At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a large-scale SD-WAN rollout across 220 sites, ensuring timely and quality delivery.
- Company: Join a high-profile public sector organisation with a focus on network transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and the chance to make a significant impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a structured, compliance-driven setting.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of a critical network transformation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing major network programmes and vendor relationships is essential.
We are supporting a highly sensitive public sector organisation undertaking a large-scale SD-WAN transformation programme across a complex, geographically dispersed estate. This is a substantive programme leadership role, accountable for the end-to-end delivery of an SD-WAN rollout across circa 220 sites, with a likely subsequent phase covering voice and mobile services. The environment is operationally critical, supplier-heavy and stakeholder-intensive. It requires assured, credible leadership.
The Role
You will take ownership of a multi-supplier network transformation programme, ensuring delivery to time, cost and quality expectations within a regulated and highly scrutinised public sector setting. Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading the full lifecycle delivery of a large-scale SD-WAN deployment
- Establishing and maintaining robust programme governance and reporting
- Managing complex interdependencies across technical, operational and commercial workstreams
- Providing strong vendor oversight and performance management across major network suppliers
- Holding suppliers to account against contractual obligations and delivery milestones
- Engaging senior stakeholders across technical, operational and executive levels
- Managing risk, assurance, service transition and operational readiness
This role requires visible leadership presence, the ability to navigate complexity and the confidence to challenge large suppliers constructively and effectively.
Essential Experience
We are seeking a Programme Manager with demonstrable experience delivering major network transformation programmes in the public sector or similarly complex environments. You will bring:
- Direct experience leading a substantial SD-WAN rollout (ideally 300+ sites; minimum comparable multi-hundred site deployment)
- Extensive network infrastructure programme delivery experience
- Proven vendor management expertise across large, challenging suppliers
- Strong commercial awareness and experience managing supplier performance within contractual frameworks
- Gravitas and credibility with senior stakeholders
- Experience operating within highly sensitive, security-conscious environments
- Exposure to follow-on voice and mobile transformation programmes would be advantageous.
The Environment
This is a high-profile programme within a sensitive operational estate. Governance, assurance and supplier control are central to success. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in a structured, compliance-driven environment where outcomes matter. Hybrid working is in place, with time split between home and sites in Oxfordshire and Hampshire.
Security Clearance
Due to the sensitive nature of the programme, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain SC clearance. Existing clearance would be advantageous, however individuals with prior clearance or a demonstrable ability to meet vetting requirements will also be considered. The role will involve access to secure environments and systems, and adherence to strict governance and security protocols is essential.
If you have led a large-scale SD-WAN rollout and are comfortable operating at pace within a supplier-heavy, high-assurance environment, we would welcome a confidential discussion. Please apply with your CV outlining relevant programme scale and vendor management experience.
Programme Manager – SD-WAN Rollout in Kidlington employer: Trades Workforce Solutions
As a Programme Manager for the SD-WAN Rollout, you will join a highly respected public sector organisation that values leadership and innovation in a complex operational environment. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, this role offers opportunities to enhance your skills while working collaboratively with senior stakeholders and managing major suppliers. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a meaningful career in a supportive and dynamic workplace.
Contact Details:
Trades Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager – SD-WAN Rollout in Kidlington
✨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 contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a job opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like it’s the Super Bowl! Research the company, understand their SD-WAN projects, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the Programme Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t just apply anywhere; apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly helps us see your application faster. Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates on your application status!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager – SD-WAN Rollout in Kidlington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience with SD-WAN rollouts and network transformation programmes. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills:Since this role requires strong leadership, be sure to emphasise your experience in managing complex projects and leading teams. We’re looking for credible leaders who can navigate challenges, so share examples that demonstrate your ability to engage stakeholders and manage suppliers effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about StudySmarter and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Trades Workforce Solutions
✨Know Your SD-WAN Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of SD-WAN technology and its deployment. Brush up on your experience with large-scale rollouts, especially if you've managed 300+ sites. Be ready to discuss challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role demands strong leadership, so prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead complex programmes. Think about times when you had to engage senior stakeholders or manage vendor performance under pressure, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the nuances of working in a public sector environment. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve navigated compliance and governance issues in past roles, as this will show your understanding of the operationally critical nature of the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role, such as managing interdependencies across workstreams, and prepare your strategies for addressing them.
