Defect Manager

We’re the team behind the UK’s telecom networks—building, upgrading, and keeping the country connected! From fibre installs to 5G rollouts, we make it happen with innovation, speed, and a smile. If you love a challenge and want to be part of something big, Comex 2000 is the place to be.

We’re looking for a driven and influential Defects Manager to lead our end‑to‑end defect management function and protect the business from regulatory, financial and reputational risk. If you’re passionate about quality, compliance and getting things right first time, this role puts you at the heart of operational performance.

You’ll lead a high‑performing team, improve reinstatement quality, reduce penalties, and build strong relationships with Local Authorities and clients. Your work directly safeguards margin, reduces exposure to FPNs and S74 charges, and drives a culture of proactive, data‑led quality management.

What You’ll Do

• Own the full defect lifecycle from identification to closure
  
• Prioritise high‑risk cases to minimise S74 exposure and prevent escalations
  
• Ensure compliance with streetworks legislation and codes of practice
  
• Manage disputes and liability challenges to protect commercial interests
  
• Maintain accurate, audit‑ready records and performance data
  
• Build and maintain defect dashboards to track SLAs, ageing and financial risk
  
• Analyse trends and root causes to drive preventative action
  
• Improve workflows, systems and reporting to boost speed and accuracy
  
• Forecast financial exposure and reduce avoidable costs
  
• Act as the main escalation point for defect‑related issues
  
• Build strong relationships with Local Authorities, clients and supply chain partners
  
• Lead, coach and develop a multi‑disciplinary team
  
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
  

Requirements

What You Bring

• Strong leadership and team‑development skills
  
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and negotiation ability
  
• Confident managing disputes and resolving complex issues
  
• Strong analytical skills with a data‑driven mindset
  
• Ability to manage multiple programmes and priorities
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Power BI and digital reporting tools
  
• Solutions‑focused approach with strong problem‑solving capability
  

Knowledge & Experience

• Extensive knowledge of streetworks legislation and defect management
  
• Experience reducing defect volumes through preventative strategies
  
• Proven experience managing FPNs, S74 charges and formal disputes
  
• Understanding of operational, financial and performance drivers
  
• Experience improving processes and digital workflows
  
• Strong background working with Local Authorities and clients
  
• Solid experience in a similar role
  

Qualifications

• Relevant industry degree or professional qualification