Asset Strategy & Investment Planning Manager in Reading

Set the strategy. Govern the system. Shape how infrastructure delivers value. The Asset Strategy & Investment Planning – Senior Manager is accountable for defining and embedding the asset management strategy & management framework that governs how investment and maintenance is done for the passive infrastructure portfolio of 20,000 sites on behalf of MBNL’s joint shareholders BT/EE and Three. This role establishes the Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), Asset Policies, and governance mechanisms that align operational delivery with shareholder outcomes, regulatory expectations, and long-term value. It provides the single source of truth for how assets are managed across their full lifecycle and ensures decisions are evidence-based, transparent, and compliant with ISO 55001.

Why this role matters

This role defines how infrastructure decisions are made—today and for decades to come. Without a clear asset strategy and strong governance, investment becomes fragmented, risk increases, and value erodes. By setting the strategic direction, embedding ISO-aligned governance, and linking asset decisions to shareholder outcomes, the Asset Strategy & Investment Planning Senior Manager ensures MBNL’s infrastructure continues to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective services for millions of end users. This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 2 days per week in our Central Reading office.

What you’ll be here to do:

• Own the strategic intent, governance, and assurance of asset management across the estate.
• Develop, document, and embed the Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), setting clear objectives aligned to shareholder outcomes and service obligations.
• Define and maintain the overarching Asset Policy that governs how MBNL manages infrastructure on behalf of BT/EE and Three.
• Ensure asset strategy is consistently translated into practical, executable principles across the organisation.

Asset Management System & ISO 55001 Governance

• Establish and govern the Asset Management System in line with the ISO 55001 framework.
• Define and operate governance structures, controls, and assurance mechanisms to ensure ongoing compliance and maturity.
• Develop and oversee system monitoring, review, and audit programmes, providing confidence to the Asset Management SteerCo and the Board.
• Act as the primary interface with Finance, ensuring asset strategy is underpinned by robust cost data, lifecycle analytics, and value modelling.
• Support the development of TOTEX investment plans, business cases, and budget submissions.
• Ensure investment decisions balance risk, performance, cost, and long-term sustainability.
• Work closely with Infrastructure teams, wider MBNL functions, and shareholder teams (BT/EE and Three) to maintain a deep understanding of service requirements and obligations.
• Support the identification, assessment, and response to new requirements, opportunities, and emerging risks, developing clear options and recommendations for decision-makers.

Governance, Reporting & Assurance

• Own the asset management governance process, including performance metrics, reporting, and decision forums.
• Produce clear, evidence-based reporting for the Asset Management SteerCo and contribute to Board-level assurance.
• Provide independent challenge and insight, ensuring asset decisions are aligned to strategy and best practice.

Leadership & Culture

• Act as a role model for the MBNL Behaviour Framework, setting the standard for strategic thinking and collaboration.
• Challenge, coach, and support colleagues to “be better every day”, embedding a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• Bring external best practice and market insight into the organisation to challenge the status quo and raise maturity.

Who we’re looking for:

You’re a strategic asset management leader who can connect policy, finance, and operations and operate confidently at senior governance forums. You’ll have:

• Proven experience establishing asset management systems and processes within asset-intensive organisations.
• Demonstrable experience in setting Asset Strategy and Asset Policy and defining investment plans.
• Strong track record of bringing external best practice into organisations and translating it into tangible improvements.

If you also have the following, we’re especially interested in talking to you:

• Professional membership of the Institute of Asset Management (IAM).

If you enjoy shaping systems, influencing at senior level, and leaving behind a framework that outlasts individual projects, this is a role with genuine, long-term impact.