Fiber Rollout HOD

About the Role

• Fireside Group is seeking an experienced and results-driven Head of Department to lead its Fiber Rollout function. You will plan, manage and oversee all fiber optic network deployment, including FTTH, backbone, metro and enterprise fiber projects, ensuring they are delivered safely, within budget, on schedule and to technical and regulatory standards, while supporting business growth and customer connectivity targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic planning and network expansion: develop fiber rollout strategies aligned with company objectives, identify priority coverage areas, plan network capacity, and prepare annual rollout plans, budgets and resource forecasts.
• Project management: oversee deployment from design to commissioning, monitor milestones, risks and resources, and coordinate site surveys, permits, wayleave approvals and contractor mobilisation.
• Technical operations oversight: supervise installation of backbone, FTTH, ODFs and splitters, last-mile connectivity, splicing and testing, and pole and duct works; review designs and BOQs; monitor network quality and attenuation levels; and ensure proper handover documentation.
• Contractor and vendor management: manage contractors and suppliers, evaluate performance against SLAs and KPIs, approve work schedules and progress reports, and take part in procurement evaluations.
• Quality assurance and compliance: ensure compliance with company standards, telecommunications regulations, health and safety requirements and environmental policies; conduct quality inspections and audits; and implement corrective actions.
• Financial management: prepare and manage operational and capital expenditure budgets, monitor project costs, approve expenditure within authorised limits, and prevent wastage, material losses and overruns.
• Team leadership: lead, mentor and supervise rollout teams, set departmental KPIs, conduct performance evaluations and coaching, and drive training and capacity building.
• Stakeholder management: liaise with government agencies, county authorities, utility providers, property owners, customers and internal departments, secure permits and approvals, and provide regular management and executive reports.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Civil Engineering or a related field
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in telecommunications, fiber-optic deployment, or network infrastructure projects, with at least 2 years in a senior management role
• Proven experience leading fiber rollout teams and managing multiple deployment sites.
• Strong technical understanding of fiber installation, splicing, testing, commissioning, and network infrastructure deployment.
• Demonstrated competence in project planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and contractor management.
• Good understanding of HSE compliance, risk management, quality assurance, and permit-to-work systems.