Test Lab Manager - Fixed Network Environments

VodafoneThree; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Pension plan

Paid time for charity work

Discounts and vouchers

Job summary

VodafoneThree is seeking a Test Lab Manager to lead fixed network test labs across Bracknell and Watford, ensuring readiness for next‑generation connectivity. You’ll drive capacity planning, solution design and lab delivery with a focus on reliability and performance.

Join a collaborative team in a hybrid role, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, safety and delivering high‑quality lab environments that enable rapid testing and deployment of network services.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in telecommunications, network infrastructure, or technical lab environments.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions using data and insights.
• Proven experience managing infrastructure capacity, including power, cooling, and environmental systems.
• Knowledge of AC/DC power systems, battery technologies, and their application within telecoms or data centre environments.
• Experience designing and delivering infrastructure solutions that balance performance, resilience, scalability, and cost.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate across multiple teams and levels of the organisation.
• Understanding of RF technologies and their integration within network or lab environments.
• Hands-on experience with fibre optic technologies, including installation, testing, fault diagnosis, and industry best practices.
• Knowledge of Ethernet networking technologies, including Layer 1-3 connectivity, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Practical experience in equipment installation, cabling, and physical infrastructure deployment.
• Familiarity with infrastructure governance, installation standards, and operational best practices.
• Relevant technical qualifications or certifications, such as City & Guilds, BS7671 Wiring Regulations, or equivalent.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality outcomes.
• A collaborative and inclusive mindset, with a passion for enabling teams to succeed through reliable and innovative technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Own day-to-day operation and long-term capacity planning of fixed network test lab infrastructure.
• Collaborate with internal customers to ensure space, power, cooling, and environmental capabilities meet needs.
• Analyse trends, forecast demand, identify capacity risks, and produce KPI reporting for investment decisions.
• Design lab infrastructure solutions that are scalable, resilient, and efficient.
• Oversee installation activities and quality assurance for MAC (Moves, Adds, Changes).
• Act as central escalation point for lab-related issues and coordinate swift resolutions.
• Support fault management and maintain service quality across lab environments.
• Champion health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance in all activities.
• Build strong relationships across technical and business teams to enable delivery outcomes.

Skills

Telecommunications experience

Network infrastructure

Lab environments

RF knowledge

Fibre optics

Ethernet networking

Capacity planning

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Education

City & Guilds

BS7671 Wiring Regulations

Job description

VodafoneThree is seeking a Test Lab Manager to lead fixed network test labs across Bracknell and Watford, ensuring readiness for next‑generation connectivity. You’ll drive capacity planning, solution design and lab delivery with a focus on reliability and performance.

Join a collaborative team in a hybrid role, with a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance, safety and delivering high‑quality lab environments that enable rapid testing and deployment of network services.