Operational & Technical Testing Lead-NW

Vodafone; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Yearly bonus: 10%

Annual leave: 28 days + bank holidays

Private pension with matching contributions

Access to private medical and dental

Charity days: 5 days/year

Job summary

Vodafone is seeking an Operational & Technical Testing Lead – Networks to deliver security control testing across its telecommunications environments. This role requires expertise in network security to develop strategies, validate controls, and report on security gaps.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams and must have deep knowledge of telecommunication architectures and security control testing methodologies. The position offers a yearly bonus, generous annual leave, and private health benefits.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Mobile Core, Access and RAN technologies.
• Proven experience in security control testing and structured testing methodologies.
• Ability to identify security gaps and provide actionable remediation guidance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain network security testing strategy.
• Lead network security control testing and validate control design.
• Identify and report security gaps and actionable remediation recommendations.

Skills

Network security expertise

Telecommunication architectures

Security control testing

Collaboration skills

Cyber Security qualifications

Education

Cyber Security qualifications (CISM, CISA, CISSP, CompTIA Security+)

Job description

What you’ll do

Operational & Technical Testing Lead – Networks is responsible for delivering security control testing across Vodafone’s mobile and fixed telecommunications network environments, validating control effectiveness through structured testing approaches and best practices. As an individual contributor, the role requires deep network security expertise to define metrics, measure KPIs and KRIs, track remediation and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to strengthen Vodafone’s network security posture.

They are responsible for working with the wider cyber security and network architecture subject matter experts (SME) to ensure they design solutions that balance security risk, protecting customers with user experience and business innovation. They work also across all local markets and global teams to shape the global Telco and Network security standards for Vodafone.

The role takes a long‑term view of security control effectiveness, making use of and contributing towards constructive research and industry initiatives in the networks area. They are also expected to have and maintain a good understanding of the latest research, technology, and policy topics especially where they might have an impact on Vodafone and its customers, across all markets.

This is a Group level role with the opportunity to impact and influence across Vodafone global central platforms and throughout our Local Markets. They will have opportunity to interact with all levels of the business across Leadership and Engineering.

• Develop and maintain network security testing strategy, offering expert guidance across core network security domains such as network device hardening, CPE security, remote access, interconnect security, backhaul security, SIM security and radio interface security.
• Lead network security control testing by validating control design and effectiveness through fact‑based testing, supported by defined metrics and KRI measurement.
• Identify and report security gaps and control deficiencies, including actionable remediation recommendations and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to drive timely resolution.
• Enhance network security KRI reporting by delivering accurate, data‑driven insights that reflect the health and maturity of network security controls.

Who you are

• Deep knowledge of Telecommunication architectures such as Mobile Core, Access and RAN technologies; transport technologies such as IP/MPLS/Broadband; OSS and BSS architectures; Cloud blueprints and solutions.
• Proven experience in designing and executing security control testing, including assessment of control design and effectiveness, supported by clearly defined metrics, KRIs, and structured testing methodologies.
• Ability to identify security gaps and control deficiencies, translate findings into clear and actionable remediation guidance, and work with stakeholders to drive timely closure of security issues.
• Experience in defining, measuring, and reporting network security KPIs and KRIs, with the ability to provide accurate, data‑driven insights that demonstrate control health, effectiveness, and maturity to senior stakeholders.
• Strong ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams across networks, technology, operations, and risk functions, effectively communicating technical security topics to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Technical qualification in fixed and/or mobile technologies is desired.
• Cyber Security qualifications, e.g. CISM, CISA, CISSP, CompTIA Security+ are desired.

Not a perfect fit?

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly? At Vodafone we are passionate about empowering people and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to still apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another opportunity.

What's in it for you

Yearly bonus: 10%

Annual leave: 28 days + bank holidays + the opportunity to buy/sell/carry over 5 days/year

Charity days: 5 days/year

Maternity leave: 52 weeks – the first 13 weeks are fully paid, followed by 26 weeks of half pay

Private pension: You can contribute up to 5% of your basic pay with 2:1 matching from Vodafone up to 10%.

Access to: private medical, private dental, free health assessments, Share Save scheme.

Additional discounts: Vodafone retail, gym, cinema, cycle to work, season ticket loan.