Job Description

Location:

Paddington,

London

or Brook Drive,

Reading

(Occasional travel to office locations, as required)

Role type:

Permanent

Salary:

Competitive

Start Date:

ASAP

We're recruiting for a strategic and experienced leader to join us as Head of Network Automation, supporting our critical automation initiatives across fixed, mobile, and B2B domains. This is a key role in leading automation architecture, governance, and delivery.

You will guide a team of technical leads, provide architectural oversight, and ensure delivery is aligned to strategic goals and best practices. This is a high-impact opportunity suited to someone who can lead with clarity, ensure continuity, and drive technical and strategic outcomes

.

Your key Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance:

Lead and manage a team of network automation tech leads and engineers Act as the central governance point for network automation activities, ensuring alignment with strategy, architecture, and delivery frameworks Prevent tool proliferation by promoting strategic reuse and enforcing platform alignment Drive consistent practices around testing, validation, and quality across all automation efforts

Architecture & Technical Oversight:

Maintain and evolve the network automation architecture, with an emphasis on

microservices

,

API-first integration

, and

cloud-native

patterns Oversee platforms such as

Cisco NSO

,

workflow engines

like

IAP

, and orchestration technologies Champion the use of

digital twin

concepts to support simulation, planning, and predictive automation Guide the application of

AI/ML techniques

to enhance automation and assurance capabilities

Delivery & Reporting:

Ensure visibility of team activities, priorities, and delivery milestones across squads Support the end-to-end prioritisation, implementation, and tracking of automation use cases Ensure automation solutions follow robust testing strategies, including CI/CD integration and test automation Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes to senior stakeholders effectively

Business Engagement:

Collaborate with stakeholders to develop compelling business cases for automation initiative Build strong working relationships with product owners, platform teams, and external vendors Act as a key point of contact for all automation matters

Skills & Experience:

Proven experience leading network automation initiatives in telecom or enterprise environments Strong understanding of

Cisco NSO

,

workflow orchestration platforms

(e.g., IAP), and

network service orchestration

Solid grasp of

microservices architecture

,

cloud-native design

, and

API-first development

Practical familiarity with

digital twin

concepts and their applications in telecom networks Working knowledge of how

AI/ML

can be applied in automation and assurance Experience building and presenting

business cases

and driving stakeholder alignment Confident managing and coaching teams of senior technical leads and engineers Strong reporting, documentation, and communication skills Understanding of modern

testing practices

, including automation, CI/CD, and validation frameworks

Ideal Candidate Profile:

Strategic and delivery-focused leader, comfortable in fast-paced environments Able to step into a leadership role with clarity and confidence, even in a transitional period Motivated to deliver impact in a short timeframe, while ensuring continuity and alignment
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 65,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

What is your notice period?
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Reading RG2