Head of Core Network

We are seeking a Head of Core Network to define and lead the strategy, performance, security, and availability of the ASK4 core ISP and data centre network infrastructure across 12 countries.

This is a senior technical leadership role combining hands-on expertise with strategic vision. You will act as the design authority for the core network, own its security posture, and lead a team of engineers responsible for building, automating, and operating a modern, scalable service provider network.

You will translate business growth objectives into resilient network architectures while championing automation, infrastructure-as-code, and operational excellence., Strategy & Leadership

• Define and deliver the network strategy aligned to international growth plans
• Act as design authority for core network architecture and major change
• Lead, develop, and mentor the network engineering team
• Manage performance, priorities, and budgeting alongside the Technology Operations Director
• Represent the network function in senior technology and governance forums

Technical Ownership

• Oversee the design, build, and operation of the core ISP, dark fibre, and data centre infrastructure
• Champion automation, infrastructure-as-code, and CI/CD for network change management
• Act as final escalation point for major incidents and complex technical issues
• Own and continuously improve the ISP network security posture (including DDoS mitigation and BGP security)
• Drive observability, monitoring, and capacity planning standards
• Ensure scalable designs for aggregation, interconnection, and new site deployments
• Maintain comprehensive, version-controlled network documentation

Business & Governance

• Provide service provider networking expertise to technology and business stakeholders
• Support product development and interconnection strategy, including industry engagement
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to varied audiences
• Ensure adherence to company policies, security standards, and regulatory frameworks

Do you have experience in Terraform?, Are you a senior network leader who thrives on designing and operating large-scale ISP infrastructure?

Do you combine deep technical expertise with strategic thinking and strong people leadership?

Can you set the direction for a modern, automated, secure core network serving hundreds of thousands of customers across multiple international markets?, * Significant hands-on experience in network design, implementation, and operations within an ISP or service provider environment

• Deep expertise in routing and switching, IP over Ethernet, OSPF and BGP
• Strong working knowledge of network operating systems (experience with Arista EOS highly advantageous; exposure to MikroTik RouterOS and IP Infusion OcNOS beneficial)
• Proven experience driving network automation using Python and frameworks such as Ansible, Terraform, or Nornir
• Strong understanding of infrastructure-as-code principles, Git-based version control, and CI/CD pipelines
• Solid knowledge of Linux networking (NAT, routing, firewalling)
• Experience leading and developing high-performing technical network teams
• Proven ability to create and communicate technical strategy at a senior level
• Strong communication skills, able to influence both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience implementing ISP security best practices including DDoS mitigation, RPKI, route filtering, and secure architecture
• Budget and project management experience
• Experience working within ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials+ accredited environments

Desirable:

• Experience with MPLS/VPLS or VXLAN overlays
• Dark fibre network design and deployment experience
• Knowledge of 802.11 wireless technologies
• Exposure to containerisation and orchestration (e.g. Kubernetes, Docker)
• Experience with observability platforms (e.g. Grafana, VictoriaMetrics, LibreNMS)
• PHP scripting capability
• Working knowledge of ITIL processes
• Experience attending or presenting at peering forums and industry events