Networks Manager - EMEA
No longer listedNetworks Manager – EMEA (Network Service Owner)
About the Role
We’re looking for an experienced Networks Manager – EMEA t to lead the strategy, performance and evolution of our EMEA wide business.
Reporting to the Infrastructure Director, this is a critical leadership role within Shared Services, responsible for ensuring the delivery of secure, resilient and high-performing network services that meet the needs of a complex international business. You'll combine operational excellence with strategic thinking, driving service quality today while shaping the future network roadmap.
As the technical and operational owner of network services, you'll lead a team of network professionals and third-party partners, ensuring robust service management across WAN, WiFi and, in future, LAN services. You'll play a key role in influencing technology decisions, supporting business transformation initiatives and ensuring our network capabilities continue to evolve in line with business needs.
Key Responsibilities
Own and lead the end-to-end network service, ensuring availability, capacity and performance targets are consistently achieved
Develop and deliver the network technology roadmap, balancing operational stability, innovation and future business requirements
Delivery of network services through 3rd party vendors
Drive operational excellence through effective service management, including incident, problem, change, risk and supplier management
Partner closely with IT Business Partners and stakeholders to ensure service delivery meets business expectations
Lead the successful transition of new network services and technologies into operational support
Establish and maintain standards, policies and procedures aligned to industry best practice
Manage service risks and collaborate with governance teams to ensure appropriate visibility and mitigation plans are in place
Develop strong FinOps disciplines, ensuring effective cost management and budget control across the network estate
Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise, enabling informed decision-making across Infrastructure and Technology teams
Support major projects with solution design, architectural guidance and resource planning
Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing Networks team, building capability and succession strength
Coordinate and manage third-party suppliers to ensure high-quality service delivery and value for money
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging operational data and service insights to enhance performance
About You
You're an experienced infrastructure or network leader who thrives in complex enterprise environments and combines strong technical expertise with excellent stakeholder management skills.
We're looking for:
Significant experience leading enterprise network services within a large, complex organisation
Strong knowledge of network technologies, operations and service management best practices
Experience managing network vendors, suppliers and outsourced service providers
Demonstrated success in delivering operational excellence across critical infrastructure services
Strong understanding of ITIL disciplines, including Incident, Problem, Change and Service Management
Experience developing technology roadmaps and supporting enterprise transformation programmes
Proven ability to influence stakeholders and communicate complex technical topics to non-technical audiences
Strong commercial awareness, including budget management, cost control and FinOps principles
Experience leading and developing technical teams in a collaborative, high-performance environment
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions in fast-paced environments
About Us
We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products.
We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people who challenge and support one another to drive positive change. Together, we employ more than 60,000 colleagues across North America and EMEA, bringing expertise in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain and technology.
Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Join a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us.
To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we are committed to building a diverse, motivated and engaged workforce. We strive to create an inclusive culture where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
#LI-CP