Networks Manager – EMEA (Network Service Owner)
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced Networks Manager – EMEA to to lead the strategy, performance and evolution of the network services underpinning our EMEA wide business.
Reporting to the Infrastructure Director, this is a critical leadership role within the Infrastructure, Security and Services organisation, responsible for ensuring the delivery of secure, resilient and high-performing network services that meet the needs of a complex international business. You'll combine operational excellence with strategic thinking, driving service quality today while contributing to shaping the future network roadmap alongside our team of architects.
As the operational owner of network services, you'll coordinate and manage third-party partners, ensuring robust service management across the scope of our network services. You'll play a role in influencing technology decisions, supporting business transformation initiatives and ensuring our network capabilities continue to evolve in line with business needs.
Key Responsibilities
Own and lead the end-to-end network service, ensuring availability, capacity and performance targets are consistently achieved
Support definition of the network technology roadmap, balancing operational stability, innovation and future business requirements
Delivery of network services through 3rd party vendors, leveraging data and dashboards to understand service and vendor performance and to hold suppliers to account as needed
Drive operational excellence through effective service management, including incident, problem, change, risk and supplier management
Partner closely with IT Business Partners and stakeholders to ensure service delivery meets business expectations
Lead the successful transition of new network services and technologies into operational support through alignment with delivery teams
Establish and maintain standards, policies and procedures aligned to industry best practice
Manage service risks and collaborate with governance teams to ensure appropriate visibility and mitigation plans are in place
Develop strong FinOps disciplines, ensuring effective cost management and budget control across the network estate
Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise, enabling informed decision-making across Infrastructure and Technology teams
Support major projects with resource planning and support from within the supplier landscape
Coordinate and manage third-party suppliers to ensure high-quality service delivery and value for money, working with our supplier management function and suppliers as needed to implement service improvement plans
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging operational data and service insights to enhance performance
About You
You're an experienced infrastructure or network leader who thrives in complex enterprise environments and combines strong technical expertise with excellent stakeholder management skills.
We're looking for:
Significant experience leading enterprise network services within a large, complex organisation
A highly operational focus, with prior experience defining and monitoring day to day practices which proactively protect the service
Experience of major incident management within a business critical service – managing stakeholder expectations whilst driving resolution through technical 3rd parties
Strong knowledge of network technologies, operations and service management best practices
Experience managing network vendors, suppliers and outsourced service providers within a 100% outsourced model
Demonstrated success in transforming outsourced network functions to deliver operational excellence across critical infrastructure services
Strong understanding of ITIL disciplines, including Incident, Problem, Change and Service Management
Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex technical topics to non-technical audiences
A clear viewpoint on effective service reporting and governance with a proven ability to leverage that to deliver meaningful results
Strong commercial awareness, including budget management, cost control and FinOps principles
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions in fast-paced environments
DS Smith Maidenhead, England Office
Maidenhead, United Kingdom
