’s happiest workplace. We are looking for individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset who get excited by challenges and constant change and truly want to positively impact the lives of our customers and the people of Oman.

The role is responsible for strategic, dimensioning, and detailed radio network planning to ensure optimal coverage, capacity, and readiness for traffic growth and new services across 4G and 5G networks. It focuses on site planning, spectrum utilization, and expansion strategies aligned with business objectives

Key accountabilities and decision ownership:

• Define long-term RAN planning strategy based on traffic forecasts, population growth, and business targets.
• Prepare the Network Design & Procedure, Documents for all the RAN network entities
• Responsible for Radio Access Network Budgeting and projects implementation related to access Network planning.
• Ensure alignment between RAN strategy and business objectives.
• Define the RAN frequency spectrum distribution across the different technologies (2G,4G, 5G).
• Manage RAN-related Capex/Opex planning and budget control.
• Responsible for Roll Out of the Radio Access Network elements
• Handle and monitor New Technology Projects carried on by the company or the third-party vendor
• Carve out strategy for quality improvement of RAN and cost effectiveness
• Define goals for team to achieve department’s objectives effectively
• Ensure continuous Network Optimization and effective Inventory Management.
• Create and maintain the hardware and software roadmap for the radio access network elements
• Lead Technical RFQ, RFP and Vendors selection process
• Manage vendors maintaining healthy and productive relationship
• Support Marketing and other Business stakeholders to deploy innovative services and solutions meeting them.
• Ensuring optimal network design is in place based on Vodafone group standards

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:

• Strong leadership ability to lead, mentor, and develop radio network planning teams
• Ability to translate business objectives into effective RAN planning strategies and priorities.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams including rollout, optimization, transmission, and core.
• In depth knowledge of GSM, UMTS, WLAN, LTE and 5G network principles and design
• In depth knowledge of RAN frequency planning, carriers and bands distribution for the different technologies (2G, 4G, 5G)
• Capable of Act as the primary interface with senior management, vendors, and managed service partners
• Possesses in-depth knowledge and skills and is able to apply them to solve complex problems and issues through simple, robust, and easy-to-maintain solutions

Must have technical / professional qualifications:

• Bachelor in BSC in Communication and Electronics Engineering or Master in Project Management will be preferred
• Minimal 12 -13 years’ work experience in relevant network design areas and experienced in a senior position.
• Previous experience with large scale RFQ.
• Goal oriented - sets and prioritize targets.
• Solid experience of working within a complex business environment.
• Communication, presentation and influencing skills – experienced in stakeholder management
• Excellent negotiations and analytical skills
• Proactive management and leadership skills
• Good written and spoken English
• Good written and spoken Arabic
• Good communication skills

Key job indicators:

• Excellent Voice and Data KPIs achieved (CSSR >99.7%, CDR < 0.4%)
• Smooth interworking with National Roaming partner ensuring a very good customer experience - especially during handovers – (Call HO Failures <0.5%)
• Strong oversight of network partner delivery in terms of roll-out and ensuring coverage is prioritised properly for Macro and IBS

Direct reports:

• Radio Frequency Planning Engineer
• RAN Solution Architect
• RAN Planning Engineer