NBN Co broadens search for network specialists

James Riley
Sunday, 15 November 2009 13:44

IT Policy - Government Tech Policy

Having filled many of the top tier positions reporting directly to executive chairman Mike Quigley, the NBN Company has embarked on a broad campaign to fill the next layer of technology management specialists.

The NBN Co has taken prominent and branded national advertising in search of three general managers for its technology division based in Melbourne and reporting directly to the chief technology officer Gary McLaren.

The three positions are for GM, network architecture and technology (passive); GM, technology supplier liaison; and GM, test environment.

NBN Co confirmed for the first time that its technology team would be based in Melbourne.

It has also published a general call for expressions of interest from telecommunications specialists with experience in niches ranging from GPON, Wireless, satellite, backhaul and network planning, among a range of other skills.

The company has also launched limited web presence that includes a page that lets skilled workers register their interest with the company online. It will launch its full web site on January 10.

"The broadband network will be the most significant project ever undertaken in Australia and we’re looking for the best," the NBN Co said.

The broadened advertising campaign comes just a day after Mr Quigley announced the appointment of AAPT consultant Claire Rawlins as chief information officer and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh’s chief of staff Mike Kaiser as is principal for government relations and external affairs.

Until recently, Rawlins was Managing Director, Group Technology managing director at BT Design where she had responsibility for designing, building and implementing the IT and business processes, systems and technology.

"Both Mr Kaiser and Ms Rawlins bring a depth of functional experience to NBN Co as the company continues to design and build a very large and very complex engineering project," Quigley said.

He said a key early focus for Kaiser as head of external affairs would be identifying opportunities for various utility operators across Australia to participate with NBN Co in the roll out.

Kaiser's appointment provoked an immediate response from shadow communications minister Nick Minchin, who accused Communications Minister Stephen Conroy of stacking the NBN Company with Labor mates.