Jon Parkes
Worcestershire
Summary
Technology and Operations Leader with 15+ years' experience overseeing nationwide service delivery, infrastructure operations and customer‑critical telecommunications services. Demonstrated leadership of multidisciplinary teams and 24/7 operational functions, with accountability for service availability, ITIL governance, operational resilience and major incident management. Experienced in managing multi‑million‑pound budgets, building high‑performing teams and delivering technology strategies that enhance reliability, customer satisfaction and long‑term business outcomes. Brings a collaborative leadership style and a focus on resilient, customer‑centric operations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Wireless Architect
Airband
01.2023 - Current
- Lead the FWA architecture and long-term technology strategy for Airband's nationwide wireless network spanning 8 Counties across West England and Wales
- Managed multi-million pound budgets and streamlined operations, introducing new technologies saving Airband hundred thousands per year in Opex
- Introduced 'Next Generation' Wireless Technologies in 3 GHz, 5 GHz and 60 GHz to ultimately provide more properties with access to faster broadband speeds (1 Gb/s +)
- Produced High-Level Designs (HLDs) for strategic infrastructure and connectivity Programs and collaborate with network engineering teams to develop and assure Low-Level Designs (LLDs), ensuring alignment with architectural principles and operational requirements
- Provide technical governance and architectural assurance across major projects and supplier-delivered capabilities
- Review technical proposals, challenge solution designs and manage risk and opportunities as a service
- Managing the Compliance element of the network, including Stakeholder engagement and Ofcom (Regulatory Authority for UK Comms industry)
FWA & Infrastructure Manager
Airband
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Owned a multi-million pound budget building and maintaining Airband's wireless infrastructure on over 450 transmitter sites.
- Managed teams of 25+ infrastructure engineers, delivering critical infrastructure projects and business as usual tasks such as maintenance and upgrades
- Managed FWA Install and delivery teams nationwide, working towards strict targets and ensuring KPIs are met
- Responsible for site H&S, Compliance and stake holder engagement
Service Manager
Airband
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Lead Airband's operations delivering support to approximately 20,000 customers, striving to achieve uptime guarantees and minimal outages/issues
- Owned SLAs, OLAs, and KPIs to drive compliance with ITIL processes
- Led NOC, Customer Service and Technical Support (30+ staff)
- Led major incidents and 24/7 operational support
- Led recruitment, coaching, and performance reviews to develop team capabilities and enhance service delivery
Education
BSc (Hons) - Computer Networks & Security
Birmingham City University
MikroTik Certified Network Associate -
Skills
- Technical Strategy
- Wireless Architecture
- Wireless Technology
- Service Management
- Operational Delivery & Management
- Infrastructure Operations
- Technical Assurance
- Compliance & Governance
- ITIL processes
- Incident & problem management
Other Airband roles include:
- Project Manager – July 2015 – September 2016
- Technical Sales Manager – October 2013 – July 2025
- Network Manager – June 2011 – October 2013
Accomplishments
- Airband Community Champion Award recipient - 2019
- Contributor to 2025 World Communication Award
- Author of Connected Britain 2025 winning award submission
Hobbies and interests
- Running, cycling and playing football when not entertaining family
- Horology - collecting watches, mainly
- Sports teams such as Aston Villa and Worcestershire Cricket
- Technology and Telecommunications
Timeline
Chief Wireless Architect
Airband
01.2023 - Current
FWA & Infrastructure Manager
Airband
01.2021 - 01.2023
Service Manager
Airband
01.2016 - 01.2021
BSc (Hons) - Computer Networks & Security
Birmingham City University