Head of Fibre Planning Operations

Recruiter:

PlaceTalent

Job Ref:

JHB000454/NC

Date posted:

Monday, March 9, 2026

Location:

Johannesburg, South Africa

Salary:

R80,000 Monthly

SUMMARY:
We are seeking an experienced FTTH Planning Division Leader to head up and scale a high-performance fibre planning operation.

This role will be responsible for overseeing a growing team delivering large-scale fibre planning and design services for international projects.

The position is based in Melrose, Johannesburg. Due to the work being delivered in the United States, the successful candidate will be required to work EST hours from South Africa.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum Requirements

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

Please apply directly by clicking the apply button or visiting for more exciting opportunities.

If you have not received a response within one week, please consider your application unsuccessful. Your CV will be kept on file for any further suitable positions.

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