The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
From Manager, Network & Communications
5-8 years in a senior management role, overseeing multiple teams or a large regional operation.Skills to master
- Strategic budget management, executive reporting, large-scale programme leadership, advanced vendor negotiation, and developing a strong bench of talent.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a major global network transformation project (e.g., SD-WAN rollout) from inception to completion.
- Consistently met or exceeded operational KPIs and budget targets for a significant network function.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and secure funding for key initiatives.
- Built and developed a high-performing team with clear succession plans in place.
- 2
From Principal/Lead Network Architect
8-10 years in a principal architect role, defining enterprise-wide network standards and strategies.Skills to master
- People management (if not already present), financial acumen, executive communication, organisational leadership, and driving cultural change.
You're ready to move on when
- Designed and gained approval for a complex, multi-year enterprise network architecture roadmap.
- Acted as the ultimate technical authority and mentor for a large group of senior engineers and architects.
- Demonstrated strong influencing skills with C-suite and business unit leaders on architectural decisions.
- Developed a keen understanding of the financial implications of architectural choices.
- 3
From Head of IT Infrastructure (for smaller organisations)
3-5 years leading a broader IT infrastructure function, including network, servers, and storage.Skills to master
- Deep specialisation in global telecommunications, strategic vendor management for carriers, and navigating complex regulatory environments specific to telecom.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed and optimised a significant IT infrastructure budget.
- Demonstrated strong leadership across multiple infrastructure domains.
- Proven ability to adapt and specialise quickly in the nuances of global telecom strategy.
- Managed a team of managers across different technical disciplines.