Be at the heart of actionFly remote-controlled drones into enemy territory to gather vital information.

Apply Now

Head of Network Automation Development

Great Lea Common
3 weeks ago
Create job alert

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

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Head of Network Automation/Engineering

Equity Release Specialist

Sales Manager (Industrial Robotics / Factory Automation)

Head of Marketing

Director of Sales - Tech Events

Head of Business Development & Sales

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Why Robotics Careers in the UK Are Becoming More Multidisciplinary

Robotics used to be the domain of mechanical, electrical and software engineers. In the UK today, robotics is more than motors and control loops — it’s about perception, interaction, trust, regulation and integration into human environments. That evolution means robotics careers are becoming more multidisciplinary. Modern robots interact with people, collect data, operate under constraints, and often assist in safety-critical environments (healthcare, manufacturing, transport). So engineers now collaborate closely with legal, ethical, psychological, linguistic and design experts. In this article, we explore why UK robotics careers are evolving into multidisciplinary roles, how law, ethics, psychology, linguistics & design intersect with robotics, and how job-seekers and employers can adapt to this shift.

Robotics Team Structures Explained: Who Does What in a Modern Robotics Department

Robotics is transforming manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, agriculture, entertainment and more. In the UK, advances in robotics span autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), robotic arms, surgical robotics, drone systems, human-robot interaction, and collaborative robots (cobots). Building effective robotics systems requires not only strong hardware and software, but also finely coordinated teams with clear roles from research through deployment and maintenance. If you’re a candidate applying for robotics roles or an employer hiring through RoboticsJobs.co.uk, this guide will help you understand who does what in a mature robotics department, how the lifecycle of a robotics product works, what skills and qualifications UK employers typically expect, what salaries look like, common challenges, and best practices for structuring teams that deliver.

Why the UK Could Be the World’s Next Robotics Jobs Hub

Robotics is reshaping industries—manufacturing, health care, agriculture, logistics, and beyond. From industrial robots assembling vehicles to surgical robots assisting complex procedures, and from drone deliveries to autonomous inspection systems, the boundaries of what robots can achieve are expanding daily. With rising demand for automation, productivity, and intelligent systems, organisations both public and private are investing heavily in robotics technologies. This surge in adoption has triggered increased demand for professionals skilled in robotics engineering, AI-enabled control systems, hardware design, and integration. The United Kingdom possesses the essential components to become a global robotics jobs hub: world-class research institutions, innovative robotics firms, strong industrial bases, and supportive policy frameworks. This article explores why the UK is well-positioned, where demand is growing, the career paths emerging, and what must occur to fully establish robotics as a powerhouse in UK employment.