Head of Network Architecture - Hybrid Leader, £130k DOE

CityFibre; England; Hybrid; GBP 78,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible benefits package

Birthday day off

Private medical insurance

Health cash plans

Family‑friendly policies

Job summary

CityFibre is leading the UK’s digital infrastructure as a hybrid-working employer. We are seeking a Head of Network Architecture to drive target architectures across fibre, optical and transport, core and edge networks, and cloud-enabled services.

You’ll translate strategy into high-level designs, standards and roadmaps, ensuring architectural decisions align with business needs and investment cases. A strong leadership background and stakeholder management are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience in telecommunications, network engineering, technology or a related discipline.
• Desirable: networking certifications such as TM Forum or other telecom certifications.
• Leadership or management qualification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and evolution of network target architectures and transition roadmaps across fibre, optical and transport, core and edge, cloud and network services.
• Define and govern network architecture principles, standards, reference architectures and design patterns.
• Lead the production and assurance of Network High-Level Designs, ensuring requirements, interfaces, constraints and architectural decisions are clearly defined.
• Work closely with Network Engineering and Network Implementation to ensure detailed designs stay aligned to architectures and standards.
• Evaluate network technology options and lifecycle decisions, supporting major investment cases and supplier decisions.
• Provide architectural leadership across network transformation, technology refresh, migration and retirement programmes.
• Govern network architecture delivered by vendors and strategic partners while retaining internal design authority.
• Build and lead a high-performing Network Architecture team.

Skills

Network Architecture

Leadership

Telecom/Network Engineering

Cloud-native Networks

Strategic Planning

Education

Degree-level qualification

Telecom/Network Certification (Desirable)

Leadership Qualification (Desirable)

Job description

CityFibre is leading the UK’s digital infrastructure as a hybrid-working employer. We are seeking a Head of Network Architecture to drive target architectures across fibre, optical and transport, core and edge networks, and cloud-enabled services.

You’ll translate strategy into high-level designs, standards and roadmaps, ensuring architectural decisions align with business needs and investment cases. A strong leadership background and stakeholder management are essential.