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- Tasks: Lead and manage network operations, ensuring high-quality ISP services and infrastructure.
- Company: Join Airband, a forward-thinking company revolutionising connectivity in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, free broadband, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on network infrastructure while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in network management, strong leadership, and strategic planning skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 51000 - 85000 £ per year.
The Head of Networks will lead the end-to-end management and strategic development of Airband’s network and physical infrastructure. This pivotal role oversees ISP network operations—including IP core, BNG, access, capacity, and CPE—while managing the full lifecycle of physical assets such as FTTP infrastructure, legacy FWA sites, cabinets, and private facilities.
Combining technical expertise with strong leadership, the post holder ensures network services and infrastructure are reliable, scalable, secure, compliant, and cost-effective. Responsibilities include technical direction, asset lifecycle and financial management, and team leadership.
Working collaboratively with Network Operations, Engineering, Field Teams, Project Management, Finance, and external partners, the Head of Networks drives infrastructure resilience, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service, aligning with ITIL best practices.
Responsibilities
- Network Operations & Performance
- Lead and manage the Network Operations Centre (NOC) and network engineering teams, ensuring high-quality operational support for ISP services.
- Ensure day-to-day availability, performance, and security of the ISP network.
- Operate and maintain broadband network infrastructure including:
- BNG platforms (subscriber management, authentication, policy control, QoS)
- IP core and aggregation networks (routing, MPLS, VRFs, segment routing)
- Internet transit, IXPs, peering, and interconnects
- Oversee IP address management, including RIPE allocations, DHCP, CGNAT platforms.
- Ensure effective support and lifecycle management of the CPE estate, including firmware, provisioning, TR-069/USP ACS platforms, and interoperability testing.
- Monitor and manage network capacity across access, backhaul, and core layers, planning upgrades ahead of demand.
- Implement and continuously improve monitoring, alerting, troubleshooting, and incident response processes.
- Develop and implement asset management strategies for physical infrastructure assets, including FWA sites, cabinets, and private facilities.
- Conduct asset condition assessments, audits, and performance evaluations.
- Track asset lifecycle status, performance, service life, and replacement schedules.
- Ensure assets are operated and maintained in line with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and organisational objectives.
- Monitor and optimise lifecycle costs, maximising asset value and return on investment.
- Maintain accurate asset and network records using asset management systems, GIS, and network management tools.
- Produce regular reports covering asset condition, network performance, risks, compliance, maintenance activity, and financial performance.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory reporting requirements and industry standards.
- Identify and mitigate operational, financial, environmental, and security risks related to network and infrastructure assets.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, safety standards, and best practices.
- Lead or support disaster recovery, resilience, and business continuity planning for critical infrastructure and network services.
- Own and manage budgets for network and infrastructure assets, including hardware, software, licensing, maintenance, and capacity expansion.
- Forecast future investment requirements based on growth, asset condition, and technology roadmaps.
- Develop long-term network and asset management strategies aligned to business objectives.
- Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Field Engineering, Customer Service, and Project teams to align asset and network priorities.
- Liaise with regulators, contractors, service providers, and vendors to ensure effective delivery of maintenance, upgrades, and projects.
- Build and manage strong supplier and partner relationships.
- Set clear objectives, performance standards, and expectations for team members.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and regular feedback to develop skills and performance.
- Allocate work effectively based on skills and priorities.
- Lead teams through change, fostering engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Act as a role model, consistently demonstrating and upholding Airband’s values.
Key Skills
- Strong Management expertise in IP networking and ISP infrastructure
- Proven infrastructure asset management experience
- Strategic thinking with the ability to develop long-term plans
- Strong financial and commercial acumen
- Excellent leadership, people management, and coaching skills
- Strong analytical, data-driven decision-making capability
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organisational and planning skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Proactive problem-solving mindset with high attention to detail
- Flexible, adaptable, and resilient in a changing environment
- Collaborative approach with the ability to influence multiple stakeholders
Essential
- 5+ years’ experience in network and/or infrastructure management roles
- In-depth knowledge of IP networking, TCP/IP, and data protocols
- Proven experience managing teams and operational environments
- Full UK driving licence
- Ability to travel as required
Desirable
- CCNA, CCNP or equivalent networking certification
- Familiarity with ISO 55000 / ISO 55001 asset management standards
- IAM certification or qualification
- BSc degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, or related discipline
What can Airband Offer you?
- 25 days of paid leave a year rising to 30 plus bank holidays with service.
- 5% Airband pension plus a minimum 3% employee contribution.
- Customer referral bonus - a thank you for every customer you send our way.
- We offer hybrid working – a mix of working from home and in the office.
- Free Broadband - If you are in our coverage, you can benefit from free broadband with us!
- 20% off your monthly line rental on EE’s phone, tablet, SIM only or mobile broadband plans.
- Cycle to work, Tech scheme, Healthcare and medical insurance.
- Dental care, and Health cash fund (dependent on the length of service)
- Airshare (employee discount platform) - discounts on everyday shopping, weekly groceries, holidays, the list is endless - save up to £1,000 a year!
- Refer a friend reward scheme!
Pre-employment checks
Please note that you are required to have the right to work in the UK and we request satisfactory references as part of our recruitment process. A DBS check may be required for a number of our roles, particularly those that are customer-facing. Also, a driving license may be required for positions that require you to be out in the field as part of the role.
Networking graduate employer: Airband Community Internet
Contact Detail:
Airband Community Internet Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Networking graduate
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interview, do some mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable talking about your experience and skills, especially those related to network management and infrastructure.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you’ve got any projects or achievements related to IP networking or asset management, make sure to highlight them during interviews. Bring along a portfolio if you can; it’s a great way to visually demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals like you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, what are you waiting for? Get your application in!
We think you need these skills to ace Networking graduate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Networks role. Highlight your experience in network management and infrastructure, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love a bit of character!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with IP networking, asset management, and team leadership. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so show us what you've got!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Airband Community Internet
✨Know Your Networks
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of IP networking and ISP infrastructure. Be ready to discuss specific technologies like BNG platforms, IP core networks, and asset management strategies. Showing that you understand the technical details will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Networks, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past. Highlight your coaching and mentoring experiences, as well as how you've driven change and fostered engagement within your team.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since this role involves budget management and financial planning, be ready to discuss your experience with financial oversight. Bring examples of how you've forecasted investment needs or optimised costs in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the financial responsibilities of the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks. Think about past challenges you've faced in network operations or asset management, and how you navigated them. This will help you demonstrate your analytical and decision-making capabilities.