VodafoneThree - Core Probing Lead

Job Description

Location: London OR Newbury + Hybrid
Salary: Excellent basic salary plus bonus and Vodafone benefits
Working Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday



Hybrid

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week, for at least 8 days per month. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team.

Who We Are

We’re here to build a network the UK can count on – one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online – we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future’s being built – today.

We’re creating more than the UK’s best network. We’re helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress.

We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there’s space for you here. We’re building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves.

You’ll join a team that genuinely cares – about each other, about our customers, and about the future we’re building. From day one, you’ll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.



Why VodafoneThree

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last.

We’re not just expanding connectivity; we’re reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country.

You’ll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you’ll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone.

We move at pace, because what we’re building matters – and we’re learning as we go. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started.

Join our UK Networks team, where we’re continually building and enhancing our network, connecting millions of people and businesses across the country. Be part of the team that makes it all happen – simplifying, automating, and bringing better connectivity than ever before, with giga-fast speed, to our customers.

What you’ll do

This role leads the design, implementation, and optimisation of core network probing solutions to ensure 24/7 visibility of service quality from the customer’s perspective, providing regular core probing result reporting to wider business. It plays a critical role in detecting, analysing, and resolving systemic issues, supporting VodafoneThree’s commitment to delivering best-in-class network experience.

• Own and manage the core probing strategy and solutions for end-to-end service quality monitoring.
• Ensure continuous visibility of core network performance through advanced probing tools.
• Help with trace analysis of critical customer-impacting issues, identifying root causes and driving resolution.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and CX teams to address systemic performance issues.
• Maintain and optimise probing infrastructure, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and cost efficiency.
• Deliver regular insights and reports on core network performance trends and anomalies.
• Drive automation and innovation in probing and analysis processes.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure compliance with SLAs for probing services.
• Support benchmarking and supplier performance initiatives with probing data.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in service quality assurance processes.

Who You Are

The role requires a strong technical foundation in core network architecture and transport protocols, combined with hands‑on experience analysing network performance and service quality. You will apply structured analytical thinking to investigate issues, identify root causes, and drive continuous improvement across network performance, tooling, and processes. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as the role involves working closely with suppliers, internal engineering teams, and wider stakeholders to deliver effective outcomes.

• Deep understanding of core network protocols and architectures, including IP, TCP, UDP, TLS/SSL, HTTP/HTTPS, and QUIC
• Proven experience using probing tools and methodologies to measure and assess service quality
• Good knowledge of mobile network benchmarking practices and performance comparison techniques
• Hands‑on experience with trace analysis (including pcap files) and fault/root cause identification
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving capability
• Ability to manage suppliers and technical workstreams effectively
• Strong stakeholder engagement and cross‑functional collaboration skills
• Experience driving automation and process optimisation initiatives

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly?
We know that everyone is unique, with multiple aspects to their identity and different experiences behind them. We are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.

What we offer

We care about our people’s success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies.



Need to Know

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please refer to the Accessibility section of our Careers website (https://careers.vodafone.com/uk/reasonable-adjustments/) for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements.

During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are—your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we’re looking for authenticity and can’t wait to get to know the real you.

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