At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the engineering team for high-quality fibre network builds.
- Company: B4RN connects rural communities with hyperfast broadband, driven by innovation and community spirit.
- Benefits: Join a supportive team making a real difference in people's lives.
- Why this job: Shape infrastructure while thriving in a collaborative environment focused on community impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in telecoms engineering with strong project management skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a unique Community Benefit Society dedicated to rural connectivity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North) is a unique organisation working closely with communities across the UK to bring hyperfast, full-fibre broadband to rural areas. As a Community Benefit Society, driven by innovation and a strong sense of purpose, we work hand-in-hand with local volunteers and stakeholders to deliver a service that’s built by the community, for the community. Joining B4RN means becoming part of a dedicated team making a real difference in people's lives, all whilst thriving in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Reporting to our Chief Delivery Officer and working as part of the Senior Management Team, you’ll be responsible for the leadership and operational delivery of our engineering function. From resource planning and contractor management to ensuring uptime and compliance across our growing fibre network, you’ll play a key role in shaping how we build and scale our infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities:- Leading and developing the engineering team to deliver high-quality fibre network builds
- Overseeing complex, multi-site projects to meet time, cost, and quality targets
- Collaborating with senior leaders across delivery and technology teams
- Managing third-party contractors and suppliers to ensure performance and value
- Driving compliance with safety, regulatory, and technical standards
- Supporting network incident response and resolution as an escalation point
- Building a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement
- Proven leadership experience within engineering or network build teams in the telecoms sector.
- Strong technical understanding of fibre access networks
- Demonstrable experience managing complex, multi-site engineering projects and cross functional teams.
- Strong vendor and contractor management skills, including performance oversight and issue resolution.
- Strategic and operational thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into delivery plans
- Excellent communication, reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Head of Engineering employer: B4RN - Broadband for the Rural North Ltd
Contact Detail:
B4RN - Broadband for the Rural North Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with B4RN's mission and values. Understanding their community-driven approach will help you align your leadership style and operational strategies with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the telecoms sector, especially those with experience in fibre access networks. Engaging with industry peers can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past leadership experiences in engineering or network build teams. Highlighting your ability to manage complex projects and cross-functional teams will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of compliance and safety standards in your discussions. Being able to articulate how you've driven compliance in previous roles will reassure B4RN of your capability to uphold their high standards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership experience in engineering or network build teams, particularly within the telecoms sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects and cross-functional teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for community-driven projects like those at B4RN. Discuss how your technical understanding of fibre access networks aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your vendor and contractor management skills, as well as your strategic thinking abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully overseen performance and resolved issues in past roles.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication and stakeholder engagement are crucial for this role, include instances where you've effectively communicated complex information to diverse audiences. This will demonstrate your fit for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at B4RN - Broadband for the Rural North Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles in engineering or network build teams. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led a team, managed projects, and achieved results, especially in the telecoms sector.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Make sure you have a solid understanding of fibre access networks. Be ready to explain technical concepts clearly and how they relate to the role, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the field.
✨Discuss Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience managing complex, multi-site engineering projects. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and illustrate how you overcame challenges.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since excellent communication is key, think of examples where you've effectively engaged with stakeholders. Discuss how you’ve built relationships and ensured alignment between different teams and contractors to achieve project goals.