Shruti Arunkumar

Lead high-stakes project deployments for multivendor optical DWDM transmission solutions on major subsea networks across the MEA region (e.g., 2Africa VF and WIOCC projects). Manage complex, multi-tier stakeholder relationships (suppliers, customers, end-users) to ensure adherence to project timelines and critical path deliverables. Drive PMO process enhancement by refining documentation and implementing project management best practices company-wide. Overseeing all local operational compliance, resource allocation, and line management of the SA technical team. Champion team development by actively cross-skilling and upskilling technical staff to support business growth and new technology adoption. Support the pre-sales team with bid management, strategic pricing, and technical RFP responses for new business opportunities in the MEA region.

Instrumental in launching and building the NetX operational division, establishing all functions including network acquisition, maintenance, and installations. Directed third-party operational partners, enforcing SLA compliance and overseeing all service assurance, maintenance issues, and trouble ticket resolution times. Led the technical oversight for the strategic acquisition of high-quality fibre networks, successfully expanding the footprint in medium-to-lower LSM markets. Achieved significant network stability in underperforming areas by implementing strategic network upgrades and an aggressive preventative maintenance schedule. Scaled installation team capacity to successfully accelerate the connection rate for a growing subscriber base. Drove the enhancement of internal support systems to create a data-driven framework for reporting on network health and partner performance.

Led multi-regional teams (Gauteng & Western Cape) in the rapid rollout of complex FTTx fibre projects for Consumer and Business segments, ensuring all deployments met Vodacom's strategic targets. Drove executive-level stakeholder management, coordinating between Sales, Property, Technology, contractors, and suppliers to secure resources and maintain project velocity. Built and leveraged strategic vendor relationships to proactively mitigate project risks and accelerate issue resolution. Spearheaded business process transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and align the build team with the company's long-term vision. Mentored and developed junior project managers, strengthening the team's overall delivery capabilities.

Spearheaded the national launch of Vodacom's FTTB service as the sole Project Manager, successfully delivering over 163 projects across South Africa. Instrumental in designing and implementing the core divisional processes and systems for GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Networks) deployment. Led complex, multi-party contract negotiations involving executive management, Vodafone Procurement Company (VPC), SCM, and external suppliers. Owned and controlled all project financials, managing budgets against baseline, tracking cash flow, and aligning expenditures with deliverables. Directed all vendor and contractor management, enforcing project milestones and leading strategic forecasting for long-Flead procurement items.

Acted as the primary technical consultant for MEA customers, analyzing KPI/SQI trends to identify and define opportunities for network, service, and customer experience improvements. Architected and developed end-to-end, value-based solutions by managing inputs from all internal stakeholders, including OSS/BSS, Planning, Implementation, and Managed Services. Led internal cost negotiations to meet benchmark pricing targets, and presented the final service offering to customers, supporting the Account Team in securing the sale. Provided critical post-sales governance, ensuring project delivery teams adhered to the agreed scope of work and that all customer expectations were met within project tolerances.

Managed the end-to-end services solutions pricing for the Network Optimisation and Managed Services teams. Developed and packaged complex pricing models for mobile operators across the Africa and Middle East (AMEA) region. Served as the pricing lead for major accounts, including Cell C (SA), Telkom Mobile (SA), NetOne (Zimbabwe), Safaricom (Kenya), and Etisalat (Dubai).

Led daily network performance management for mobile operators, overseeing quality/capacity issues, managing VIP investigations, and proactively recommending optimization solutions. Managed strategic network capacity forecasting, advising customers on scheduled upgrades to prevent bottlenecks and ensure service quality. Mentored and developed junior engineers within the performance management team, leading technical training and workshops to build organizational capability.

Owned the complete radio network performance analysis and reporting function for key African operators (Vodacom SA, Cell C SA, MTC Namibia). Performed daily and weekly KPI, capacity, and configuration parameter analysis to assess network health and identify optimization opportunities. Compiled and presented comprehensive monthly reports to customer technical teams, translating complex data into actionable recommendations for network quality improvement.

Led all first-line fault management for the Cell C mobile network throughout the KZN region. Provided Tier 1 maintenance support and troubleshooting, escalating complex issues to Tier 2 (second line) and field specialists to ensure timely fault resolution. Compiled and delivered ad hoc fault reports and statistical analysis to management teams to support network performance and service assurance.

Management: Digital Business

Vodacom Women in Leadership Programme