VodafoneThree - Network Manager: National Grid

Job Description

Location: Newbury/Birmingham + 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

Vodafone is contractually committed until 2035 to manage and operate a customer's Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) Class Operational Telecoms fibre network. This responsibility spans network operations, service delivery, asset and inventory management, project costing and delivery, and second- and third-line incident support. The role is governed by demanding SLAs and technical obligations, requiring high levels of performance and compliance.

The network itself comprises over 11,000 km of fibre, including customer-owned, Vodafone, and third-party infrastructure, as well as Openreach-managed circuits, all deployed across the UK. The Network Manager plays a pivotal role in overseeing key aspects of the contract, including incident response, inventory accuracy, network changes, and planned works. They also drive service performance, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Project planning and delivery are central to the role, involving the creation of costed connectivity solutions and ensuring seamless transitions into operational phases. The Network Manager also supports strategic planning by providing asset data and insights to help the customer optimise network schemes and long-term programmes. Supplier management is another critical function, requiring oversight of both internal and external partners to ensure quality and timely delivery.

Team leadership is a core responsibility, encompassing day-to-day management, development, and succession planning for roles such as Network Technical Authorities, Fibre Network Engineers, Planning Project Managers, and Service Analysts. The role also includes accountability for business continuity and quality management standards, maintaining documentation and compliance with internal processes.

Finally, the Network Manager handles escalations and prioritisation of delivery conflicts, working cross-functionally with senior stakeholders across service management, commercial, account management, supply chain, and customer teams. Due to the sensitive nature of the data and systems involved, the role must be based onshore and requires security clearance.

• Network Management: Oversee the logging, investigation, and resolution of incidents, changes, and problems. Ensure accurate network connectivity records and maintain clear communication with the customer via dedicated support channels and systems.
• Service Delivery: Produce monthly SLA performance reports, identify trends and risks, and drive service improvements. Manage supplier performance through regular reviews and accountability for service failures.
• Project & Programme Delivery: Lead the delivery of costed network solutions and ensure smooth transitions into operations. Maintain project trackers, reports, and communications, while managing escalations and customer expectations.
• Asset & Inventory Management: Maintain an accurate, real-time asset management system aligned with contractual obligations. Ensure regular reviews and updates to support operational efficiency.
• Strategic & Commercial Support: Provide insights into fibre asset performance and support strategic planning. Assist account teams with billing accuracy, manage third-party fibre leases, and maintain a current project pricing catalogue.

Who You Are

• Team Management & Development: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Experience in coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Strong and Confident Communicator: Able to engage effectively with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers at all levels. Skilled in presenting technical and operational information clearly and persuasively.
• Commercial & Contractual Awareness: Demonstrated understanding of commercial frameworks, contract obligations, and financial governance. Capable of managing budgets, supplier contracts, and cost recovery mechanisms.
• Operational Fibre Network Management: Hands-on experience managing live fibre networks, including incident response, planned works, and change control. Familiarity with network monitoring tools and fault resolution processes.
• Fibre Network Construction & Architecture: Solid understanding of fibre network design principles, build methodologies, and infrastructure standards. Able to interpret technical drawings and contribute to network planning.
• Supplier Management: Experience in managing third-party suppliers and internal delivery teams, including performance tracking, service reviews, and escalation handling.
• ITIL Foundation Awareness: Working knowledge of ITIL principles, particularly around incident, problem, and change management processes.
• Project Management Discipline: Awareness of project management methodologies such as PRINCE2 and Agile at Foundation level. Able to contribute to project planning, reporting, and delivery assurance.
• MS Office Proficiency: Strong skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with the ability to produce reports, presentations, and data analysis to support operational and strategic activities.
• HV Power Grid Awareness: Understanding of high-voltage power grid environments and their interface with telecoms infrastructure, particularly in relation to safety and operational constraints.
• Security Clearance: Must hold or be eligible for SC (Security Check) level clearance due to the sensitive nature of the role and access to secure systems and data.

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/applying-to-us/) 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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