National Test Lab Manager (Telecoms)
Job Introduction
The railway has seen nearly 200 years of technology and innovation that has transformed how we provide services to passengers and freight customers.
Technology is continuing to transform the railway industry. Imagine an exciting environment where Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) are not just buzzwords but the driving force behind every operation, every decision, and every solution.
As part of the DDaT directorate, you have a unique opportunity to enable our customers and industry partner with modern and transformative technology. From the day-to-day IT operations that keeps a national railway running, to the extensive delivery programmes that our helping to reshape the railway – we are at the forefront of all of it. We operate with a talented and passionate workforce, fostering empowered individuals and teams who understand that technology is not just a tool – it's the catalyst for progress, especially in an ever-demanding industry where change is a constant.
Get ready to embark on a journey where your skills will not just be utilised; they'll be honed and expanded. You're not just joining a team; you're becoming part of a collective force helping to build and operate a railway fit for the next 200 years!
We are looking for a National Test Lab Manager to join our Telecoms Asset Management & Architecture team at Network Rail. Collaborating with our individual teams responsible for disciplines such as fixed connectivity, fixed voice services, mobile services, systems and security you’ll drive test lab strategy, test engineering excellence, test automation and test outcomes that better support the introduction of telecoms technology and services to provide a safe, secure and reliable telecoms system for the railway.
Main Responsibility
This is an opportunity for someone to draw together our discipline specific labs that are current separate and in multiple locations into a co-ordinated and interconnected national test and product trial capability that can provide better outcomes for telecoms operations and the services that we provide to support the safe operation of the railway network. This is a national role as test facilities are in a number of our key locations. There is a requirement to travel to these locations and to work with our technical teams based in Milton Keynes, London, Stoke and elsewhere.
What will you be doing?
- Lead and own all outcomes for the introduction, modification and utilisation of telecoms testing facilities throughout Network Rail to deliver successful testing outcomes against technology roadmaps and compliant to Network Rail standards, legislative and product approval requirements.
- Lead, own and endorse that all equipment and services meet or exceed defined software / hardware tests, documented in compliance with architecture and service requirements for Connectivity (Fixed & Mobile), Voice, Security, Station Information & Surveillance Systems (CCTV) and Data Centre Systems maintaining a safe, secure and available rail system.
- Lead and provide expert technical consultancy to the Technical Authority, Regions, Telecoms Operations, Route Services and customers for telecoms services, problem solving, technical direction, Network Rail standards.
- Lead and direct a variety of test environments and scenarios so that Interoperability, Tier 3 and 4 fault replication and new technology and service introduction can be achieved.
- Negotiate, manage, and implement emergency use of test facilities to drive simulations and resolution of performance affecting failures, reactive testing of priority software patching for any telecoms system enabling rapid deployment to the live infrastructure.
- Own, create and direct application of Telecoms Operations technical library of test strategies, plans, specifications to provide standardised, consistent test criteria and processes leading to future automation of testing capability.
- Lead and manage the integration, baseline configuration and co-ordination of lab testing activity across Telecoms Operations services to demonstrate controlled, recorded and assessed outcomes to the business delivering 'safer, secure, better, faster, cheaper, resilient' telecoms service.
- Implement and plan for technology change, creating requirements driven from Technology Platform and supply chain roadmaps so that the test environment replicates the current live and future infrastructure. Manage and review inventory through requests for new technology, maintenance, and support contracts to maintain effectiveness of the lab facility.
- Define and deliver a testing tools, applications roadmap and implementation strategy that seeks automation of testing processes, measurement and recording to reduce time, cost and human effort reducing time to market of new services and products.
- Manage the Health and Safety and Fire Regulatory requirements for each test lab site providing a safe working environment for all testing activities.
The Ideal Candidate
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a test environment
- Significant experience of testing, management of testing facilities and processes nationally across multiple technologies delivering compliant, safe and secure products and systems.
- Substantial demonstrable knowledge of a range of testing techniques, tools and strategies
- Ability to influence and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels within Network Rail and Supply Chain
- Experience undertaking and approving testing outcomes in a complex, regulated environment
- Leading of inventory management and logistics in a technical environment
- Ability to produce professional and well-structured testing and implementation deliverables
Desirable
- Experience of automated testing environments
- ISEB Foundation Certificate in software testing
- Knowledge of relevant telecoms hardware and software platforms, operating systems, middleware, Oracle products and system management
- Knowledge of configuration and release management
We are committed to a diverse workplace enriched with representation from diverse cultures, backgrounds and skills. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where difference is embraced, and individuals can thrive. We recognise that the success of the team is dependent on a multi-cultural, multi-disciplined group of individuals, aligned to deliver successful solutions.
At Network Rail, we have a number of employee networks to reflect our diverse population and help to raise issues to the wider workforce and support their membership and support our Everybody Matters strategy, led by our central Diversity & Inclusion team. We have Diversity & Inclusion Champions who take part and lead on many activities, to drive through more initiatives to support an inclusive environment for all its people and promote a professional and positive working environment. For more information on Diversity & Inclusion at Network Rail, please follow this link
Do you consider yourself to have a protected characteristic? If so and you require any additional support with your application, please do not hesitate to contact the Resourcer who will happily assist.
Package Description
Vacancy type: Permanent, 35 hours per week, Hybrid working of 2/3 days in the office. We welcome applications from those seeking flexible or part time hours.
Location: National, this role is flexible
Closing date: 31st July 2024
Interviews will take place W/C 12th /19th August 2024, these will be held Virtually
Band & Salary: Band - 3C
About the Company
We’re an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions.
We offer excellent benefits, including:
🌞 Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
✨ Defined benefit pension scheme.
🚂 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
🚂 Up to 75% off leisure travel.
🎟️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
🎁 Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
🌍 Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.
🕊️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
❤ Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
🧸 We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
Plus, more….
Our role is to run a safe, reliable and efficient railway, serving customers and communities. We exist to get people and goods where they need to be and to support our country’s economic prosperity. Safety is our number one priority.
We're undertaking an ambitious change. Our vision is Putting Passengers First - becoming a company that is on the side of passengers and freight users. As one of the UK’s leading equal opportunities employers, our values and the way we behave is important to us and we have created an environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution. We have seven employee networks that provide fantastic support, opportunities and development for applicants from all backgrounds. Click here for more information
Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd