Manager Network Services Strategy and Architecture

VodafoneThree - Manager Network Services Strategy and Architecture
Location: Newbury + Hybrid
Working Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week – Mon to Fri

*Hybrid 

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. 

Who We Are 

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 VodafoneThree, 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 VodafoneThree 

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 

This role supports the definition of the strategic direction and architectural governance of VodafoneThree’s Network Services, Core and Infrastructure domains. It ensures alignment with business aspirations, customer experience goals, and commercial outcomes, while driving integration across Voice and Data core networks, Value Added Services, Messaging Platforms, Data Centres, Cloud, Automation, and any other innovative service solutions. The role spans strategy development, architecture definition, innovation, technical governance, and pre-sales support across wholesale and retail domains.

This JD is “T shaped” describing individuals who have deep expertise in one specific area (the vertical bar of the "T") and a broad range of skills and knowledge across other disciplines (the horizontal bar). The majority of the roles/responsibilities and experience described below are generic covering all L5 Manager roles in the Network Services, Core and Infrastructure Strategy and Architecture team but individuals are expected to have deep knowledge in one specific area eg – Voice Core, Data Core, Wholesale, VAS/Messaging, Infrastructure.

• Define and evolve the strategy for Network Services, Core and Network Infrastructure, supported by analysis, SWOT, business cases, and proof of concept. Challenge and gain support from the business for the network services strategy, adapting with future company aspirations.
• Support the development of Core, Infrastucture domain architecture and end-to-end network target architecture to optimise customer experience, performance, cost efficiency, and revenue potential. Typical deliverables – Strategy and High Level Architecture (HLA).
• Align on-prem/off-prem infrastructure strategy with IT Architecture teams to enable common, cost-effective solutions across Network and IT. Network Infrastructure domain includes Data Centres, Cloud Infrastructure, Management and Orchestration, integration into the DC and Core IP Transport solutions, Automation.
• Support the Strategy and Architectural defintion on strategic projects, ensuring alignment with business goals and technical feasibility.
• Oversee execution of strategy and architecture through delivery teams, ensuring realisation of business benefits.
• Govern technical architecture across all network touchpoints, from device to core, ensuring compliance and consistency.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, support trials, and manage vendor selection processes (RFI/RFQ) aligned with strategic needs. Maintain awareness of standards to identify and support proposals that meets the future objectives of VodafoneThree.
• Development of new vendor relationships including technical support in contract and commercials. Transition to domain owners for day to day vendor relationship. Ownership of ongoing vendor strategic relationship.
• Interface with Business Strategy, Marketing, ICT, and Regulatory teams to align network roadmap with product, technology, and compliance objectives.
• Support complex wholesale sales bids, providing technical governance, solution development, and customer engagement.

Qualifications

Who you are

• Proven experience in network strategy, architecture, design within telecoms.
• Strong understanding of network services across mobile, fixed, and wholesale domains.
• Expertise in Core Network and infrastructure domains including Data Core, Voice Core, VAS/Messaging, Wholesale, Cloud, Data Centres, Orchestration, and Transport.
• Experience in technical governance, vendor management, and solution architecture.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to present in written or oral presentation technical aspects in simplified form, tailoring content to different audiences.

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 View email address on 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.

#VodafoneThree