Strategic Network Advisor - Director in Guildford

Reporting to: Partner, Network Advisory, EMEA

Scope: EMEA

Location: Smart working, UK (Guildford, Surrey)

Wanted: A senior industry leader in enterprise network strategy ready to shape complex transformation agendas for global organisations. You will operate at the intersection of technical authority, commercial strategy, and executive advisory — with the autonomy to lead high-impact engagements and the support of over 1400 ISG colleagues worldwide. This is an opportunity to influence market direction, develop thought leadership, and act as a trusted advisor to C-level stakeholders navigating network transformation.

Position Overview: ISG is seeking a Director (C6) to lead complex, high-value advisory engagements across its Network Advisory practice. This role represents a senior technical and commercial authority within ISG, responsible for delivering executive-level advisory services across network strategy (technical and sourcing), cost optimisation, outsourcing transactions, transition and transformation programmes, and benchmarking across LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, Cloud Connectivity, Contact Centres, SASE, and network security domains. The Advisor will play a pivotal role in shaping client strategy, leading multi-disciplinary engagement teams, influencing sales pursuits, and representing ISG in the market through thought leadership and industry presence.

Responsibilities:

• Lead large-scale, complex client engagements spanning network strategy, sourcing advisory, cost optimisation, outsourcing transactions, and transformation programmes.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to CIOs, CTOs, and senior technology stakeholders on network architecture, commercial strategy, and operating model decisions.
• Provide executive-level interpretation of complex enterprise network environments across LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, Contact Centre, SASE, and network security (firewalls, proxies, DHCP/DNS, IPAM, ZTNA, etc.).
• Drive strategic benchmarking initiatives and market comparisons to inform sourcing and investment decisions.
• Lead technical strategy in pre-sales engagements, supporting business development efforts and materially influencing deal conversion.
• Own and shape major client proposals, including solution positioning, commercial structuring, and value articulation.
• Develop and publish industry thought leadership, whitepapers, and keynote presentations to strengthen ISG’s market positioning.
• Mentor and guide consulting teams, ensuring delivery excellence and capability development within the Network Advisory practice.
• Represent ISG at industry forums, executive roundtables, and promotional events as a recognised subject matter authority.

Measures of Success:

• Successfully identify and deliver complex, high-value engagements with measurable strategic and financial outcomes.
• Material contribution to revenue growth through pre‑sales leadership and proposal conversion.
• Recognition as a trusted, repeat advisor by senior client executives.
• Expansion of ISG’s network advisory footprint within existing and new accounts.
• Development of thought leadership that enhances ISG’s brand authority in the network domain.
• Positive client feedback and sustained long‑term relationships.

Required Skillsets:

• Deep and extensive expertise across enterprise network technologies including LAN, WAN, Wi‑Fi, Cloud Connectivity, Contact Centres, SASE, and network security.
• Proven leadership in delivering strategic consulting engagements within sourcing, optimisation, outsourcing, and benchmarking environments.
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills, with credibility at C-level.
• Ability to translate complex technical architectures into commercially grounded, business-focused strategy.
• Advanced analytical, financial modelling, and commercial structuring capability.
• Demonstrated experience influencing and supporting complex consultative sales cycles.
• Experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams in matrixed environments.

Skills and Attributes:

• Recognised industry authority with strong market credibility.
• Strategic and commercially astute thinker.
• Confident leading executive discussions and board‑level presentations.
• Highly collaborative across consulting, sales, and delivery teams.
• Resilient and adaptable in complex, high‑stakes client environments.
• Committed to mentoring and developing emerging advisory talent.

Role Structure and Reporting:

• Senior matrixed role operating across ISG Network Advisory, industry vertical sales teams, and executive leadership.
• Direct influence on strategic pursuits and major account growth.
• Close collaboration with Directors and Partners across ISG.
• Regular engagement with client executive leadership teams.

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 10+ years’ experience in network advisory, consultancy, service provider, or relevant enterprise leadership role.
• Demonstrated leadership in complex sourcing or transformation engagements.
• Strong track record supporting consultative sales and strategic proposal development.
• Experience presenting at executive forums and industry events.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced technical or business qualifications (MBA, equivalent) advantageous.

Location & Travel:

• UK-based role with willingness and ability to travel across the UK and internationally, including frequent periods away from home as required by client engagements.

At ISG, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our clients, and our communities. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. ISG is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The duties and responsibilities described in this job description are not exhaustive. Additional tasks may be assigned and/or the scope of the role may evolve in line with business needs.