Network Services Strategy Manager

Job Description

Role Purpose:

The Network Services Strategy Manager is responsible for developing the network services strategy and technology roadmap for Vodafone’s portfolio of data services. Coordination will extend across all functional areas required to maintain great customer experience as well as the efficient coordination of data services related internal activities e.g. Networks, Group Networks, Finance, Supply Chain, Invoice and Payments, Account Management, Corporate Security, Strategy, Regulatory and Sustainability compliance etc.
This person will have significant experience operating with multi-disciplinary teams and extensive experience in network services technologies, network strategy formulation and implementation, managing supplier contracts, supplier negotiation, understanding technical activities across network solutions and design.
This person will be tasked with ensuring that all customer-related processes are fit for purpose and that all Network Services related internal, partner and customer communications are of a high standard appropriate to the specific audience. This includes responsibility for getting audience specific communications out to all the relevant parties.
They will be capable of presenting to the most senior levels of the organisation as a subject matter expert and developer of strategy for the VBIE Network Services portfolio.

Essence of Role – Key Accountabilities:

Develop a Network Strategy and technology roadmap for Vodafone portfolio of Network Services: with a key focus of building Vodafone On-Net capabilities as well as optimising 3rd party solutions.
Build innovative and competitive market winning Network Services customer solutions: that leverages the Vodafone network capability and technology roadmap that is aligned to the Vodafone Network Services strategy.
Utilise and propose Network Services tools that will automate and enhance the feasibility and design of customer network solutions.

Business, customer, and supplier Network Services Point of Contact:
Provide a central point of contact for areas of the business, key customer stakeholders and third-party providers.
Manage customer expectations at all times whilst also managing all relevant vendors & stakeholders, both within Vodafone (local and Group) and partners/3rd parties.
Network Services Third Party Contract, Cost, and Partner management: Ensure that all third parties and suppliers adhere to their contractual obligations. Setup of regular review meeting across all Network Service providers to ensure clear lines of communication across all Network Services activities and responsibilities including (but not limited to) SLA reporting, compliance and certification, project reporting, cost control, incident management, routine and unplanned maintenance schedules etc.
Network Services Subject Matter Expert: Provide Network Services expertise to internal teams including but not limited to Sales, Solution Design, Engineering, Technology, Support, Supply Chain, Finance, Operations & IT etc.

Commercial Management & Cost Optimisation:
Map out and understand the vendors, the costs and the contracts that make up the estate.
Ensure that all supplier requests for quotes and POs are valid from a technical, contractual and market value perspective. Gain approval from finance teams and raise POs as appropriate. Manage Network Service related monthly PO’s and goods receipting.
Develop a ‘to-be’ process and RACI from order to cash, to improve governance and control and embed business rules that align to the overarching strategies being developed.

Network Services Strategy & Bid Support:
Provide key inputs into Vodafone’s multi-data services strategy. Ensure that the local Network Services strategy is aligned to group strategy.
Present Mid and Long-term Network Services Strategy to senior business management.
Develop business cases aligned to strategy for inclusion in overall business strategy.
Work closely with the account team and the customer to understand their stated and underlying business needs to ensure that the Vodafone bid meets these requirements, and the value proposition is fully understood.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education & Professional Qualifications
Degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline desirable.
Post‑graduate qualification desirable (e.g., MSc, MBA).
Relevant industry certifications (Cisco, Juniper, ITIL, PRINCE2, cloud/security).
Relevant Business Management and/or Business Strategy certifications desirable

Technical Experience
Experience in network services technologies including design, routing, switching, SD‑WAN.
Ability to build technology roadmaps and long‑term strategies.
Understanding of on‑net/off‑net architectures and 3rd‑party interconnect models.
Experience with automation tools and data‑driven design.

Strategic & Commercial Experience
Success in developing and implementing network strategy.
Strong commercial acumen in contract negotiation and vendor management.
Ability to create business cases and influence senior leadership.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management
Experience across multi‑disciplinary teams (Networks, Group Tech, Finance, Sales, Ops).
Strong SME capability supporting sales, design, engineering, delivery.
Skilled in senior stakeholder communications and technical presentations.
Operational & Governance Experience
Knowledge of SLA governance, compliance, audits, incident/problem management.
Experience defining to‑be processes, governance and RACI frameworks.

When choosing us……….

When you join the Vodafone Team, you will have the chance to grow your career while also experiencing some serious benefits!

• Some of the benefits that you will receive along the way are:
• Competitive Salary
• Flexible working (times and location) is part of our culture where your hours can facilitate your personal work-life balance
• Generous Employer Pension contribution
• Free Phone Bill – When you join the team, your phone bill is on us! You will also receive mobile phone purchasing discounts
• Learning and Development – We provide extensive training to all of our employees so they can progress in their careers! There is also the Vodafone University where our employees can gain incredible skills!
• Exclusive Family and Friends Discounts – Receive additional discounts for you, your Family and Friends on Vodafone Products!
• 23 days annual leave and 3 charity days off – PLUS a dedicated day off for your birthday
• Access to our Wellness centre including free access to our Gym, health and wellness centre and external practitioners

We are passionate about our employees! Here at Vodafone we want you to bring your whole self to work and we enable this with our progressive workplace policies. We are proud supporters of the LGBTQ+ community and Vodafone is committed to support all of their employees at work. We are an equal opportunities employers where our people can be at their best.

When you combine Technology and the human spirit, anything is possible. And when you join Vodafone, we’ll help you shape a rewarding career that gives back in more ways than one. Its starts here. It starts with you.

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