Network Operations Manager

Role Title: Network Operations Manager

Location: Remote (Hybrid Working; 2 days a month in any of Gateshead, Dundee or Aberdeen, UK)

About Brightsolid

Brightsolid is a leading provider of hybrid cloud and managed services, delivering secure, sovereign, AI-ready infrastructure platforms across the UK. We combine private cloud, OpenStack-based platforms, and public cloud services to deliver scalable, resilient, and secure environments for our customers.

Role Overview

The Network Operations Manager is responsible for leading the Brightsolid Network Operations function, managing a team of network engineers delivering highly available, secure, and scalable multi-datacentre network platforms. The role combines hands-on technical leadership, people management, and strategic platform evolution, with a strong focus on Cisco-based service provider networking, network security, and open-source networking and automation. The role works closely with Cloud Engineering, Security Operations, Product Management and Customer Success to ensure that network services underpin Brightsolid’s cloud platform and managed service offerings.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

Lead, mentor, and develop the Network Operations team, building a high-performing engineering function.

Own team structure, skills development, and succession planning.

Drive a culture of automation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Act as the primary escalation point for network-related incidents and major service issues.

Network Platform Ownership

Own the design, operation, and lifecycle of Brightsolid’s network platforms including core datacentre networking, WAN, customer connectivity and edge services.

Ensure all platforms are highly available, secure, and scalable, supporting multi-datacentre environments and customer services.

Technology Strategy and Evolution

Lead the technical direction of the network estate with a focus on Cisco service provider architectures and integration with OpenStack-based cloud platforms.

Evaluate and introduce new technologies aligned to Brightsolid’s platform strategy, ensuring the network supports future growth and product development.

Network Security and Compliance

Own network-layer security including firewalls, segmentation, and access control.

Work closely with Security Operations to integrate network telemetry and support detection and response capabilities.

Ensure all services meet ISO standards, internal policies, and customer security requirements.

Operations and Service Management

Own operational performance across all network services including availability, SLA adherence, monitoring, and incident management.

Define and evolve operational processes covering incident, problem, and change management.

Maintain KPI reporting and service performance tracking.

Automation and Engineering Excellence

Drive adoption of automation and infrastructure-as-code approaches across the network function.

Standardise builds, reduce manual processes, and implement continuous delivery practices consistent with engineering standards.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management

Work closely with Cloud Engineering, Security Operations, Product Management and Customer Success to deliver integrated services.

Engage with key technology partners including Cisco and other service providers.

Requirements

Key Skills and Experience

Essential

Proven experience in a senior network engineering or leadership role with responsibility for operational delivery.

Strong experience with Cisco networking technologies including routing, switching and datacentre networking.

Experience working within a service provider or managed service environment delivering high availability services.

Strong understanding of multi-datacentre network design, WAN connectivity and operational support within a 24x7 service environment.

Experience leading network engineers directly, including performance management and development.

Experience owning team structure and succession planning for a network operations function.

Experience with Cisco security technologies.

Experience owning change management and problem management processes in network operations.

Experience with SLA and KPI reporting for network operations.

Experience working closely with Cloud Engineering, Security Operations, Product Management, and Customer Success teams.

Experience dealing directly with Cisco and other service providers.

Eligible to work in the United Kingdom.

Desirable

Experience with OpenStack networking and Linux-based networking technologies.

Experience of network automation using tools such as Ansible, Python or Terraform.

Familiarity with modern network security approaches.

Relevant certifications such as CCNP or higher.

To apply for this role, please follow our online application process and submit a CV and cover letter.

Closing date for applications: 22nd July 2026 at 12noon