Network Operations Manager

ComReg Overview

ComReg is the statutory body responsible for regulating fixed and mobile communications, postal and premium rate services in Ireland.  Our mandate is to create a competitive marketplace, to protect and inform consumers, and to encourage innovation. ComReg also manages Ireland’s radio spectrum resource on behalf of the State.

We are a professional, multi-disciplinary and diverse organisation, operating in a dynamic digital regulatory environment that is constantly evolving.

This will be an exciting time of growth for ComReg, as our mandate expands and we take on new statutory responsibilities arising from EU legislation including: the Network and Information Systems (NIS2) Directive, the Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Directive – addressing cybersecurity and network resilience – together with the EU Data Act and the EU AI Act.

While our regulatory role is evolving, our fundamental mission remains the same. ComReg’s mission is to implement effective regulation that supports the delivery of widespread, modern, and resilient digital infrastructure, including communications networks, products, and services which, ultimately, benefit users.

Division overview – Market Framework 

ComReg’s Market Framework Division is responsible for a number of key areas, including:  Spectrum Operations, Spectrum International, Radio spectrum management, Network Operations, Product Safety and Ireland’s National Numbering Scheme.

You can find out more about the work of Market Framework here.

Network Operations is responsible for:

• evaluating the resilience, security and integrity of electronic communications networks and services;
• managing and collating the reporting of network incidents across all electronic communications networks and services; and
• network trust – policy and compliance in respect of nuisance communications, to mitigate scam calls and messages.

You will find annual reports for the Network Operations and more information on what we do published as ComReg documents and can be found through these links: 19/31, 20/22, 21/29, 22/44, 23/60 and 24/53.

The role and responsibilities 

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Network Operations, you would be responsible for:

• Leading a team with expertise in electronic communications networks and services which include fixed copper/fibre networks and mobile networks, focusing on resilience of networks and services and managing staff, as appropriate;
• Managing Network Incident and Network Resilience functions within NOU:
• Apply relevant legislation, industry standards and take a risk-based approach to the post-incident resilience analysis;
• Develop policy and procedures to operationalise statutory obligations – including report writing and consultation process, as well as contribute to and develop inputs into processes where legislation is required;
• Hold operators of electronic communications networks and services to D08/241 in any post-incident resilience analysis;
• Evolve post-incident network resilience activities and functions within NOU as a consequence of the transposition of new EU Directives2;
• Managing outsourced technical activities within NOU:
• Support the policy and compliance functions within ComReg – such as the engineering elements of the ComReg’s Outdoor Mobile Coverage Map3;
• Managing and evolving the data assets and capabilities of the Network Operations Unit to strengthen and enable evidence-based regulatory decisions:
• Monitor key trends and developments in respect of network performance and network monitoring electronic communications networks and services, to support the policy and compliance objectives of ComReg.
• Develop with the team key insights and spatial information related to electronic communications networks and services, utilising analytical, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and business intelligence tools.
• Advise the Senior Manager, Network Operations and the Director of Market Framework on relevant issues;
• Liaising with the stakeholders, including: Authorised Undertakings, government Departments, other National Regulatory Authorities and the European Commission as appropriate.

Qualifications and Experience required 

Essential  

• A level 8 degree or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications in science, technology, engineering.
• Demonstrable experience in a network operations related environment, in particular in the delivery of publicly available electronic communications networks and services, such as to fixed copper/fibre networks or mobile networks ;
• working with and engaging with senior-level staff within an organisation and with external stakeholders.
• Proven track record in working across multi-disciplinary teams to deliver strategic, cross functional projects, and in engaging with people though periods of organisational change, ensuring continuous engagement.
• A broad technical knowledge of current and emerging electronic communications technologies;

Desirable  

• An additional qualification in data analytics (or similar) would be an advantage.
• Proven experience working with data analytics software and business intelligence tools (e.g., PowerBI).
• Previous experience of managing people, teams or projects.
• Previous experience of working in the public sector or within a regulatory environment.

Core Competencies & Skills for the Role 

In addition to your technical qualifications and experience, you will bring professional competencies and skills in the following core areas:

• Strategy and Leadership: Creates a climate of cooperation where people strive to achieve common organisational goals. Takes a broad view. Anticipates future developments and applies this to operational situations.
• Analytical & Critical Thinking: Objectively analyses and evaluates information to identify patterns between situations that are not obviously related. Develops and clearly articulates solutions to complex problems.
• Ownership & Accountability:  Applies professional ethical standards. Takes responsibility for work activities and personal actions. Follows through on commitments. Acknowledges mistakes and learns from them. Maintains effective interactions with outsourced service providers.
• Planning and Organising:  Establishes and monitors priorities, systematically differentiating between urgent, important and unimportant tasks.  Plans and manages activities to consistently deliver results.  Meets objectives within agreed predetermined time frames and deals with urgent operational situations expeditiously.
• Communication and Influencing:  Communicates clearly, confidently and respectfully.  While engaging and influencing others to follow a particular course of action.  Ensures all relevant parties are appropriately updated and notified.

Our Package

We are offering an attractive package:

• Salary €87,084.06 – €108,871.79 * (Pay increases will be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance)
• Dublin city centre location – IFSC
• Blended working environment
• 28 days Annual Leave per year increases with service
• Fully paid Maternity, Paternity and Parent’s leave
• Income protection scheme
• Education assistance and Training Opportunities
• Professional membership fee pay
• Attractive pension scheme
• ComReg Wellbeing Programme
• Travel tax saver scheme, Access to Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a member’s run sports and social club

*(entry will be at the minimum point and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.)

Check out the Recruitment section of our Careers website if you have any questions or need further information about the role or the recruitment process -https://www.comreg.ie/about/careers/recruitment-faq/

Please Note (1)

We hope that our recruitment process supports applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We understand that having a diverse workforce contributes to making us stronger as an organisation. We are committed to positively supporting candidates with disabilities.

Please let us know if there are any reasonable accommodations we can make to enable you to take part in the process by creating the environment to give you the best opportunity to show your strengths and competencies. Rest assured that whatever information you disclose will only be used to enable us to provide the necessary support and will never have a bearing on the outcome of the process.

Please Note (2)

ComReg assesses all applicants fairly based on the requirements for the role. Due to the high volume of applications we receive for positions, we are unable to provide feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted for interview. If you are short-listed for interview, and are subsequently unsuccessful, you can request verbal feedback from your recruitment contact – if you are represented by an agency.