Programme Manager - Core (Network Engineering) in Newbury

Location: Newbury + Hybrid

Working Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week – Mon to Fri

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team.

We’re here to build a network the UK can count on – one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online – we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with Vodafone Three, that future’s being built – today. We’re creating more than the UK’s best network. We’re helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress. We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there’s space for you here. We’re building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves. You’ll join a team that genuinely cares – about each other, about our customers, and about the future we’re building.

From day one, you’ll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.

Why Vodafone Three

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last. We’re not just expanding connectivity; we’re reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country. You’ll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you’ll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone. We move at pace, because what we’re building matters – and we’re learning as we go. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started. Join our UK Networks team, where we’re continually building and enhancing our network, connecting millions of people and businesses across the country. Be part of the team that makes it all happen – simplifying, automating, and bringing better connectivity than ever before, with giga-fast speed, to our customers.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

• Within the Network Engineering Programmes team, you will deliver one of the many programmes and its associated projects to deliver our strategic initiatives and business objectives.
• Our portfolios span UK Networks with programmes ranging from delivering new technologies, capabilities and coverage to retiring legacy products, networks, platforms and delivering next generation connectivity.
• Programmes will be complex with variable risks associated with them and requires diligent stakeholder management to support our roll out of the Nations’ Network.
• You’ll be working with internal Network engineering colleagues, wider teams within Vodafone Three and key suppliers to achieve the agreed outcome.
• All programmes and their associated projects are to be delivered in accordance with agreed governance framework to agreed time, cost and quality and realise the expected benefits.
• The Core Programme Manager manages a team of up to 8 FTE that define, manage and deliver Network Engineering Transport and Security cross-functional programmes to agreed time, cost, quality, risk and benefits specifications.
• Interfacing up to Director level stakeholders, the programme manager will manage programmes in value between £5m and £50m per annum with a high complexity and senior stakeholder/sponsor engagement.
• Reporting to the L4 Core Portfolio Manager, this role acts as a key bridge between technical delivery teams, risk and compliance functions, and senior leadership, ensuring that governance drives performance, and trust across the organisation.
• Ensure the programme and associated projects are established, executed and closed following standard company governance.
• Responsible for documentation of outputs, analysis and tools used in project activity.
• Manage handover of deliverables to operations ensuring skills and knowledge transfer.
• At all times ensuring there is an effective Risk Mitigation and Issue management process in place.
• Clarifies the skill requirements of a Programme and builds a team capable of managing the overarching programme and its project.
• Defines clear Roles & Responsibilities and reporting relationships for stakeholders on the project and provides performance feedback.
• Manages delivery scope and resolves deviation.
• In accordance with Portfolio governance and assurance, provide accurate and timely communication and reporting to the relevant stakeholders, escalating where required.
• Manage the end-to-end budget for the programme and ensure compliance to networks and finance processes throughout the Programme lifecycle.
• Line management of project managers within the programme.
• Ensuring compliance with the Group Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process for the procurement of hardware and working capital held in Inventory.

Qualifications

Who you are:

• Minimum of 5-10 yrs of programme management or relevant experience.
• Management of large-scale programmes, with senior stakeholder engagement.
• An understanding of core network technologies.
• Strong programme governance and appropriate use of control mechanisms to ensure excellent customer outcomes, strategic initiatives and business outcomes.
• Defines scope, business objectives, requirements and deliverables that stakeholders expect.
• Creates WBS Dictionary containing detailed deliverables, activity and scheduling information.
• Negotiates with stakeholders.
• Line Management of both direct and indirect teams including 3rd party suppliers.
• Facilitates a Completion Review Meeting and leverage programme governance.

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly? We know that everyone is unique, with multiple aspects to their identity and different experiences behind them. We are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.

Additional Information

What we offer:

• We care about our people’s success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work.
• You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more.
• We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies.

Need to know:

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to interview for a role that matches their skills. In collaboration with our Talent, Diversity & Inclusion teams and our employee-led DEI Networks, we identified a range of reasonable adjustments to help you feel comfortable and perform at your best self during the interview process. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please contact your recruiter directly or email jobs@three.co.uk for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements. During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are—your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we’re looking for authenticity and can’t wait to get to know the real you.