Position:
Sr. Operations Manager

Location:
Gauteng, South Africa

Duration:
Permanent

Type of Business:
Digital / Broadcasting

Remuneration:
Negotiable / Market Related

Placement:
As soon as possible (Immediately)

Main Functions:
The Sr. Manager, Operator Partnerships Africa will drive the growth of the business footprint and adoption of technologies in Africa’s broadcast, online and mobile ecosystems. This role will focus on the successful promotion of products and technologies to digital terrestrial TV, Pay TV operators, broadcast channels/networks, OTT services, mobile/online content aggregators and set top box manufacturers in Africa, operating at both a technical and commercial level. Success will be reflected in broadcast, online and mobile services on-air with technologies and the use of the brand on terrestrial, cable TV, DTH, mobile and online services. The role also requires having to work with the technical team to ensure delivery of systems support to company’s broadcast and mobile customers to enable them to get/stay on air and launch services/content with the company's audio and video technologies. Territories covered include Sub Saharan Africa with primary focus on South Africa & Nigeria, as priority markets. The role will provide strategic impetus and direction to growth plans of the company in the broadcast, online and mobile segment in Africa by engaging with potential and existing customers and by establishing and growing deep business relationships and engagement.

Responsibilities:
• Grow the company’s footprint and technology adoption in vertical and horizontal broadcast, online and mobile markets such as Pay TV operators, Digital Terrestrial operators, OTT operators, broadcast channels/networks, content aggregators and set top box OEMs in Africa.
• Engage and network with all constituents of the Broadcast, Mobile and Online industry and ecosystem including content providers, operators, networks, infrastructure providers, pro equipment/service providers, device OEM’s, middleware providers, silicon platform providers and television/set top box manufacturers to establish, maintain and grow relationships with the stakeholders involved. Success will be reflected in broadcast, online and mobile services on air with the company’s technologies, and the use of the brand on broadcast, online and mobile services.
• Engage with leading OTT, pay TV and broadcast networks to drive adoption and use of codecs and technologies for delivering multi-channel surround sound audio into premium broadcast content, especially for HD content.
• Develop account plans, creating winning sales plans, opportunity and pipeline management, revenue planning, commercial win forecasting in line with the company’s strategy and business imperatives.
• Meet and exceed annual revenue and commercial win targets
• Meet and exceed on company’s goal to grow attach of the company’s technologies to consumer electronics products (TVs, STBs, DMAs, mobile, etc.) to the region
• Monitor competitor activities and market potential to identify opportunities for the broadcast and mobile products and technologies in Africa.
• Engage with incumbent terrestrial broadcasters, regulators, standards bodies and related local government agencies to drive adoption of audio & video technologies in HD and future HEVC/UHD digital terrestrial broadcast in Africa. Establish, maintain and grow relationship with key stakeholders involved to promote use and launch services with the company’s technologies in terrestrial digital broadcast.
• Engage with the global Technology and Product Development teams to make recommendations on new business opportunities and the expansion of existing product and lines of business.
• Develop partnerships and work with Director of Technical Engineering to build technical readiness with key System Integrators to drive adoption of the technologies in the broadcast and OTT industry.
• The individual will be expected to be a strong sales manager, to achieve desired performance and results.
• Provide quarterly updates on status and progress on deal flows.
• Able to travel domestically and internationally up to 70%.

Key Performance Areas
• Deep Broadcast Pay TV Operator and Online OTT operator/Industry experience and Relationships.
• A thorough knowledge of digital TV broadcast systems and mobile systems, end to end from ingest to home/mobile receiver, resulting from proven industry experience. Understanding of technologies used and drivers and technology trends in broadcasting and content delivery.
• Experience in long sales cycles, concept and solution selling.
• Techno-Commercial Competence, Experience & Demonstrated Results
• Strong sales skills and key account management skills
• Holds himself/herself accountable for delivering on goals and commitment.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong performance and leadership track record with an ability to drive success from a long-term view.
• Clear and Effective Communication Skills. Effective collaborator
• Strong cultural fit with our collaborative environment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
• Min 8-10 years relevant industry experience with the necessary level of maturity required for the role.
• Well-networked in the broadcast, pay tv, television content and OTT space in Africa with an understanding and having existing relationships across television channels, pay tv operators, OTT services, Telco Operators, CE OEMs, STB OEMs
• Strong technical background and demonstrated experience in broadcast technology, OTT technology, connected devices audio/video technology or related industry.
• Commercially savvy with a proven track record in negotiating and closing deals.
• Bachelor/Master degree or equivalent in Science, Engineering, Marketing or Business related degree or the equivalent in experience; past experience working in a multinational company would be an advantage.
• Understanding of technologies used and drivers and technology trends in media and content delivery.
• Ability to think and act strategically with strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Experience driving projects to on-time completion.
• Strong track record on meeting and exceeding sales goals.
• Must feel comfortable navigating through a complex organization. High ambiguity tolerance and comfort with matrix reporting.
• Must have strong, demonstrated, presentation skills to groups of all sizes and levels
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment. Have the ability to work without direct supervision, to priorities work and to work to deadlines
• Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential; written and verbal interactions with customers singly and in groups are a major part of the job.
• Excellent account management, time management, communications, decision making, interpersonal skills, presentation and organization skills. Professional appearance and presentation required.

Note: This position requires regular overseas travel and work outside normal hours.