Head of Digital Networks Product Group Hybrid out of Preston or Frimley offices 9 month contract - potential to be offered perm at a later date £70.16 per hour (umbrella) - may be negotiable Role Description Background We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head for our clients Digital Networks Product Group. The role will be responsible for management of a portfolio of network products, mainly delivered by a major provider of networks services, across multiple networks and security tiers. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in product management across digital infrastructure, excellent communication skills, and a passion for creating innovative solutions that enhance employee productivity and collaboration. The role will be responsible for executing a product strategy that aligns with business goals, while ensuring that the network offerings meet the evolving needs of our users, including meeting required national security requirements. You will initially be working within digital transformation programmes to build new digital networks offering, selecting and on-boarding a supplier, transitioning them into service and then working with them to transform network services and technologies across multiple security tiers. Accountability The Head of Digital Networks Product Group is responsible for executing the organisations network strategy, including a major programme of change to software defined networks. This role will work very closely with our new networks service provider to ensure that the service meets evolving business needs. The Head of Digital Networks Product Group will be accountable for all aspects of the service product lifecycle from initiation to decommissioning, including budget, change, obsolescence management, leading of third-party suppliers (including a primary service provider) and meeting all applicable regulations and standards, including rigorous security standards. Key Responsibilities • Execute a comprehensive networks strategy aligned with business goals. • Prioritise demand as it enters the product group and decides where resources should be prioritised • Drive digital transformation initiatives that improve employee experience, productivity, and engagement. • Benchmark the organisations network service maturity and create a roadmap for continuous improvement. • Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and digital-first collaboration. • Drive the modernisation of networks platforms. • Manage relationships with key technology vendors and partners to ensure alignment with business needs. • Work closely with IT, security, and compliance teams to maintain network security. • Ensure adherence to data privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.) and corporate IT policies. • Manage budgets, roadmaps and business plans • Manage all demand, capacity and change related to Networks services • Monitor and improve performance through metrics and continuous improvement. Competencies Skills & Knowledge: • Deep expertise in network services and technologies, including LAN, WAN and software defined networks best practices. • IT Service Management tools (e.g. ServiceNow, Jira) • Automation solutions • Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills. • Ability to influence senior executives and drive cross-functional collaboration. • Passion for employee engagement, productivity, and future-of-work trends. Education: Bachelors degree in business, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field or extensive experience in network environments. ITIL Practitioner certification desirable. Experience: 5 years of experience in product management in a networks environment. Proven track record of launching successful products from inception to market Proven experience of managing networks suppliers Core Duties Building the Capability: • You will initially be working within transformation programmes to help shape a new operating model which your role will form part of. You will support shaping, design and build of the service that you will operate, including working with bidders and service providers that will provide services to BAE Systems. • Identify current gaps in tools, skills and practices and set out a roadmap to close them. • Build a skilled team of internal staff and partners • Shape the future direction of digital hosting by applying emerging trends, tools and best practices Product Development: • Develop and maintain a prioritised product portfolio roadmap that aligns with business objectives and user needs. • Collaborate with key internal stakeholders and suppliers to identify key features and enhancements required against business priority. • Undertake continuous assessment for the suitability of network products in terms of intended outcomes, liaising with end users, service providers and product teams in order to achieve these outcomes. • Translate business requirements into workable product features and developments, maintaining and developing products for use in business. Product Management: • Manage the Product Teams to ensure Technical Support is delivered in line with service levels and aligned to business demand. • Ensure the teams conduct day-to-day operations to satisfy availability, recovery, security, capacity and performance needs. • Provide technical leadership for the products within their scope, collaborating with service providers and product teams. • Manage product risk and obsolescence User Experience & Design: • Work closely with suppliers and internal IT teams to ensure that products are user-friendly and meet business need • Enable a seamless hybrid work experience, ensuring technology supports both in-office and remote teams. • Utilise data analytics and user feedback to optimise tools and services. Change Management: • Manage, prioritise and deliver all change associated with the product, driving increased use of ‘as a service type change through catalogue and agile delivery, while using programme and project delivery where required • Removes impediments and blockers from the development team to ensure speed of delivery • Prioritises the product backlog and reprioritises as required • Lead the end-to-end change and adoption strategy for all digital network initiatives ensuring users are supported before, during and after the changes are introduced. Budget Management • Conduct IBP for Networks, agree and achieve budgets, demonstrating value to the business. Budget to effectively manage obsolescence, run and maintain, new capability and strategic roadmaps. Performance Tracking & Improvement: • Define success metrics and KPIs for network products and ensure that these metrics are achieved • Analyse product performance and user engagement and iterate based on data-driven insights. • Maintain strong relationships with senior leadership and key stakeholders including suppliers to ensure alignment on product vision and priorities. • Present product updates, roadmaps, and performance metrics to stakeholders regularly. Cross Functional • Integrate product teams ways of working with the SIAM ecosystem and ensure compliance with ITSM processes • Collaborate internally and externally do drive innovation and deliver continuous service improvement • Ensure the product complies with relevant standards and policies (e.g. GCSS) • Integrate product teams operations with ITSM and platform tooling • Ensure the product meets ESG requirements and continuously considers sustainability as part of ongoing development and operations Leadership Responsibilities • Leads teams and suppliers that carry out product development, testing, support, lifecycle management and administration. • Undertakes people management in line with HR policies. • Understand IT industry developments and empower teams to leverage the benefits of emerging technologies, systems and solutions providing strategic direction as required. • Identify and facilitate opportunities to improve business processes and challenge established thinking. 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