Network Manager - Uk in Birmingham

Overview

The Network Manager is responsible for leading the Network Services, Operations and Delivery functions to ensure stable, secure and high‑performing network services across the organisation.

Working within a modern, partner‑enabled model, the role focuses on service ownership, operational governance, strategy execution and vendor/MSP management.

The role involves guiding internal teams and third‑party providers, with emphasis on leadership, service performance, and continuous improvement.

It also leads transformation initiatives including Zero Trust, network simplification and the network strategy and roadmap, aligning with security, architecture and compliance frameworks.

• Key Tasks and Responsibilities
• Leadership & Team

Management: Lead, mentor and manage the network team (approx. 7 people), ensuring clarity of roles within the operating model; provide coaching and subject‑matter leadership to foster a high‑performance culture focused on service excellence, reliability and continual improvement.

• Service Ownership & Operational

Governance: Act as the service owner for network services, ensuring stable, secure and resilient end‑to‑end service delivery across WAN/SD‑WAN, LAN/WLAN, firewalls, remote access and public DNS; oversee internal teams and managed service providers to ensure SLAs, KPIs and standards are met; ensure incident, problem, change and lifecycle processes follow ITIL frameworks.

• Strategic Direction & Transformation: Develop and refine the network strategy and roadmap, including Zero Trust, network simplification, cloud networking and secure access initiatives; lead network transformation programs aligned with enterprise architecture, cyber security and IT strategy.
• Vendor & Partner

Management: Manage day‑to‑day and strategic relationships with key vendors and MSPs; lead governance forums, service reviews, performance reporting, issue escalation and risk management; ensure compliance and security standards are met and service quality is delivered.

• Risk, Compliance & Security

Alignment: Ensure network services meet internal and external regulatory standards; maintain oversight of network asset and configuration management processes for accuracy and audit readiness.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Cross‑Functional

Collaboration: Collaborate with IT Leadership, Architecture, Workplace, Data Centre & Cloud and Shared Services to ensure network services are integrated, scalable and aligned with business needs; communicate health, risks and opportunities clearly to stakeholders.

• Project & Delivery

Oversight: Provide leadership for network initiatives and projects, including planning, governance, resourcing and vendor coordination; support transformation activities such as Zero Trust pilots, network asset management and large‑scale refresh cycles.

• Individual Competencies
• Drive Results – Achieve objectives under pressure and push for continuous improvement.
• Have Courage – Address difficult issues and speak up when needed.
• Cultivate Innovation – Create new and better ways for the organization to succeed.
• Strategic Mindset – See future possibilities and translate them into actionable strategies.
• Attract and Develop Talent – Hire, develop and retain talent to meet organizational goals.
• Be Resilient – Recover quickly from setbacks and adapt to change.
• Collaborate – Build partnerships and work collaboratively to meet objectives.
• Make Quality Decisions – Make timely, sound decisions.
• Drive Vision and Purpose – Communicate a compelling vision that motivates action.
• Key Characteristics
• Leader – Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to manage and mentor a team.
• Visionary Moderniser – Drive toward best‑in‑class technology and practice.
• Critical Thinker – Problem solver who resolves conflicts.
• Customer Focused – Innovate to improve customer outcomes.
• Motivated – Maintain motivation and handle resistance.
• Coaches others and provides regular feedback; detail‑oriented with proactive corrective action.
• Key Functional Competencies
• Collaborative mindset to break down organisational boundaries and build trust with peers.
• Project management experience with ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Deep knowledge of networking concepts, tools, infrastructure and capabilities; experience with multiple networking platforms and vendors.
• Strong vendor management skills and experience with third‑party relationships.
• Professional certifications such as ITIL, Cisco, Azure, Comp TIA+ (or equivalent) are desirable.
• English: Fluent; second European language desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across all levels of the organisation.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Effective negotiation skills to facilitate collaboration with stakeholders, vendors and MSPs.
• Ability to translate business requirements into viable technical solutions and to communicate complex concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Experience / Education

• College diploma or university degree in business, information systems, or a technical subject.
• Minimum of 5 years hands‑on technical experience in network operations within a broader IT/infrastructure team.
• Minimum of 5 years management experience in network operations or a related IT function.
• Experience in the construction materials / industrial manufacturing sector.
• Proven experience working in a federated matrix model.
• Other Dimensions
• Number of Managed Users: 33k+
• Geographies Supported: 20+ Countries
• Headcount within the IT Operations team: 60+
• Headcount across European IT teams: 450+
• What CRH Offers You
• A culture that values opportunity for growth, development and internal promotion
• Highly competitive salary package
• Comprehensive secondary benefits
• Significant contribution to your pension plan
• Health and wellness programs
• Excellent opportunities to develop and progress with a global organization

Equal opportunity statement

CRH is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive work environment for all employees and encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Note

Applications should be submitted through the official job portal.

We do not accept candidate introductions from recruitment agencies unless instructed to do so by our recruitment team.

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