Director of Operations & Engineering

ROLE TITLE:
Director of Operations & Engineering

LOCATION:
Dakar-Senegal

FUNCTION:
Operations & Engineering

EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Permanent

WORK PATTERN:
Full-time

WORKPLACE TYPE:
On-site

REPORTING TO:
Managing Director 

About us:

We are a leading independent telecoms infrastructure company, with one of the most extensive tower portfolios across Africa and the Middle East. Our business model promotes tower infrastructure sharing and enables mobile network operators (MNOs) to deliver mobile connectivity more quickly, reliably, cost-effectively and with a lower carbon footprint. In turn, this supports the expansion and quality of mobile connectivity, driving sustainable development in our markets.

A bit about the team

Helios Towers is a growing organisation made up of diverse, multicultural talent from around the world, which is the pride of our business. Our mission, purpose and values underpin our drive to foster a culture that is inclusive with a focus on growing local talent, with employee representation from all ethnicities, genders, ages, religions and disabilities.

Our values

We are led by our values of Partnership, Integrity and Excellence coupled with a strong culture of sustainability; to ensure that communities and local people are supported in our markets of operation.

Purpose of the Job

The Director of Operations & Engineering is accountable for end-to-end operational performance across Helios Towers Senegal. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on oversight across operations, security, engineering and network operations centres to deliver safe, reliable, customer-focused and cost-efficient services.

The role also champions Partner Excellence, Customer Experience Excellence and the adoption of new technologies and processes that strengthen service performance and maximize financial returns.

Job specification

Education

Degree in Engineering or a related technical or operational discipline.

Postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Business or a related field.

Work Experience

• Minimum 10 years of hands-on operational and engineering experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

Training Certifications

• Engineering, Leadership, Business Management and/or Project Management qualifications are desirable.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or a comparable continuous improvement certification would be advantageous.

Industry Background

• Telecommunications infrastructure, power systems, network operations or other asset-intensive industries.

Any Other Specifications

• Experience leading partner-led operations models across multi-site infrastructure networks is highly desirable.
• Experience with renewable energy transition, diesel reduction initiatives, digital operations or Smart Operating Centres would be an advantage.
• Exposure to customer-facing service governance and SLA management in telecoms infrastructure environments is welcomed.

Key job responsibilities

This role leads the effective and safe execution of operational services across the Helios Towers network, delivering market-leading, reliable and efficient power through a combination of Helios Towers and partner teams.

It champions Partner Excellence through strong relationships with maintenance and security partners, embedding a culture of "One Team One Business" and a customer experience that consistently aims beyond contractual targets.

Key responsibilities include

• Ensure all activities are delivered in line with SHEQ and compliance standards.
• Deliver reliable power that meets or exceeds customer uptime and downtime targets without compromising efficiency.
• Build, strengthen and govern relationships with maintenance and security partners to drive partner excellence.
• Lead initiatives that reduce diesel dependency and increase the use of renewable or alternative energy solutions.
• Own, govern and optimize Opex and Capex budgets to deliver stretch performance targets.
• Oversee NOC/SOC, Engineering, Planning, Security and Maintenance operations and partner interfaces.
• Lead customer engagement and governance related to service delivery, performance and SLA commitments.
• Champion digital enablement, accurate asset management, reporting and data-led decision-making.
• Build, coach and succession-plan a high-performing Operations & Engineering leadership team.
• Escalate key risks and opportunities to the OpCo Exco and embed continuous improvement and accountability across the function.

Person Specification (desired skills)

• Strong safety-first leadership and operational governance.
• Deep understanding of power systems, tower operations and service delivery performance.
• Strong commercial acumen across Opex, Capex, asset performance and partner contracts.
• Excellent stakeholder management, customer engagement and influencing skills.
• Ability to lead change, build accountability and develop future leaders.

Key Performance Indicators

• Power Uptime & Down Time per Tower
• Fuel Consumption & Renewable Energy Production
• Services Spend (Opex performance)
• Capex Availability and Costs
• Customer Satisfaction & SLAs
• Partner Contract Management
• Training & Assessment KPIs
• SHEQ KPIs

Role Dependencies

HT Policies, Procedures, SHEQ and Compliance Standards

Stakeholders Landscape

• Internal Stakeholders: Interaction and Relationship
  OpCo Managing Director
  Head of People
  Supply Chain Manager
  Maintenance Manager
  Performance Manager
  Engineering Manager
  Security Manager
  NOC/CNOC Manager
  Group Director of Operation & Performance
  Regional CEO

• External Stakeholders: Interaction and Relationship
  Maintenance Partners
  Security Partners
  Customers
  Suppliers

Benefits

• Competitive basic salary
• Discretionary bonus
• Health insurance
• Life insurance

Helios Towers is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. You and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. If you are applying for a position in South Africa, Employment Equity targets may apply when we consider your application.