Program Manager: Fiber Deployment Full Time

Role purpose: 

The Program Manager for Fiber Deployment is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of the deployment program to ensure successful delivery. This includes aligning the project with strategic goals, managing budgets, resources, and stakeholders, mitigating risks, ensuring quality, and driving timely execution of the Fiber network rollout. They act as the central point of accountability to deliver the program efficiently, on time, and within budget while meeting performance and compliance standards.

Key accountabilities and decision ownership:

Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop and implement a comprehensive program strategy for backbone, metro, FTTS (Fiber to the Site), and FTTB (Fiber to the Building) deployment. Ensure alignment of program objectives with organizational goals and business priorities.

End-to-End Program Management: Oversee the planning, design, and deployment phases across all fiber components (backbone, metro, FTTS, and FTTB). Ensure milestones are met on schedule and within allocated budgets.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Serve as the primary liaison for internal stakeholders, vendors, contractors, and regulatory bodies. Provide regular program updates, including progress reports, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.

Resource and Budget Management: Optimize resource allocation to meet program demands efficiently. Monitor expenditures, ensuring cost-effective execution without compromising quality or timelines.

Risk and Compliance Management: Identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks related to deployment delays, technical challenges, or regulatory constraints. Ensure compliance with local regulations, environmental standards, and safety protocols.

Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain quality benchmarks for the deployment process. Conduct regular quality audits and ensure performance metrics are met or exceeded.

Technology Integration: Facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies and methods to enhance deployment efficiency and network performance.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Track and analyze KPIs for each fiber deployment category (backbone, metro, FTTS, FTTB). Deliver insights and recommendations to optimize ongoing and future projects.

Decision Ownership

Program Scope and Objectives: Define and approve the program scope, deliverables, and success criteria for all fiber categories.

Vendor and Partner Selection: Evaluate and select contractors, suppliers, and service providers. Make decisions on contract terms, pricing, and performance expectations.

Resource Allocation: Decide on the allocation of human, financial, and technical resources to different deployment areas.

Risk Mitigation Strategies: Approve strategies to address project risks, including delays, cost overruns, and compliance issues.

Change Management: Authorize changes to scope, timelines, or budgets, ensuring alignment with overall program goals.

Technology and Tools: Decide on the adoption of tools, equipment, and methodologies to improve deployment efficiency and quality.

Priority Setting: Determine the prioritization of tasks and projects, particularly in cases of resource constraints or conflicting timelines.

Escalation Resolution: Own decisions on critical escalations, including resolving conflicts among stakeholders and addressing deployment bottlenecks.

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:

Core competencies, knowledge and experience:

• Ability to align fiber deployment goals with organizational strategies and long-term objectives.
• Proficiency in managing large-scale, multi-project programs, including scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.
• Expertise in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid models).
• Strong skills in communicating with diverse stakeholders, including executives, contractors, vendors, and regulatory bodies.
• In-depth understanding of fiber technologies, deployment processes, and network architecture (e.g., backbone, metro, FTTS, FTTB).
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams, motivate members, and manage performance across diverse geographies.
• Analytical skills to assess challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to make data-driven decisions under tight timelines.
• Expertise in identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks to ensure smooth program delivery.
• Skilled in managing changes to scope, budget, and timelines while minimizing disruptions.
• Strong focus on maintaining high-quality standards across all phases of fiber deployment.
• Understanding end-user needs and ensuring the fiber network meets performance and reliability expectations.
• Comprehensive understanding of backbone, metro, FTTS, and FTTB network design, installation, and maintenance.
• Familiarity with local, national, and international standards and regulations governing fiber deployment.
• Knowledge of industry benchmarks, such as ITU-T standards, and best practices in fiber-optic network deployment.
• Expertise in fiber splicing tools, optical power meters, OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer), and GIS mapping tools.
• Understanding of contract negotiation, performance tracking, and vendor relationship management.
• Knowledge of IP/MPLS, DWDM, GPON, and other relevant networking technologies.
• Proven track record of managing end-to-end fiber deployment programs across multiple regions.
• Experience in managing large budgets, cost optimization, and financial reporting.
• Hands-on experience working with multiple vendors, suppliers, and contractors in diverse geographical locations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with engineering, procurement, operations, and regulatory teams to achieve program goals.
• Experience in addressing technical, operational, and stakeholder-related challenges effectively.

How To Apply

If you feel that you are up to the challenge and possess the necessary qualification and experience, kindly proceed to update your candidate profile on the career portal and then Click on the apply button. Remember to attach your resume.

https://safaricom.bamboohr.com/careers/464
The closing date for receiving applications is Friday, 21st February 2025, 5:30 pm.