EMEA Network Services Lead — Strategy, Delivery & Optimization

DS Smith; Kraków; On-site; PLN 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

DS Smith seeks an experienced Networks Manager – EMEA to lead the strategy, delivery and evolution of our network services across the region. You will partner with architects and business stakeholders to ensure secure, resilient, high‑performing connectivity that supports a complex, fast‑moving enterprise.

In this role you will own service operations, manage third‑party vendors, drive ITIL aligned processes and FinOps discipline, and shape the network roadmap in collaboration with IT leadership.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading enterprise network services in a large, complex organisation.
• Operational focus with day-to-day practices protecting the service.
• Experience of major incident management in business-critical services with third parties.
• Strong knowledge of network technologies, operations and service management best practices.
• Experience managing network vendors, suppliers and outsourced service providers.
• Proven ability to transform outsourced network functions to drive operational excellence.
• Understanding of ITIL disciplines: Incident, Problem, Change and Service Management.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and explain technical topics to non-technical audiences.
• Strong understanding of service reporting and governance with actionable outcomes.
• Commercial awareness including budget management and FinOps principles.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the end-to-end network service, ensuring availability, capacity and performance targets are met.
• Help define the network technology roadmap, balancing stability, innovation and future requirements.
• Manage network services through 3rd party vendors and monitor performance against SLAs.
• Drive service management including incident, change, risk and supplier management.
• Collaborate with IT Business Partners to ensure service delivery meets business expectations.
• Lead transitions of new network services into operational support.
• Establish and maintain standards, policies and procedures aligned to best practice.
• Develop cost controls and FinOps disciplines across the network estate.
• Provide technical leadership and SME input across Infrastructure and Technology teams.
• Support major projects with resource planning within the supplier landscape.
• Coordinate and manage third-party suppliers to ensure value for money and improvements.
• Drive continuous improvement using data and service insights.

Skills

Enterprise networking

Vendor management

ITIL & service management

Stakeholder communication

Cost optimization / FinOps

Incident & problem management

Networking architecture

Job description

DS Smith seeks an experienced Networks Manager – EMEA to lead the strategy, delivery and evolution of our network services across the region. You will partner with architects and business stakeholders to ensure secure, resilient, high‑performing connectivity that supports a complex, fast‑moving enterprise.

In this role you will own service operations, manage third‑party vendors, drive ITIL aligned processes and FinOps discipline, and shape the network roadmap in collaboration with IT leadership.