Site Acquisition, Planning & Community Affairs Senior Manager

Company Description

Site Acquisition, Planning & Community Affairs Senior Manager
Location: Newbury + Hybrid
Working Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week - Mon to Fri

Hybrid

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team.

Who We Are

We're here to build a network the UK can count on, one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online, we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future is being built today.

We're creating more than the UK's best network. We're helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress.

We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there's space for you here. We're building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves. You'll join a team that genuinely cares about each other, our customers and the future we're building.

Why VodafoneThree

We're creating something special. We are joining forces to create the biggest mobile network provider in the UK. Through our collective strengths and talents, we will transform customers' experience and create a best-in-class network for coverage, connectivity and reliability, delivering greater value and more choice for the nation than ever before.

We're not just building a company. We're creating a culture, a legacy and a future to be proud of. This will require remarkable leadership, and together we can set the standard in the industry and beyond for both customer and employee experience in what is a career-defining opportunity.

Job Description

What you'll do

This role sits within the Networks Deployment Team and provides critical support across all regions in the deployment of network sites to support our ambition of becoming the UK's number one network. The role leads a team of subject matter experts at the front end of the RAN Deployment lifecycle and plays a key role in shaping the success of our deployment plans and our ambition to build the Nation's Network.

• Lead and develop a team of planning, acquisition and community affairs subject matter experts, creating an inclusive and collaborative environment that supports high performance, growth and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of Network Deployment programmes by providing strategic leadership, direction and insight across property, planning, acquisition and local affairs activities.
• Define and lead acquisition and planning strategies to support rollout delivery, engaging effectively with Local Planning Authorities, statutory bodies, national stakeholders, landlords, land agents and community representatives.
• Build strong relationships across VodafoneThree, working closely with Legal, Public Affairs, Towers & Estates and other key stakeholders to proactively manage risks, resolve issues and support successful site delivery.
• Provide leadership on property, planning and local affairs matters, representing VodafoneThree within industry forums, working groups and external stakeholder engagements where appropriate.
• Oversee delivery partners and suppliers, ensuring effective governance, consistent ways of working and the successful delivery of front-end deployment activities.
• Collaborate with Cornerstone, MBNL and other strategic partners to share best practice, improve delivery efficiency and support the successful execution of both unilateral and shared deployment programmes.
• Support regional deployment teams in resolving complex issues and escalations, bringing together diverse stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.

Qualifications

Who you are

We recognise that there are many different routes to gaining the skills needed for this role. We're looking for a leader who can bring a blend of people leadership, stakeholder management and delivery experience, alongside the ability to build strong relationships and drive positive outcomes.

• Experience leading and developing teams, with the ability to inspire, influence and support people to achieve shared objectives.
• Experiece working within planning, property, infrastructure, utilities, telecommunications, construction, engineering, transport, real estate or similarly regulated environments.
• •Strong understanding of governance, programme delivery, acquisition, planning or related business processes, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, resolve complex issues and drive outcomes across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and presentation skills, with confidence engaging audiences at all levels of an organisation.
• Commercial awareness and experience supporting negotiations, contracts, agreements or partnership arrangements.
• Understanding of UK property legislation, planning frameworks or relevant regulatory environments would be beneficial, but is not essential.
• Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders, build consensus and deliver results through collaboration.
• Experience working with public sector bodies, local authorities, government stakeholders, industry groups or regulatory organisations would be advantageous.
• Knowledge of telecommunications infrastructure, the Electronic Communications Code (ECC), site acquisition or network deployment would be beneficial but is not required.

Worried that you don't meet all the desired criteria exactly?

We know that everyone is unique, with multiple aspects to their identity and different experiences behind them. We are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.

Additional Information

What we offer

We care about our people's success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies.

Posting End Date: 8th October 2026

Need to know

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to interview for a role that matches their skills. In collaboration with our Talent, Diversity & Inclusion teams and our employee-led DEI Networks, we identified a range of reasonable adjustments to help you feel comfortable and perform at your best self during the interview process. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please contact your recruiter directly or email for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements.

During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are-your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we're looking for authenticity and can't wait to get to know the real you.