Programme Manager - Security, IP Networks and Infrastructure

We are seeking a results-driven Programme Manager to deliver and oversee new solution implementations and full lifecycle security programmes and projects focused on IP networks and infrastructure. You’ll coordinate cross-functional and vendor teams to ensure timely, high-quality rollout of network security initiatives—reporting into the CTO Core Engineering Leads and CIO/Central Programme Office within the Delivery function

This role is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring IP&S upgrades, migrations, and decommissions to ensure alignment with security, compliance, and operational requirements.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in telecoms fixed networks, security, IT operations, and programme delivery, with specific experience managing large-scale projects across multi-vendor environments.

Role responsibilities

• Collaborate with Network Engineering, IT Security, Operations, and Vendor teams to ensure delivery plans align with business continuity, regulatory compliance, and security standards.
• Drive change management and communication strategies across internal stakeholders and external vendors.
• Manage risk proactively by identifying potential end-of-life exposures and developing mitigation or upgrade paths in conjunction with Engineering and the Lifecycle teams.
• Implement governance processes and reporting structures to provide regular updates to executive and technical leadership teams.
• Work closely with the Lifecycle Engineering team. Track vendor Hardware and SW roadmaps (e.g., Red Hat, Solaris, Windows Server) and coordinate transition strategies for impacted systems.
• Ensure test, validation, and rollback strategies are in place for all upgrade and patching activities.

The UK’s fastest broadband network. The nation’s best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK's biggest companies too.

Diverse, high performing teams - jam packed with serious talent. Together, we offer the UK more choice and better value, through our boundary-pushing, customer-championing values and ambitions.

Together, we are Virgin Media O2, and we can't wait to see what you can do.

Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all

Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we're working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.

• Extensive experience leading projects and programmes covering planning, upgrade, patching, migration, and decommissioning of systems and elements across fixed network elements and support platforms.
• Experience planning, implementing, and monitoring IP&S upgrades, migrations, and decommissions
• Strong leadership and communications skills and credibility operating at Senior Leadership Team and General Manager level, with necessary gravitas and focus on delivery leadership rather than delivery management
• Experience of operating systems and their lifecycle status across all network infrastructure
• Experience running programmes in a large complex organisation where time to market and cost are critical success factors

• Proven track record of delivery and a track record of achieving results through people in a matrix delivery team
• Structured and methodical, exercise correct judgement on when to step outside business as usual process
• Strong business acumen

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.

Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you’d like to. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you’re covered no matter what life throws your way.

If we feel like a place where you can belong, we'd love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date.

When you apply, you'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you’re offered a job with us, it will be conditional, based on the passing of background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles need a financial probity check. Your recruiter can provide you with more information if needed.

Thanks for your patience and for showing an interest in joining the Virgin Media O2 family.