Plant Protection Officer

Job Description

This is a critical field-based role focused on protecting the integrity, safety and reliability of the Virgin Media O2 national fibre and HFC network. As a Plant Protection Officer, you will be the face of VMO2 on site, working closely with local authorities, contractors and internal teams to prevent third party damage and ensure our infrastructure is protected during planned and reactive works.

You will take ownership of plant protection activity across your area, carrying out site supervision, investigations and risk assessments, and producing high-quality evidence to support legal and insurance claims where required. You will balance technical expertise with strong stakeholder management to drive right first time delivery, control costs and maintain the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Who we are

At Virgin Media O₂, we connect people to the moments that matter most. Virgin Media leads the UK for broadband reliability, speed and overall performance, while O₂ keeps people connected on the move with award-winning coverage.

We’re also proud to be named one of the Financial Times Top 500 Best Employers for 2026, based on one of the UK’s largest employee satisfaction surveys.

Join us and you’ll be part of a team that stays curious, positive and focused on making life easier for our customers and each other. We’re investing in the future of connectivity, from expanding next-generation 5G to exploring satellite-supported solutions that help reach rural communities and hard-to-connect places.

You’ll work with people who back good ideas and give you plenty of room to grow. So if you’re looking for a place where you can feel supported, trusted and genuinely valued, you’ll feel right at home here.

Our ways of working

We’re a flexible-first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days a month connecting with each other in person.

That doesn’t just mean time in the office – it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days. What matters is making those moments count – so when we come together, it benefits everyone.

**Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all **

We believe a better tomorrow starts with the choices we make today. That means moving the dial on diversity, building equity into everything we do and putting inclusion at the heart of our business.

Virgin Media O₂ is an equal opportunities employer and we work hard to remove bias and barriers. We want every person who joins us – and everyone thinking about joining us – to feel seen, heard and supported.

When you work with us, you’ll have access to our award-winning employee network groups. These communities bring people together, champion allyship and create uplifting spaces where you can learn, share and feel part of something bigger. They play a big role in helping people feel connected from day one.

The must haves

In order to be considered, you must have the following experience;

• Full Valid Driving Licence
• Previous CAD/GIS experience
• Proven experience in Telecommunications Industry
• Knowledge of Civils, NJUG and SROH Specification
• Knowledge of Underground and Overhead Network Construction
• Knowledge of HFC, TDM and Fibre Network topology
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office applications

The other stuff we are looking for

We'd also love you to bring;

• Good Communication Skills
• Ability to work at Heights up to 14M
• Ability to deal with conflict with strong negotiation skills
• First-class problem-solving skills who get to the heart of the matter
• The ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with the business while ascertaining the key impact/detail behind the issue/request
• A team player who can lead by example and inspire others daily
• Ability to work with multiple stakeholders to create project efficiencies
• Flexible approach to work, ability to work in a fast-paced environment and embrace change

What's in it for you

We know life isn’t just about work, so our benefits are built to support you in the moments that matter. You’ll get Bupa healthcare, wellbeing support, life cover, a pension and generous holiday –plus your birthday off.

And there’s more. Enjoy some extra perks on us, with optional electric vehicle lease and Cycle2Work schemes, dental insurance, neurodiversity assessments, and brilliant discounts on broadband, TV and mobile. You’ll even get access to the Virgin Family platform and the O₂ Priority app, with exclusive rewards, experiences and chances to attend events at The O₂ and beyond.

Next steps

If this feels like a place where you can belong, we’d love to see what you can do. Once you apply, the next steps might include a call with a recruiter, a video interview, an interview with the hiring manager and a task or assessment.

We’ll also ask about any adjustments you might need, and we’ll do our best to make them happen.

We review applications and interview throughout the advert window, so it’s worth applying sooner rather than later. If you’re offered the role, the offer will be subject to background checks, including a criminal record check and, for some roles, a financial background check.

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