Network Engineering Manager

Fruition Group; Borough of Rossendale; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Flexible working options

Career development programmes

Job summary

Fruition Group seeks a Network Engineering Manager to lead a nationwide, multi-vendor network team in the UK. You will drive architecture, resilience, and automation initiatives across Juniper, Cisco, Nokia, and Arista platforms.

Role requires extensive service provider network experience, strong leadership, and proficiency with Python/Ansible/CI/CD. You will partner with NOC, Data Centres, and Field Engineering to deliver impactful network projects.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with service provider networks and routing protocols (BGP, IGP/OSPF/IS-IS).
• Hands-on with multi-vendor equipment (Juniper, Cisco, Nokia, Arista).
• Proven track record delivering network automation projects (Python/Ansible/CI/CD).
• Strong leadership and team-management skills in engineering contexts.
• Knowledge of UK broadband infrastructure, Openreach exchanges, and wholesale carrier environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, build, and operation of a nationwide multi-vendor network infrastructure.
• Oversee network architecture, performance, resilience, and standards compliance.
• Drive network automation initiatives using Python, Ansible, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with NOC, Data Centres, and Field Engineering to optimise support and shared infra.
• Own the network roadmap, capacity planning, and lifecycle strategies.
• Manage vendor relationships, support contracts, and procurement for network equipment and services.
• Handle incident escalation, problem resolution, and post-incident reviews.
• Ensure ISO standards and internal security policy compliance.
• Develop team skills, manage performance, and plan succession.

Skills

BGP

IGP (IS-IS/OSPF)

MPLS

Segment routing

IPv6

Multi-vendor gear: Juniper

Multi-vendor gear: Cisco

Multi-vendor gear: Nokia

Multi-vendor gear: Arista

Python

Ansible

CI/CD

Leadership

Tools

Python

Ansible

CI/CD

Job description

Network Engineering Manager
Location: Rochdale, Greater Manchester, UK

Why Apply?
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic and cutting-edge network engineering team within a well-established service provider company. With a focus on network automation, innovative design, and infrastructure resilience, this Full time role is ideal for seasoned professionals looking to shape the future of telecom networks. Enjoy a collaborative work environment, ongoing professional development, and the chance to influence major network projects across the UK.

Network Engineering Manager Responsibilities

• Lead the design, build, and operational maintenance of a nationwide multi-vendor network infrastructure (Juniper, Cisco, Nokia, Arista).
• Oversee network architecture, performance, resilience, and standards compliance.
• Drive network automation initiatives, including configuration, change management, and documentation, utilising tools like Python, Ansible, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as NOC, Data Centres, and Field Engineering to optimise network support and shared infrastructure.
• Own the network roadmap, capacity planning, hardware/software life cycle, and infrastructure refresh strategies.
• Manage vendor relationships, support contracts, and procurement for network equipment and carrier services.
• Take responsibility for incident escalation, problem resolution, and post-incident reviews.
• Ensure compliance with ISO standards and internal security policies.
• Develop the team's skills, manage performance, and plan succession to ensure continuous operational capability.

Network Engineering Manager Requirements

• Extensive experience with service provider networks, including BGP, IGP (IS-IS or OSPF), MPLS, segment routing, and IPv6.
• Hands-on expertise with multi-vendor equipment from Juniper, Cisco, Nokia, or Arista.
• Proven success in delivering network automation projects using Python, Ansible, or similar tools.
• Strong leadership skills managing engineering teams, with experience in team structuring and performance management.
• Knowledge of UK broadband infrastructure, Openreach exchanges, and wholesale carrier environment.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging with senior stakeholders and technical teams alike.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical roadmaps, budget planning (capex and opex), and vendor relationships.
• Analytical mindset with a pragmatic approach to balancing planning, delivery, and operational support.

What's in it for me?

• Competitive salary of £75,000 with ongoing opportunities for professional growth.
• Employee benefits including healthcare, flexible working options, and career development programmes.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping a leading network infrastructure and automation future.
• Work in a forward-thinking environment with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Be part of a collaborative team that values ownership, initiative, and technical excellence.