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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.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, free broadband, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the tech world while leading innovative network solutions.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in network management with strong leadership and strategic skills.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 102000 £ per year.
Location: Droitwich (Hybrid with occasional travel)
Job Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week) - (on call as required)
Salary: up to £85,000 DOE + £4,800 Car Allowance + discretionary annual bonus
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. Recruitment agency support is not required at this time.
Head Of Networks in Reading employer: Airband Community Internet
Contact Detail:
Airband Community Internet Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Networks in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network, network, network! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research the company, understand their values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your leadership and technical skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along a portfolio or case studies that highlight your past successes in network management and infrastructure development. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your value to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Airband.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Networks in Reading
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, focusing on relevant skills like IP networking and asset management. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your leadership experience and how you've driven network performance in previous positions. Let us know what excites you about joining our team!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, don't just list responsibilities—show us your achievements! Use metrics and data to demonstrate how you've improved network operations or managed assets effectively. Numbers speak volumes, and we love to see results!
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 shows us that you're genuinely interested in being part of the StudySmarter family!
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.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Networks, strong leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and projects in the past. Think about times when you’ve led through change or improved team performance—these stories will showcase your ability to lead effectively.
✨Show Financial Acumen
Since you'll be managing budgets and forecasting investments, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial planning. Bring examples of how you've optimised costs or managed budgets in previous roles. This will highlight your strategic thinking and commercial awareness.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Collaboration is crucial for this role. Think about how you've worked with different teams and external partners in the past. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve built relationships and influenced stakeholders to achieve common goals—this will demonstrate your collaborative approach.