Head of Network Automation Development

Head of Network Automation Development

£(Apply online only) per day Inside IR35 (Rate to umbrella)
Remote first - regular on-site workshops (Reading)
Immediate start - 6-Month initial contract

About the role

We are working within one of the UK's largest telecoms providers, created through the merger of two major industry players. This organisation is reimagining connectivity and upgrading the UK. Whether through transforming its ways of working or building the networks of the future, automation is a key enabler as the business rolls out the next generation of connectivity for millions of customers.

As Head of Automation Development, you will lead the CTO automation development teams across Fixed, Mobile & B2B networks. You will scale and develop a team of over 30 developers spanning internal and external resources, ensuring best practice and code quality are maintained while driving delivery at pace. This role works closely with product teams, OSS architecture, Solution Architects and Business Analysts to maximise value generation across scaled scrum teams.

Key Accountabilities

Recruit, develop and lead multiple development squads across internal and external resources
Assess use cases in backlog, estimate MVP and sizing effort to ensure resourcing is appropriately aligned
Work alongside Solution Architects to shape use case design and deliver tactical solutions with long-term outcomes in mind
Develop workflows and low-level design documents when needed
Carry out and approve code reviews prior to merge
Engage with internal and external stakeholders (including vendors)
Set and enforce standards across coding, documentation, and ways of working for a 30+ strong developer community
Break down automation silos across Plan, Provide & Assure functions
Own development and solution architecture targets and roadmaps
Allocate tickets to squads and support sprint shaping
Provide strategic updates to key stakeholders
Explore new libraries, open-source tools, and frameworks to drive efficiencies
Mentor and develop teams, arranging training where appropriate
Promote data-driven decision-making and agile planning
Deliver synergies across both fixed and mobile networks

Key skills and technologies

Netconf, API's, XML, JSON, Jinja 2, Python, JavaScript
Cisco NSO, Ansible, Net Miko, Docker
Workflow automation: Itential IAP, Appian, Resolve
Telecom networks, technologies, and standards (TMF/TOSCA/MEF)
YANG/TOSCA for service modelling
CI/CD/CT - GitLab, Robot, Selenium, Cucumber, Veracode, SonarQube

Experience

Multiple years of experience in a senior developer role, ideally within a large Telco or IT organisation
Background in networks or IT-led network transformation initiatives
Proven record of delivering high-quality code and managing/leading squads

Personal characteristics

Strong team player with a collective, feedback-driven mindset
Agile and adaptable to changing requirements
Customer focus with commitment to delivering value early and continuously
Analytical with attention to detail and logical problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and documentation ability
Self-organising and able to manage tasks independently
Comfortable operating within distributed teams, including remote colleagues

Diversity and Inclusion Statement. | PCR Digital

At PCR Digital, we are committed to ensuring that diversity, equity and inclusion play a role at all stages of our recruitment - it is important to us that our own company culture and the culture of our network is as varied and supportive as possible. We love people (it's why we do what we do), so, regardless of background, we welcome you to work with us or apply to any of our jobs if you feel that they are right for you.

We also aim to ensure that our entire process is accessible. Please make us aware of any adjustments you may need throughout the selection, interview and general process and we will do all we can to ensure that any barriers are removed for you