Head Of Networks

Job Title:
Head Of Networks

Location: Droitwich (Hybrid with occasional travel)

Job Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week) - (on call as required)

Salary: up to £85,000 DOE + £4,800 Car Allowance + discretionary annual bonus

Job Summery

The Head of Networks will lead the end-to-end management and strategic development of Airband’s network and physical infrastructure. This pivotal role oversees ISP network operations—including IP core, BNG, access, capacity, and CPE—while managing the full lifecycle of physical assets such as FTTP infrastructure, legacy FWA sites, cabinets, and private facilities.

Combining technical expertise with strong leadership, the post holder ensures network services and infrastructure are reliable, scalable, secure, compliant, and cost-effective. Responsibilities include technical direction, asset lifecycle and financial management, and team leadership.

Working collaboratively with Network Operations, Engineering, Field Teams, Project Management, Finance, and external partners, the Head of Networks drives infrastructure resilience, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service, aligning with ITIL best practices.

• Lead and manage the Network Operations Centre (NOC) and network engineering teams, ensuring high-quality operational support for ISP services.
• Ensure day-to-day availability, performance, and security of the ISP network.
• Operate and maintain broadband network infrastructure including:
  • BNG platforms (subscriber management, authentication, policy control, QoS)
  • IP core and aggregation networks (routing, MPLS, VRFs, segment routing)
  • Internet transit, IXPs, peering, and interconnects
• Oversee IP address management, including RIPE allocations, DHCP, CGNAT platforms.
• Ensure effective support and lifecycle management of the CPE estate, including firmware, provisioning, TR-069/USP ACS platforms, and interoperability testing.
• Monitor and manage network capacity across access, backhaul, and core layers, planning upgrades ahead of demand.
• Implement and continuously improve monitoring, alerting, troubleshooting, and incident response processes.

• Develop and implement asset management strategies for physical infrastructure assets, including FWA sites, cabinets, and private facilities.
• Conduct asset condition assessments, audits, and performance evaluations.
• Track asset lifecycle status, performance, service life, and replacement schedules.
• Ensure assets are operated and maintained in line with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and organisational objectives.
• Monitor and optimise lifecycle costs, maximising asset value and return on investment.

• Maintain accurate asset and network records using asset management systems, GIS, and network management tools.
• Produce regular reports covering asset condition, network performance, risks, compliance, maintenance activity, and financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory reporting requirements and industry standards.

• Identify and mitigate operational, financial, environmental, and security risks related to network and infrastructure assets.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, safety standards, and best practices.
• Lead or support disaster recovery, resilience, and business continuity planning for critical infrastructure and network services.

• Own and manage budgets for network and infrastructure assets, including hardware, software, licensing, maintenance, and capacity expansion.
• Forecast future investment requirements based on growth, asset condition, and technology roadmaps.
• Develop long-term network and asset management strategies aligned to business objectives.

• Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Field Engineering, Customer Service, and Project teams to align asset and network priorities.
• Liaise with regulators, contractors, service providers, and vendors to ensure effective delivery of maintenance, upgrades, and projects.
• Build and manage strong supplier and partner relationships.