Principal Technology Business Relationship Manager

Principal Technology Business Relationship Manager Vodacom, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

The role involves acting as the single point of contact for internal business customers, managing a portfolio of accounts, and partnering with  to deliver value, transformation and new services.

The role covers all three business cycle phases: sell, build, run, including engagement, business case development, transition, and BAU with governance over SLAs and KPIs.

Manage strategic key stakeholder relationships and act as the single point of contact for customer issues and escalations. Identify and manage opportunities to build a pipeline of opportunities. Own and manage the preparation and sign‑off of business cases relating to the service. Oversee and act as escalation point during service transition and BAU. Organise and manage governance across the service lifecycle.

Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with stakeholders in  and the customer (C-level and direct reports). Develop a deep understanding of the local market and IT strategy. Map  capabilities to the customer's strategy across the managed portfolio. Represent the internal customer in service design, service portfolios and offerings. Strategic account planning, opportunity identification, pipeline management and best use of  capabilities.

Pipeline demand management, demand / change governance. Lead financial governance, charging and budgeting for the respective service. Support internal  transformation and cost‑improvement initiatives. Receive and manage service escalations and customer improvement plans to ensure satisfaction. Governance between service operations and the internal customer, including monthly meetings and reporting. Prepare and execute monthly governance meetings focusing on strategic questions, service performance, pipeline, opportunities, finances.

Prepare and execute quarterly steerco meetings with  management and CIO. Accountability for customer satisfaction via annual survey. Generate and manage account and development plans. Ensure planned performance and customer satisfaction across the portfolio.

Degree or equivalent professional experience; relevant further qualification an advantage. Ability to operate in a changing environment and drive significant organizational change. Service Management experience and ITIL knowledge (foundation level) – proficient, 2 years. Sales / account management / business development experience. Senior stakeholder management. Strong communication, with the ability to present to senior stakeholders. Knowledge of AO, AD, Testing, Professional services, Service Desk, Networks, AI and Robotics.

Experience leading virtual teams. Proactive, Agile, adaptable approach with strong relationship management and customer‑centric thinking. Ability to build and maintain relationships across all business levels. Desire for personal and career development; confident to challenge senior individuals. Ability to influence, negotiate and persuade internal and external customers. Understanding of financial metrics and terminology. Broad IT knowledge; technology account management / consultancy experience.

IT service management (ITIL). Ability to establish and maintain trust; rigor in action follow‑through. Commercial / financial governance experience.

• Strategic thinking
• IT strategic relationship management
• Account management / business development
• IT Service management
• Financial governance

• The base location for this role is Vodacom, Midrand Campus. The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process.

As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.

Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.

Senior level Not Applicable

Employment type

Full‑time Job function Other Industries Information Services IT Services and IT Consulting Telecommunications

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