Chief Operating Officer

About the role

The Chief Operating Officer will lead day‑to‑day operations of a mobile network operator, turning strategic objectives into actionable plans and ensuring reliable network performance, commercial growth, operational efficiency and an excellent customer experience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead overall operational strategy and execution across all business functions.
• Translate Board and CEO strategic priorities into operational plans, targets and measurable outcomes.
• Coordinate commercial, technology, network, customer service, distribution, finance and regulatory teams.
• Foster a high‑performance operating culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee network performance, availability, resilience and quality, working with the CTO on capacity, coverage and technology upgrades.
• Ensure disaster recovery, business continuity and cybersecurity arrangements are in place.
• Drive improvements in network availability, dropped‑call rates, data speeds and service quality.
• Monitor network‑related capital expenditure and ensure ROI.
• Support achievement of subscriber, revenue, EBITDA and market‑share targets across retail, enterprise, wholesale, digital and mobile financial services.
• Strengthen retail, dealer and distribution networks and improve customer acquisition, activation, retention and revenue processes.
• Lead development and delivery of a market‑leading customer experience strategy and monitor satisfaction metrics.

Required profile

• Proven senior executive experience within an African mobile network operator or comparable emerging‑market telecom business.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic objectives into executable operational plans.
• Strong track record of leading cross‑functional teams including commercial, technology, network and customer service.
• Experience managing large‑scale network expansion, technology upgrades and new service launches.
• Ability to report operational performance, risks and initiatives to CEO and Board.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience driving revenue, EBITDA and market‑share growth.

Required skills