VodafoneThree - Site Acquisition and Community Affairs Manager

Vodafone Group Plc; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Pension plan

Generous leave

Employee discounts

Job summary

Vodafone Group Plc in Newbury is recruiting for a senior leader to head planning, acquisition and local affairs within the UK Networks. This full-time role blends office and home working with a hybrid approach, requiring 2-3 days in the office each week and 37.5 hours across weekdays.

You will guide a team of planning, acquisition and community affairs specialists, shape deployment strategies, align with stakeholders, and drive successful site delivery across the country.

Qualifications

• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders across regulatory bodies and partners.
• Experience in planning, property, infrastructure, telecommunications or related regulated environments.
• Strong governance and programme delivery knowledge.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of planning, acquisition and community affairs subject matter experts, creating an inclusive and collaborative environment that supports high performance, growth and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of Network Deployment programmes by providing strategic leadership, direction and insight across property, planning, acquisition and local affairs activities.
• Define and lead acquisition and planning strategies to support rollout delivery, engaging effectively with Local Planning Authorities, statutory bodies, national stakeholders, landlords, land agents and community representatives.
• Build strong relationships across VodafoneThree, working closely with Legal, Public Affairs, Towers & Estates and other key stakeholders to proactively manage risks, resolve issues and support successful site delivery.
• Provide leadership on property, planning and local affairs matters, representing VodafoneThree within industry forums, working groups and external stakeholder engagements where appropriate.
• Oversee delivery partners and suppliers, ensuring effective governance, consistent ways of working and the successful delivery of front-end deployment activities.
• Collaborate with Cornerstone, MBNL and other strategic partners to share best practice, improve delivery efficiency and support the successful execution of both unilateral and shared deployment programmes.
• Support regional deployment teams in resolving complex issues and escalations, bringing together diverse stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

Negotiation

Job description

Location: Newbury + Hybrid

Salary: Excellent basic salary plus bonus and Vodafone benefits

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

Hybrid

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week, for at least 8 days per month. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team.

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 our UK Networks team, where we're continually building and enhancing our network, connecting millions of people and businesses across the country. Be part of the team that makes it all happen - simplifying, automating, and bringing better connectivity than ever before, with giga-fast speed, to our customers.

What you’ll do

• Lead and develop a team of planning, acquisition and community affairs subject matter experts, creating an inclusive and collaborative environment that supports high performance, growth and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of Network Deployment programmes by providing strategic leadership, direction and insight across property, planning, acquisition and local affairs activities.
• Define and lead acquisition and planning strategies to support rollout delivery, engaging effectively with Local Planning Authorities, statutory bodies, national stakeholders, landlords, land agents and community representatives.
• Build strong relationships across VodafoneThree, working closely with Legal, Public Affairs, Towers & Estates and other key stakeholders to proactively manage risks, resolve issues and support successful site delivery.
• Provide leadership on property, planning and local affairs matters, representing VodafoneThree within industry forums, working groups and external stakeholder engagements where appropriate.
• Oversee delivery partners and suppliers, ensuring effective governance, consistent ways of working and the successful delivery of front-end deployment activities.
• Collaborate with Cornerstone, MBNL and other strategic partners to share best practice, improve delivery efficiency and support the successful execution of both unilateral and shared deployment programmes.
• Support regional deployment teams in resolving complex issues and escalations, bringing together diverse stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.

Who you are

• We recognise that there are many different routes to gaining the skills needed for this role. We're looking for a leader who can bring a blend of people leadership, stakeholder management and delivery experience, alongside the ability to build strong relationships and drive positive outcomes.
• Experience leading and developing teams, with the ability to inspire, influence and support people to achieve shared objectives.
• Experiece working within planning, property, infrastructure, utilities, telecommunications, construction, engineering, transport, real estate or similarly regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of governance, programme delivery, acquisition, planning or related business processes, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, resolve complex issues and drive outcomes across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and presentation skills, with confidence engaging audiences at all levels of an organisation.
• Commercial awareness and experience supporting negotiations, contracts, agreements or partnership arrangements.
• Understanding of UK property legislation, planning frameworks or relevant regulatory environments would be beneficial, but is not essential.
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders, build consensus and deliver results through collaboration.
• Experience working with public sector bodies, local authorities, government stakeholders, industry groups or regulatory organisations would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of telecommunications infrastructure, the Electronic Communications Code (ECC), site acquisition or network deployment would be beneficial but is not required.

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 is - your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we're looking for authenticity and can't wait to get to know the real you.

We are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background.