VodafoneThree - Network Test Environment Specialist Test Environment Specialist

Location: Bracknell + 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

As Test Lab Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping and running VodafoneThree UK's Fixed Network Test Lab environments across Bracknell and Watford. You'll ensure the labs remain scalable, resilient, and ready to support the testing, integration, and validation of critical network services. Working with a wide range of technical and business stakeholders, you'll lead infrastructure planning, solution design, operational delivery, and continuous improvement to help drive successful business outcomes and exceptional service quality.

• You'll lead the end-to-end operational management of Fixed Network Test Lab environments, ensuring they remain fit for purpose and ready to support evolving business needs.
• You'll own infrastructure capacity planning across multiple lab sites, forecasting future demand and ensuring space, power, cooling, and environmental requirements can support growth.
• You'll design and implement scalable, resilient lab infrastructure solutions, including cabinet layouts, power systems, and environmental controls.
• You'll oversee installation, move, add, and change (MAC) activities, ensuring quality delivery, accurate configuration management, and minimal disruption to services.
• You'll act as the key escalation point for lab-related issues, coordinating resolution activities and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders.
• You'll analyse performance trends, produce KPI reporting, identify risks, and recommend infrastructure investments that support business objectives and budget requirements.
• You'll collaborate with technical teams, customers, and suppliers to enable high-quality testing and validation of fixed network services.
• You'll champion compliance with safety, environmental, and technical standards, ensuring all activities meet regulatory and industry requirements.

Who you are

• Proven experience working within telecommunications, network infrastructure, or technical lab environments.
• Strong knowledge of capacity management, including power, cooling, and infrastructure planning.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and manage budgets effectively.
• Experience designing and deploying technical infrastructure solutions in complex environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse teams and functions.
• A collaborative leader who can coordinate virtual teams and deliver results in fast-paced, evolving environments.
• Good understanding of telecommunications hardware, network infrastructure, and associated technologies.
• Hands-on experience with equipment installation, cabling standards, and physical infrastructure deployment.
• Knowledge of Ethernet networking and Layer 1-3 connectivity, including installation, configuration, and fault diagnosis.
• Experience working with fibre optic technologies, including testing, installation, and fault finding.
• Understanding of infrastructure governance, installation standards, and controlled environment best practices.
• Knowledge of DC and AC power systems, battery technologies, RF technologies, and RadHaz safety practices would be advantageous.
• A proactive, customer-focused approach with a passion for operational excellence, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality outcomes.

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.

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