Manager: Research & Development

When it comes to putting people first, we're number 1. The number 1 Top Employer in South Africa. Certified by the Top Employer Institute 2025. Role Purpose/Business Unit: To lead, coordinate and drive the Research & Development function within Vodacom Group Technology, ensuring that emerging technology trends, innovation opportunities, and evolving industry capabilities are investigated, evaluated, and translated into tangible strategic initiatives that result in revenue growth, cost efficiency and unmatched customer experience for the Vodacom Group. Your responsibilities will include: Collaborate with the Technology Strategy Team to co-lead the identification and evaluation of emerging technologies, innovation enablers, and disruptive trends in telecoms and adjacent industries. Establish the Group's position on these trends and advise the SLT on their strategic implications. Identify, opportunities/challenges across the business and facilitate/guide the execution of initiatives (proof-of-concepts/trials/proof-of-value assessments) that address these opportunities/challenges. Measure and articulate their potential impact and value to the business, including commercial, operational, and customer benefits. Translate this into commercial/operational strategies to be presented to senior leadership. Collaborate closely with technology strategy, networks, IT, commercial teams, the Vodafone R&D team, and operational markets to identify business challenges/opportunities that R&D can address. Translate abstract opportunities into well-structured, technically feasible initiatives. Build and maintain strategic relationships with academia, research institutions, vendors, startups, and partners to harness external innovation. Represent the Group in relevant forums, think tanks, and collaborative innovation initiatives Tracking, Reporting and Administration of R&D initiatives across the Vodacom Group markets, and to the Tech Exco/SLT at regular intervals. Manage, mentor and inspire a team of R&D professionals, while fostering a culture of experimentation, curiosity, and structured exploration. Ensure knowledge transfer and publication of findings internally across markets and functions. The ideal candidate for this role will have: Matric/Grade 12 (or SAQA Accredited equivalent) is essential A relevant 4-year Honours Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Systems is essential A postgraduate qualification (Masters/PhD) in a technology or innovation-related field is highly desirable A minimum of 10 years in telecoms or ICT, with at least 3 years with experience in an R&D, innovation, systems design/architecture or technology strategy function. Experience in vendor management, and contract negotiations Core competencies, knowledge, and experience: In depth knowledge of ICT & Telecommunication Industry at large In depth knowledge of multiple technology domains with breadth/depth of knowledge in specific areas. Proven ability to conduct using multiple resources. General knowledge of key technology concepts that impact Telecommunications and the broader ICT industry to provide thought leadership Process, Communications and Collaboration Leadership Use of English language for professional technical writing to produce presentations and documents that are of global industry standard We make an impact by offering: Enticing incentive programs, competitive benefit packages, and an exclusive 13th cheque Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefits Cell phone and data benefits, advantages fiber connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companies Closing date for Applications: 21 May 2025 The base location for this role is Midrand Vodacom, Campus The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. Vodacom is committed to an organizational culture that recognizes, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.