About the Role
ZTE is seeking an experienced Wireless Network Optimization Manager to join our international engineering team based in Dubai, UAE. This position will serve as the primary wireless optimization interface between ZTE and Airtel Group Headquarters, supporting network performance management across multiple African operating companies.
The successful candidate will work closely with Airtel Group senior management and regional project teams to drive network quality improvement, coordinate cross-country optimization activities, and deliver technical value to one of Africa's leading telecommunications operators.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary wireless optimization interface to Airtel Group Headquarters, working directly with the Group Wireless GM and technical management team.
- Monitor and analyze wireless network performance across Nigeria, Gabon, Uganda, and Rwanda, including KPI trends, network quality, optimization progress, and root cause analysis.
- Prepare and present Monthly Optimization Reports, Special Optimization Reports, Acceptance Reports, and executive-level technical presentations.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams, including country project teams, product experts, and technical support engineers, to resolve complex network issues and improve overall network performance.
- Provide short-term onsite support to African operating companies based on project requirements, including cluster optimization, network-wide optimization, and major event assurance.
- Define optimization responsibilities, establish RACI matrices, and monitor project execution to ensure KPI achievement and timely issue closure.
- Deliver customer training and knowledge transfer programs to strengthen Airtel's network optimization capabilities.
- Participate in executive-level technical discussions and provide recommendations on network evolution, performance improvement, and business value enhancement.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or above in Telecommunications, Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Minimum 8 years of hands-on wireless network optimization experience covering 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies.
- Experience leading or playing a key role in at least three large-scale international wireless optimization projects involving more than 500 sites.
- Strong knowledge of 3GPP standards, radio parameter optimization, interference analysis, DT/CQT testing, KPI monitoring, and end-to-end optimization processes.
- Hands-on experience with wireless optimization platforms from leading vendors such as ZTE, Huawei, Ericsson, or Nokia.
- Proficiency with drive test and optimization tools including TEMS, NEMO, Actix, or equivalent.
- Experience with Python and SQL scripting for network automation and data analysis is an advantage.
- Excellent English communication skills with the ability to prepare technical documentation and deliver presentations to senior customer management.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience supporting Airtel or other Tier-1 telecom operators.
- Experience in Africa and/or Middle East wireless network optimization projects.
- PMP, CCNP Wireless, or advanced wireless optimization certifications from ZTE, Huawei, Ericsson, or Nokia.
- French language proficiency is a plus, especially for supporting French-speaking markets such as Gabon.
