IT Communications & Network Manager

Sector: Energy, Infrastructure and Storage

Our client is a dynamic powerhouse delivering grid-scale energy storage and power infrastructure across the UK. Backed by major infrastructure investors and scaling rapidly, our Client is recruiting for a Network Manager to join them on a permanent staff basis.

The Role

The IT Communications and Network Manager will manage the day-to-day operations of network and communications hardware across the organisation. This role involves oversight of site network connectivity, internal/external stakeholder management, compliance, risk and cyber-security assurance and project strategic support. Reporting to the Head of Digital Systems and Compliance, this is a key role for this rapidly growing business.

Key Responsibilities

Communication Assets and Network Management

Manage the day-to-day operation of network and communications hardware across the organisation.

Monitor network performance, availability and reliability to ensure service targets are achieved.

Oversee planned and reactive network and communications maintenance activities, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

Coordinate network and communications changes and outages, ensuring minimal disruption to users.

Maintain accurate hardware asset records, technical documentation and network information.

Support the implementation of network monitoring and IT asset management tools.

Site Network and Connectivity

Manage network connectivity and communications across the organisation's operational sites, ensuring reliable, secure links between sites and central systems.

Oversee WAN, internet and remote connectivity, including failover and resilience arrangements, as the site portfolio grows.

Coordinate the provision, commissioning and decommissioning of site communications links with connectivity providers.

Work with the Operations team where site network connectivity interfaces with operational technology and control systems, with OT systems remaining owned by Operations.

Maintain accurate records, diagrams and documentation of the site network and communications estate.

Stakeholder Management

Act as the principal IT point of contact for connectivity providers, service providers and contractors.

Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external parties.

Liaise with operational, engineering, finance and compliance teams to support business objectives.

Manage third-party contractors and service agreements to ensure delivery against agreed standards.

Compliance and Risk

Ensure compliance with data protection requirements, company IT policies and applicable legislation.

Identify IT and information security risks and develop mitigation plans.

Lead investigations into IT and connectivity incidents and service failures.

Support audit activities and compliance reporting requirements.

Ensure network operations are conducted in accordance with company risk management procedures.

Cyber Security

Work closely with IT, cyber security and third-party service providers to maintain the security, resilience and availability of network systems.

Oversee user access controls, remote access arrangements and security monitoring for network and connectivity systems.

Coordinate vulnerability assessments, patch management programmes and security audits across the network estate.

Support the development, maintenance and testing of cyber incident response and business continuity plans.

Manage cyber security requirements during the procurement and integration of new site connectivity and third-party systems.

Maintain network asset inventories, network diagrams and system documentation to support cyber security governance and compliance.

Work with the Operations team and external specialists on operational technology security where IT and OT environments interface.

Project and Strategic Support

Contribute to network, connectivity and infrastructure improvement projects, including the expansion of the site portfolio.

Assist in the preparation of business cases and budgets for network and communications.

Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency improvements and cost reduction.

Key Requirements

Skills & Experience

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.

Strong understanding of TCP/IP networking, DNS, DHCP and routing protocols.

Experience with firewalls, VPNs and network security technologies.

Knowledge of cloud networking platforms, including Microsoft Azure and AWS.

Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

The postholder must possess a thorough understanding of network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, WLAN and cloud-based networking environments, with particular emphasis on connectivity across multiple operational sites.

They should have comprehensive knowledge of network protocols and services such as TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs and routing protocols, together with experience of managing routers, switches, firewalls and wireless technologies.

A strong understanding of cyber security principles, network monitoring tools, disaster recovery planning and business continuity is essential.

The postholder should also have knowledge of current industry standards, best practice, data protection requirements and emerging technologies, ensuring the organisation's network and communications infrastructure remains secure, reliable and fit for purpose as the site portfolio grows.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will be a highly motivated and organised professional with substantial experience in network and communications management within an infrastructure, utilities, energy or similar multi-site environment.

They will possess strong technical knowledge of network infrastructure, connectivity and IT security principles, together with the ability to analyse information and translate findings into practical solutions.

The postholder will demonstrate excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across operational, engineering and corporate teams.

They will have a proven track record of managing competing priorities, delivering projects and driving continuous improvement, along with experience of managing third-party suppliers and service providers.

A strong commitment to security, regulatory compliance, data quality and service delivery is essential, together with the ability to support the organisation's growth and the expansion of its site network.