Network Operations Lead

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

Role: Network Operations Lead

Location: RG7 4PR, located between Reading and Basingstoke, with free onsite parking.

Package: Starting from £65,100p.a. (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight. We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.

Let us introduce the role:

To lead the operational management, performance, and strategic development of the organisations network infrastructure. The role ensures that network services are secure, resilient, and aligned with business needs, while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and supporting digital transformation initiatives.

Key Accountabilities:

• Own and manage the end-to-end delivery of network operations across the enterprise.

• Ensure network availability, performance, and security meet agreed service levels.

• Lead the development and implementation of network strategies, standards, and policies.

• Act as the escalation point for major network incidents and coordinate resolution efforts.

• Provide leadership and direction to the network operations team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to optimise network services and support business objectives.

• Consistently uphold and advocate for exemplary standards in environmental stewardship, safety, health, security, and quality, while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.

Essential Criteria:

• Understanding of compliance frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001, NCSC guidance, and internal governance standards

• Degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or related field

• Minimum 5 years in network operations or infrastructure roles

• Proven track record of managing enterprise-scale networks and leading technical teams

• Strong technical expertise in network infrastructure, protocols, and security

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

• Ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-functional teams

Work hard, be rewarded:

We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:

• 9-day working fortnight - meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
• Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
• Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
• Discounts - access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance for this role.

Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodationsduring the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. Westrive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.