Senior Product & Network Assurance Manager

Smart DCC; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Senior Product & Network Assurance Manager, where your expertise in WAN communications and firmware assurance will lead a dynamic team. This role is pivotal in ensuring the operational performance of Communication Hub devices and WAN services, contributing to the UK's smart metering initiative. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, manage firmware releases, and engage with key stakeholders to drive quality and innovation. If you are passionate about making a difference in the energy sector and thrive in a collaborative environment, this opportunity is designed for you!

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Flexible working hours

Personalized benefits plan

Health and wellness programs

Qualifications

• Experience in technical and operational device management, preferably in Energy or Telecoms.
• Strong leadership skills to manage diverse teams and deliver outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead assurance for WAN services and Communication Hub firmware.
• Manage firmware releases and operational performance of devices.
• Engage stakeholders for firmware strategy and changes.

Skills

Network Communications / WAN knowledge

Firmware design and methodologies

Interpersonal and communication skills

Leadership and team development

Risk assessment and management

Problem solving and analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in computer science

Degree in electrical engineering

Degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

ITIL framework

Project management methodologies

Job description

Senior Product & Network Assurance Manager

Salary: Competitive

Location: London, or Manchester (Hybrid working model, 2 days a week office based, 3 days remote)

Compensation: Competitive Salary plus performance related bonus

DCC is actively seeking a highly skilled, experienced and motivated Senior Network, Product & Firmware Assurance Manager to join a talented and dynamic team. Reporting to the Head of New product & Change, the role has accountability for DCC WAN connectivity and coverage, alongside product and firmware assurance for Communication Hub devices.

The role will lead a small team of subject matter experts and will work with multi-disciplinary teams across DCC and with key suppliers.

What will you be doing?

1. Provide industry-level leadership, knowledge and expertise related to UK Smart Metering WAN communications technologies and Communication Hub devices.
2. Accountable for the operational in-life performance of all Comms Hub firmware approved for production use.
3. Accountable for the operational in-life assurance of all WAN services approved for production use.
4. Responsible for the management and performance of firmware releases (OTA – “Over the Air”) to the deployed production device estate.
5. Responsible for the strategy, tracking, communication and stakeholder engagement of future planned firmware releases.
6. Responsible for the management and prioritisation of changes to the Communications Hub firmware, working collaboratively with other relevant stakeholders.
7. Operations accountability for development and documentation of firmware with CTO and other key stakeholders.
8. Operations accountability for review and approval of test procedures and software to validate functionality, with CTO, Test Assurance/Services and other key stakeholders.
9. Accountable for the management and mitigation of key risks through operational assurance, ensuring an evidence-based approach and appropriate rigour to ‘gating’ of key steps in the firmware development and release process.
10. Responsible for quality assurance of Communication Hub device and network services to DCC.
11. Lead on component integration of disaggregated service provider products on behalf of wider DCC Operations.
12. Responsible for operational assurance of new services and products related to WAN connectivity & Communication Hub devices.

What are we looking for?

1. Working at a senior level within technical and/or operational device and networks management environment, preferably within Energy or Telecoms industries.
2. Firmware design, methodologies and configuration management.
3. Network Communications / WAN industry knowledge.
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
5. Excellent relationship, influencing and negotiating skills.
6. Working with suppliers and customers to achieve mutually agreed objectives.
7. Leadership and development of people to build high performing team.
8. Managing diverse, multi-disciplinary teams to deliver clear outcomes and objectives.
9. Extensive and effective stakeholder management.
10. Delivery and/or implementation of complex change projects into multi-stakeholder operational and technical environments.
11. Assessing risk and making risk-based recommendations and decisions.
12. Ability to be flexible and work under pressure and problem solving and analytical skills.

Skills and Experience: Desirable

1. Degree in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering.
2. Experience of Smart Meter Programme and/or Smart Metering Devices.
3. Energy Industry knowledge or experience.
4. Practical working knowledge of security and cloud computing.
5. Practical working knowledge of Programme/Project management methodologies.
6. Moderate level of electronics knowledge.
7. Practical working knowledge of ITIL framework and its application.

About the DCC:

At the DCC, we believe in making Britain more connected, so we can all lead smarter, greener lives. That desire to make a difference is what drives us every day and it wouldn’t be possible without our people. Each person at the DCC brings a special kind of power to the business, and if you join us, we’ll give you the means to unleash yours. Here, we depend on each other and hold each other accountable. You have the power to challenge and make change, to take the initiative and enjoy real responsibility. Whether it’s doing purposeful work, helping us grow or building the career you want – we’ll give you the support to do it all. Our secure network for smart meters is transforming Britain’s energy system and helping the country’s fight against climate change: we want you to be part of our journey.

Company benefits:

The DCC’s continued success depends on our people. It’s important to us that you enjoy coming to work, and feel healthy, happy and rewarded. In this role, you’ll have access to a range of benefits which you can choose from to create a personalized plan unique to your lifestyle.

If there are any questions you’d like to ask before applying, please contact [e-mail] or complete your application, so we can learn more about you. Your application will be carefully considered, and you’ll hear from us regarding its progress.

Join the DCC and discover the power of you.

What to do now

Choose ‘Apply now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.

As a Disability Confident member, DCC is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments, need a copy of this job advert in an alternative format, or have any other questions you’d like to ask before applying, please contact [e-mail].