Managing Executive: Strategy

**Role purpose**:
The Vodacom Digital & IT Group is on a transformational journey, in alignment with the Vodafone and Vodacom strategy, of moving from a Telco to a TechCo. The Managing Executive (ME) of Group IT Strategy and Architecture reports into the Vodacom Group CIO. As a member of the Group IT senior leadership team, the ME is responsible for the Group IT strategy, IT architecture and transformation.

The ME works closely with Vodafone, Vodacom Group, Vodacom Markets, Mpesa JV, Financial Services and other stakeholders (internal and external) including BSS Providers, Cloud Service Providers, platform, systems integration partners, etc. to lead and shape practical implementation of the Vodacom Group Digital & IT strategy, architecture, and execution plans.

The ME continuously reviews and updates the Group IT Strategy and Transformation plans in close collaboration with all the stakeholders involved to ensure that it remains up to date and includes the latest strategies and innovations and guidance from Vodafone.

The ME is also responsible for IT architecture and ensures that the governance, guidance, and standards are in place and operational, and that it is sensitised with all the stakeholders to ensure that Vodacom evolves to a future ready, modern and open IT architecture.

Furthermore, the ME leads core domain capability units and centres of excellence in Group IT. These units are responsible for the governance, architecture, design, and execution of the agreed roadmaps for the core capability units. The domains include: Digital Channels and Engineering; Cloud Centre of Excellence; Modernization Garage and Software Engineering Centre of Excellence.

To be effective in the role, the ME is a seasoned IT executive with commercial, technical and financial acumen that can work closely with C-level executives, business and technical teams from various disciplines, partners and suppliers to design feasible strategies, plans and roadmaps for Vodacom to achieve its business and technology ambitions.

The ME has a deep understanding of IT Operating Models, Architecture, Development, Operations, Scaled Agile Rollout, trends and best practices and has the experience that allows the ME to lead and guide teams to manage programs and design solutions that aligns with the broader Vodafone and Vodacom strategies, objectives and plans and makes sure that the Group IT Strategy, Execution plans and budgets are aligned to the Vodafone and Vodacom business and technology strategies.

**Your responsibilities will include**:
Across all the Markets, VFS and Mpesa the MEs key accountabilities and decision ownership spans the following:
Design the Digital & IT Strategy and Implementation Plans, continuously review and update the strategy in collaboration with key stakeholders
Run the Digital & IT transformation execution programme and governance
Support Digital & IT domain and Group IT Budgeting, Roadmaps, Planning, and guidance
Manage Group IT Architecture initiatives, governance, guidance, standard and patterns
Influence the IT Operating Model design and implementation, input into the Technology Operating Model and the Broader Business Operating Model
Draft motivations for implementation and the development of Digital & IT Business Cases
Lead and shape key IT Transformation Programmes including M&A, Due Diligences, and key strategic projects
Support and guide Digital Skills Building & Insourcing strategies, plans
People management (internal and external)
Network and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders as required, negotiate contracts with key suppliers
Close collaboration with Vodafone, influencing Vodafone with the African regional requirements and needs
Close alignment with the Markets, VFS and Mpesa, contribute into Technology Performance Reviews and leads discussions around core domains and Digital & IT strategy
Remain updated with IT industry best practices, industry trends and other research and use that to shape conversations and strategies
Lead and shape core capability units and centres of excellence for Digital Channels, Engineering, Modernisation, Cloud Acceleration and Software Engineering
Drive the standardisation of platforms and a single digital engineering ecosystem across the Group
Where required, take extreme ownership of initiatives, and get hands-on involved in problem resolution, innovation and design of practical solutions to resolve challenges

**Leadership and teamwork**:
Mirror Servant Leadership Principals and behaviour
Lead, motivate and develop the teams, ensuring they have clarity of direction and support in prioritising demands.
Champion of change and vision
Create a high level of employee engagement to deliver the leading customer experience in Vodacom
Ensure diversity of gender and cultural background in team
Coach develop and performance manage people and identify key talent.
Embody and embed the Vodacom Way behaviours
Manage relationships with key suppliers

**Must have