Internal Role Title: Fibre Optic Planner (Senior)
Company: Ilitha Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd
Function: Network Planning & Engineering
Employment Type: Permanent – Full-Time
Location: Johannesburg – Rosebank, with regional travel to active build areas
Closing Date: 14 August 2026
| Role Purpose |
| Ilitha Telecommunications is a broadband provider connecting townships and peri-urban communities. We build fibre networks outward from towns into the areas where people live. Our Network Planning function underpins every metre of fibre we deploy, converting growth targets and area-level demand into buildable, cost-efficient network designs. We are seeking a Senior Fibre Optic Planner to own the end-to-end planning and design of our FTTH, FTTB and carrier-grade fibre networks. The role converts commercial and operational requirements into High-Level Designs (HLDs) and Low-Level Designs (LLDs) that field and build teams can execute against. This is an experienced, individually accountable position graded at Paterson Band D. The successful candidate will work with minimal supervision and exercise sound judgement on route strategy and design trade-offs. |
| Role Requirement |
| Network Design & Planning – Produce and optimise High-Level and Low-Level Designs for FTTH, FTTB and carrier-grade fibre networks, prioritising the use of existing assets before defining new build. Documentation & Build Support – Create accurate splice diagrams, route plans and pole/duct utilisation schedules. Maintain GIS and as-built records so that documentation reflects the network as constructed. Capacity & Demand Planning – Translate area-level demand forecasts into buildable capacity plans and identify network reinforcement requirements ahead of demand. Quality & Governance – Apply Ilitha’s network design standards and industry best practice. Conduct design reviews and quality checks on the work of junior planners. Cross-Functional Collaboration – Work closely with Civils, Rollout Operations and Survey teams to validate route feasibility. Liaise with municipal and wayleave stakeholders where required. |
| Performance Management |
| Performance will be managed against assigned duties and measured through metrics provided by the reporting line. Regular reviews will address any gaps in knowledge, practice or technology to ensure consistent delivery. |
| Required Skills and Competencies |
| Experience: Minimum 5 years’ experience in fibre or telecommunications network planning. Demonstrated FTTH/FTTB design experience with a proven record of designs successfully built in the field. Certification: National Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical /Telecommunications Engineering, Geomatics/Surveying, or a related technical field. Formal fibre network design or GPON/FTTx planning certification (e.g. Huawei, Nokia or equivalent vendor training). Valid driver’s licence, with willingness to travel to active build sites. Technical Skills: Proficiency in GIS mapping tools and AutoCAD, working knowledge of GPON/FTTx design principles, and skill in producing HLDs, LLDs and splice diagrams. Familiarity with planning software such as Comsof or VETRO is an advantage. Soft Skills: Strong analytical and interpretive judgement, high attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical designs clearly to build teams and non-technical stakeholders. Other Requirements: Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to active build sites. |
| Work Environment |
| Office Setting: Hybrid working model with more than 50% of time based at the Rosebank head office. The role involves regular regional travel to active build areas. Reporting Structure: Senior Network Planning Manager |
| COMPETENCIES (Knowledge, experience and skills required to perform the job competently) |
| Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Professional attitude and appearance Solid written and verbal communication skills Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise Excellent organizational skills Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks Customer service attitude Technical Competence Fast Learner |
Interested and suitably qualified candidates are invited to submit your Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) Email your application to Kagiso@ilitha.com with the subject line: Application – Fibre Optic Planner (Senior): 14 August 2026