Director of Networks

Job Description

Join an organisation whose vision is for the UK to be a world leader in technology for education and research. You can look forward to a rewarding job with opportunities to develop and make a real difference to the education and research sectors. Our client is the the UK higher, further education and skills sectors not-for-profit organisation for digital services and solutions.

You will be joining our client's Group CTO Directorate, which is responsible for the operation and transformation of the technical and IT strategy, including internal IT and Software Development Group, member-facing networking, cyber security, and cloud services.

Eighteen million users in education and research organisations, science parks and public sector bodies rely on the client's Network to stay connected, providing stable, secure, and high-speed connection to cloud providers. The group GCTO also runs several innovation functions, for example developing products for the future including collaborations with start-ups and commercial partners, and showcasing the application of new technologies.

About the role:

This is a key role for the Networking team, with a senior focus required to ensure that the client's network remains fit for purpose - that it is specified and designed according to members' needs with a coherent architecture and a well-managed programme of procurement and build activities. This role will ensure that the network continues to run in the most cost effective and efficient manner.

Key Accountabilities:

Provide overall leadership and development of the network team to ensure consistently high employee engagement and overall team performance.
To develop and implement a network strategy in accordance with the Group CTO's vision
Ensure that all services comply with applicable network and security regulatory frameworks
Manage senior level relationships with suppliers, members, and customers with an interest in the network and adjacent technologies to understand the market offering and the members' needs.
Direct the complex programme of activities required to respond to the changing cyber security threats to the network services and the client's members and customers working closely with the cyber security directorate.
Maintain senior relationships with government and peer organisations in the UK and abroad to ensure that the client's and its members', interests are best represented.
Key Skills and Experience required:

Extensive experience of developing, managing and leading complete services and complex programmes of work in the network design, provisioning and operational areas.
Significant experience of leading diverse matrix and large teams, with experience of selection, coaching and performance management of staff to ensure they are motivated and capable of delivering high performance.
Significant experience in implementing change within a service or division.
Extensive knowledge of the telecommunications, internet and network architecture areas.
Experience in running large carrier grade network infrastructures
Experience in transforming networks and deploying software defined capability (SDN), network function virtualisation (NFV) and running devops environments.
Strong leadership with the ability to drive operational and cultural change and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Demonstrable technical skills and domain expertise in next generation networking.
Skills to develop and lead a high performing product management team
Strong listening, influencing and communication skills across a range of technical and operational teams
Excellent organisational and planning skills, able to influence at a strategic level, but with a strong handle on the detail
Salary and benefits :

From £85,000 per annum negotiable depending on experience
Flexible work pattern, which can adapt to suit your schedules and personal commitments
28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and an additional three closure days over Christmas
A generous pension scheme with above average employer contributions
A range of leave options, including parental leave, volunteer leave and even career breaks.
A generous budget to attend conferences and in-person training
Allocated allowance of up to £250 to equip your home office
A company culture which supports and promotes personal learning and development, including access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning
Mental health first aid trained staff and supportive environment, plus your own Wellbeing allowance to spend on wellbeing for you
Financial well-being support
Discounts on big-name high-street stores
Cycle to work scheme
Employee recognition awards and travel loans
Hybrid/Remote working with some travel to the client's offices

Work in United Kingdom

Employment Options

Base Salary

85,000 - 120,000 GBP

Professional Experience

Skills

• SDN
• NFV
• Cyber Security
• Networks
• Regulatory
• IT
• Information Security