Job Description
Programme Manager – SD-WAN Rollout
£650–£700 per day (Inside IR35)
Hybrid – Home / Oxfordshire / Hampshire
Hybrid – Home / Oxfordshire / Hampshire
We are supporting a highly sensitive public sector organisation undertaking a large-scale SD-WAN transformation programme across a complex, geographically dispersed estate.
This is a substantive programme leadership role, accountable for the end-to-end delivery of an SD-WAN rollout across circa 220 sites, with a likely subsequent phase covering voice and mobile services. The environment is operationally critical, supplier-heavy and stakeholder-intensive. It requires assured, credible leadership.
The Role
You will take ownership of a multi-supplier network transformation programme, ensuring delivery to time, cost and quality expectations within a regulated and highly scrutinised public sector setting.
Key responsibilities will include:
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Leading the full lifecycle delivery of a large-scale SD-WAN deployment
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Establishing and maintaining robust programme governance and reporting
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Managing complex interdependencies across technical, operational and commercial workstreams
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Providing strong vendor oversight and performance management across major network suppliers
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Holding suppliers to account against contractual obligations and delivery milestones
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Engaging senior stakeholders across technical, operational and executive levels
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Managing risk, assurance, service transition and operational readiness
This role requires visible leadership presence, the ability to navigate complexity and the confidence to challenge large suppliers constructively and effectively.
Essential Experience
We are seeking a Programme Manager with demonstrable experience delivering major network transformation programmes in the public sector or similarly complex environments.
You will bring:
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Direct experience leading a substantial SD-WAN rollout (ideally 300+ sites; minimum comparable multi-hundred site deployment)
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Extensive network infrastructure programme delivery experience
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Proven vendor management expertise across large, challenging suppliers
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Strong commercial awareness and experience managing supplier performance within contractual frameworks
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Gravitas and credibility with senior stakeholders
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Experience operating within highly sensitive, security-conscious environments
Exposure to follow-on voice and mobile transformation programmes would be advantageous.
The Environment
This is a high-profile programme within a sensitive operational estate. Governance, assurance and supplier control are central to success. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in a structured, compliance-driven environment where outcomes matter.
Hybrid working is in place, with time split between home and sites in Oxfordshire and Hampshire.
Security Clearance
Due to the sensitive nature of the programme, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain SC clearance. Existing clearance would be advantageous, however individuals with prior clearance or a demonstrable ability to meet vetting requirements will also be considered. The role will involve access to secure environments and systems, and adherence to strict governance and security protocols is essential.
If you have led a large-scale SD-WAN rollout and are comfortable operating at pace within a supplier-heavy, high-assurance environment, we would welcome a confidential discussion. Please apply with your CV outlining relevant programme scale and vendor management experience.