Head of Operations Enablement

Role Purpose:

To lead and oversee all build and install enablement functions, including planning, permissions, Wayleaves, PIA compliance, Streetworks, and network design. This role ensures efficient project delivery, compliance with regulatory and legal standards, and alignment with the company’s strategic goals while driving innovation and operational excellence.

Main Responsibilities:

• Set the strategic direction for all build and install enablement, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and growth targets.


• Lead, mentor, and manage multi-disciplinary teams, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and collaboration.


• Oversee end-to-end planning, design, wayleaves, and build processes, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of projects.


• Build and maintain relationships with local authorities, legal representatives, contractors, and other key stakeholders.


• Ensure all functions adhere to UK laws, regulations, and industry standards, proactively mitigating risks.


• Develop and execute wayleave strategies to secure permissions efficiently and address escalations professionally.


• Drive innovation in network design, ensuring scalability, cost-efficiency, and alignment with technological advancements.


• Oversee all Streetworks activities, ensuring compliance and effective coordination with local authorities.


• Lead the resolution of legal challenges and complaints, ensuring robust defences and positive outcomes.
  


• Establish and track KPIs across all build functions, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.


• Accountable for PIA compliance across build and install programs of work.

·

Measures of Performance:

•    Achievement of KPIs across planning, permissions, PIA, Streetworks, wayleaves, and build functions.
•    Effective, accurate and consistent multi-disciplinary reporting methods.
•    Timely and cost-effective project delivery.
•    Compliance with all legal and regulatory standards.
•    Positive stakeholder feedback and resolution of escalations.
•    Team performance and engagement metrics. 

• Please note this list is not exhaustive and will be reviewed regularly.

Knowledge:

•    Comprehensive understanding of UK planning, permissions, wayleaves, and regulatory frameworks in telecoms or utilities.
•    Expertise in fibre network build methodologies, including FTTP deployment, Streetworks, and pole management.
•    In-depth knowledge of strategic project management, resource planning, and risk mitigation.
•    PIA processes and compliance

Attributes:

•    Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, drive performance, and foster a culture of accountability and collaboration.
•    Advanced negotiation and stakeholder management skills, including engaging with senior-level external partners and regulatory bodies.
•    Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills underpinned by a strategic mindset.

Qualifications:

• Degree level education, preferably in a relevant subject matter (or equivalent professional experience).


• Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership or technical areas relevant to the role.
  

Experience:

•    Experience in management or senior roles within the telecoms or utilities sector, with a focus on planning, permissions, and network build.
•    Demonstrable track record of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, meeting stringent deadlines and budgets.
•    Experience in handling high-profile legal disputes, regulatory challenges, and escalated stakeholder negotiations.

Circumstances:

•    Willingness to travel extensively across operational regions and attend meetings at partner or regulator sites as required.
•    Flexibility to work under tight deadlines, balancing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
•    Generally, office hours but some out of hours and weekend work should be anticipated. 

·