The posting
About the Team: The Head of Network systems and automation role sits in the Delivery function, which acts as the accountable service integrator for the customer, retaining ownership of customer outcomes, supplier coordination, service performance, communications, and escalations throughout the service lifecycle. The team will consist of up to five direct reports, comprising the existing Systems Engineers alongside the recruitment of two Network Automation Engineers. Establishing the full team structure and completing the required recruitment will be a key objective within the first two months of joining. You will join the Delivery and Operations function, which is responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle management of Jisc's products and services. This role is specifically focused on developing, maintaining, and enhancing the systems and automation capabilities that underpin the Janet Network. You will work closely with both the Architecture and NOC Engineering teams to drive automation, improve operational efficiency, and support the ongoing evolution of the network platform. About the role: As the Head of Network systems and automation you will be responsible for establishing and leading a new technology capability that designs, develops, operates and continuously improves the systems, platforms and automation services that underpin network operations and service delivery. This includes the network monitoring systems used by the Service Desk, and customer-facing web portal that displays usage of customer’s Janet connection(s). In this pivotal role you will be accountable for defining the function's strategy, operating model, roadmap and target architecture, selecting and implementing a blend of commercial and open-source technologies, and building a high-performing engineering capability that delivers scalable, resilient and cost-effective solutions. There is expected line management of up to 5 engineers, though this may flex up and down to reflect workload, especially in the early days of developing the systems. Working closely with operational, architecture, engineering and service management teams, you will transform manual and fragmented processes into integrated, automated services that improve operational efficiency, reliability and customer outcomes. What you’ll be doing:
Build and mature the Network Systems function. Define team structure, roles, responsibilities and operating model. Establish engineering standards for network systems and automation practice, governance frameworks and development methodologies. Design support models, service ownership arrangements and lifecycle management processes. Create repeatable delivery and operational frameworks that can scale with future business growth. Assist the Technology Strategy Office, which will define the target architecture for network management, orchestration, automation, observability and operational support systems. Evaluate, select and implement a strategic mix of commercial and open-source technologies. Develop build-versus-buy strategies that balance cost, flexibility, supportability and business risk. Ensure platforms integrate effectively across operational, service management and business systems. Lead the redesign and automation of operational processes across network provisioning, assurance, monitoring, inventory, configuration management and incident response. Identify opportunities to eliminate manual effort and reduce operational risk. Introduce engineering practices that improve consistency, quality and service performance. Ensure processes are measurable, auditable and aligned to organisational governance requirements. Create and maintain a multi-year technology roadmap. Operate the function as an internal technology product team. Define product vision and outcomes for each core platform. Maintain backlog prioritisation and roadmap governance. Engage stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into delivery priorities. Measure success through adoption, operational efficiency, reliability and customer outcomes.
What we are looking for:
Strong and demonstrable understanding of large-scale production networks Experience establishing a new technology, platform or engineering function. Experience building teams and capabilities from the ground up. Proven delivery of automation and orchestration platforms. Strong understanding of open-source and commercial technology ecosystems. Experience developing technology strategies and multi-year roadmaps. Strong programme and project management experience. Experience leading engineering teams responsible for both software development and platform operations. Experience managing organisational and process transformation. Network automation and orchestration.
Skills and personal qualities:
Ability to analyse complex operational processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, customer experience, scalability and service performance. Strong leadership skills with the ability to build, inspire and develop high-performing engineering teams. Strategic thinking with the ability to translate business objectives into technology roadmaps and delivery plans. Excellent stakeholder management skills, including the ability to influence senior leaders and challenge constructively. Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of engaging both technical and non-technical audiences. Commercial awareness with the ability to balance cost, risk, customer outcomes and operational priorities. Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability in complex operational environments. Ability to lead organisational change and drive adoption of new technologies, processes and ways of working. Results-oriented mindset focused on measurable business and customer outcomes. Resilience, accountability and a continuous improvement mentality.
Don’t meet every single requirement? We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they think they can’t tick every box, so we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet 100% of the requirements, but if you feel this role is perfect for you. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!
Hybrid working: Specific patterns for working in the office are not mandated, and the frequency of time worked in the office is agreed with your manager. Meeting in person is something we value, so you may need to travel on occasion to any of our hub offices.
Why work for us? At Jisc, every role is meaningful, and every individual is valued. We foster a culture of continuous learning and personal growth, offering opportunities to develop new skills and make a real impact in education and research. With a strong focus on work-life balance, we embrace flexible working that prioritises outcomes over hours, empowering you to create a rhythm that energises both your professional and personal life.
Our Guiding Principles: Jisc’s culture is powered by our four guiding principles: putting customers first, driving innovation, creating impact, and championing inclusive collaboration to deliver sustainable outcomes and shape a better future.
Discover the amazing benefits we provide! Here’s what you can look forward to:
Flexible work pattern, which can adapt to suit your schedules and personal commitments 31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) that includes three closure days over Christmas Buy up to an additional 5 days leave during the flexible benefits window Generous flexible pension schemes A range of wellbeing lifestyle benefits including company paid health care cash plan, mental health first aiders and support A company culture of continuous learning with access to thousands of LinkedIn Learning courses, and lots of resources and opportunities to support your development Allocated allowance of up to £250 to equip your home office Financial well-being support including access to preferential loan and savings plans, mortgage advice, will writing tools and support and resources to help you make the most of your money A wide range of discounts and cashback from retailers and big-name high-street stores Family friendly policies including enhanced parental, maternity and paternity and co-parental leave as well as opportunity for career breaks Support your volunteering with up to 3 days volunteer leave
Equity, diversity and inclusion: Jisc believe our people make all the difference in cultivating an inclusive culture that welcomes ideas, encourages innovation, and values belonging.
We work hard to create an equitable experience for our candidates and workforce which embraces all aspects of their identity including race and ethnicity, religion and belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, trans identities, age, class, disability, neurodivergence, or veteran status.
Application process: Please let us know how we can best accommodate you throughout the recruitment process. We’re committed to making our process accessible and comfortable for everyone - just tell us what works best for you.
Interested? Don’t leave it too late to apply. We may close the vacancy early once we’ve received enough applications. Just so you know, we review CVs as soon as we can and aim to provide an update on your application within 4 weeks of receiving it. However, you may hear from us a lot sooner, so please keep an eye out for our emails or calls!
We’re really looking forward to getting to know the real you. While we encourage the use of AI tools to help you get started on your CV or cover letter, we encourage you to review your application before submitting. Make sure it truly reflects your own voice, experiences, and personality.
If you are currently a Jisc employee, please apply through your Dayforce Employee profile.
We have a thorough background screening process that verifies the details you share with us in your CV and your application. Any inaccurate information supplied during the application stages can lead to a job offer being withdrawn.
Sponsorship: Jisc has an active sponsor licence to recruit on a Skilled worker visa basis. Candidates wishing to apply who require sponsorship should determine the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship for the role by assessing their circumstances against the relevant Home Office criteria. Jisc does not offer any financial re-imbursement towards the applicant costs, such as re-location, skilled worker visa and dependant costs or the immigration health charge.
No agencies please.
