VodafoneThree - Release Manager

VodafoneThree; West of England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits package

Job summary

VodafoneThree is seeking a Reference Model Manager to lead end-to-end testing across complex infrastructure. You’ll manage the Reference Test Environment, oversee testing, and collaborate with customers and suppliers to deliver quality pre-production work.

You’ll define test strategies, govern artefacts, and support sales with technical insights. DV clearance is required, and the role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and a path to impact national digital resilience.

Qualifications

• Experience designing test strategies to support test cycles for multiple releases/projects.
• Ability to champion testing and influence decision making across the Programme.
• Experience managing multiple workstreams and complex testing programmes.
• ISTQB Foundation in Software Testing or equivalent experience.
• ITIL 4 qualification or experience.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the test strategy across projects, collaborating with partners and stakeholders.
• Develop procedures to meet contracted standards and ensure governance.
• Support sales with technical implementation knowledge and experience.
• Ensure traceability and quality of artefacts for customer approvals.
• Lead customer engagement for the test function.
• Coordinate patch management and test releases with minimal disruption.

Skills

Test strategy design

Testing leadership

Multi-workstreams management

Defect and risk management

ISTQB Foundation

ITIL 4

Managed Services testing

DV clearance

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & reporting

Tools

Voice/Video conferencing tools

Job description

Location: Greater Bristol - Customer Site Based

Salary: Excellent basic salary plus bonus and Vodafone benefits

Working hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday

Security Clearance: This position requires you to hold or the ability and willingness to obtain a UK Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.

Who We Are

We’re here to build a network the UK can count on – one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online – we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future’s being built – today.

We’re creating more than the UK’s best network. We’re helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress.

We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there’s space for you here. We’re building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves.

You’ll join a team that genuinely cares – about each other, about our customers, and about the future we’re building. From day one, you’ll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.

Why VodafoneThree

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last.

We’re not just expanding connectivity; we’re reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country.

You’ll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you’ll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone.

We move at pace, because what we’re building matters – and we’re learning as we go. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started.

Join Vodafone Business Security Enhanced and strengthen the cyber security of the UK's Critical National Infrastructure and public sector organisations.

What You’ll Do

The Reference Model Manager is accountable for the operational day-to-day management of the Reference Test Environment and overseeing the entire testing process, ensuring that quality standards are met before release into the live environment. Leading and advising on end-to-end technical testing activities across complex infrastructure, transition and transformation projects.

Supports the delivery of engineering activities that contributes customer technical requirements, deploying optimal networking and connectivity solutions, whilst working closely with customers and suppliers to ensure successful delivery. Serves as a critical point of contact for key customers, provide technical support and solutions, timely resolution of pre-production issues and maintain effective governance of the test facility.

• Responsible for managing and executing the test strategy for projects, collaborating with 3rd party partners/suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Defines associated procedures, processes and practices to meet contracted standards
• Support sales team with technical implementation knowledge and experience
• Understanding of good Test artefact creation and maintaining high standards to meet customer approvals
• Represent Test across the Programme, ensuring customer requirements are realised
• Accountable for the triage and planning of regular patch management, to make a recommendation for releases under test
• Leads customer engagement for test function
• Collates data, reports and information supporting technology lifecycle planning, including contributing to the development of the technology roadmaps and platform health checks

Who You Are

• Experience of designing test strategies to support test cycles for multiple releases/projects
• Ability to champion testing and influence decision making across the Programme
• Experience of managing multiple workstreams
• The ability to manage defects, change, risk and implement remediation plans
• ISTQB Foundation in Software Testing; Or Proven track record in Testing and leading technical teams
• ITIL 4 qualification or experience
• Strong background delivering testing in Managed Services or transformation environments
• Knowledge or experience using voice and video conferencing solutions, system and policy tools
• Experience managing change, risks, governance, reporting and complex testing programmes
• Must be able to maintain DV security clearance

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly?

We know that everyone is unique, with multiple aspects to their identity and different experiences behind them. We are passionate about Inclusion for All 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 apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.

What We Offer

We care about our people’s success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies.

Need to Know

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please refer to the Accessibility section of our Careers website (https://careers.vodafone.com/uk/reasonable-adjustments/) for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements.

During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are—your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we’re looking for authenticity and can’t wait to get to know the real you.

#VodafoneThree