Gauteng: Head of Fibre Planning Operations posted by PlaceTalent

• 8+ years of experience in FTTH or fibre network planning
• Proven experience managing large engineering or planning teams (20+ preferred)
• Strong understanding of FTTH design standards
• Commercially literate with the ability to understand margin, cost control, and utilisation
• Demonstrated ability to scale teams and manage growing operations
• Strong process orientation with experience implementing KPI-driven environments
• Experience working with operational systems such as Smartsheet, BI tools, or similar reporting platforms
• Strong leadership and team development capabilities
• Comfortable working EST hours from South Africa

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and scale an FTTH Planning division of approximately 40–60 professionals
• Oversee monthly production output of 30,000+ HHP
• Manage both design and as-built planning teams
• Implement and enforce productivity and performance models across the planning function
• Maintain predictable production forecasting and ensure on-time delivery targets above 95%
• Oversee quality assurance processes and manage dedicated QC resources
• Maintain low rework levels and ensure structured QA processes are followed
• Proactively manage operational risks and prevent escalation issues
• Manage the planning division as a structured profit centre
• Protect and grow gross margins through effective cost and productivity management
• Monitor cost per unit of production and manage disciplined headcount growth
• Provide structured reporting on operational and financial performance
• Develop pod-based team structures and build strong team leadership
• Support team growth, succession planning, and leadership development
• Successfully integrate additional planning teams into the operation
• Scale operational capacity in line with project demand.

Work Schedule & Compensation Notes

• This is a full-time, non-exempt position based on a 40-hour work week.
• Primarily based in the office around Melrose Johannesburg.
• Working hours:
  • 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Monday to Friday) – From the 2nd Sunday of March until the 1st Sunday of November
  • 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Monday to Friday) – From the 1st Sunday in November until the 2nd Sunday of March
  • US public holidays will apply. South African public holidays will not apply