Network Automation Strategy Lead

BT Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading telecommunications provider in Manchester seeks a Technical Design Principal to shape its network automation and AI strategies. You will collaborate with experts from various technology firms, develop vendor-agnostic automation solutions, and lead cross-functional teams without direct management. The ideal candidate is experienced in network architecture and has strong leadership and communication skills. This role offers a flexible working model and generous benefits including a 15% on-target bonus and private healthcare.

Benefits

15% on target bonus

25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

Car Allowance

Pension scheme (5% from you, 10% from BT)

Private healthcare for you and your family

Equal family leave

Enhanced women's health support

2 weeks paid carer's leave

Flexible benefits

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in network architecture, design, or consultancy across multiple vendors.
• Strong leadership and influence skills for setting technical direction.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment while solving problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the definition and implementation of network automation strategy.
• Collaborate with technology experts to design automation frameworks.
• Work with teams to identify automation opportunities in projects.

Skills

Network architecture experience

Technical consultancy

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Job description

As a Technical Design Principal, you will be responsible for shaping BT's strategy for network automation and AI-enabled operations across multi-vendor environments. You will act as a senior individual contributor, using your deep technical expertise to define best practice, establish standards, and guide technical teams in building vendor‑agnostic automation and code that can be leveraged across different network platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the definition and implementation of BT's network automation and AI strategy across multi‑vendor environments.
• Collaborate with Cisco, Fortinet, Aruba, Palo Alto and other technology experts to design vendor‑agnostic automation patterns and frameworks.
• Develop reusable, hardware‑independent code and templates that can be applied consistently across different network and security platforms.
• Work closely with technical design authorities, solution architects and delivery teams to identify automation opportunities within customer projects and programmes.
• Shape and document best practice, standards and guidelines for network automation, ensuring they are understood and adopted by technical teams.
• Influence and align cross‑functional teams without direct line management, providing technical leadership, guidance and coaching to drive change.
• Evaluate emerging tools, scripting approaches and AI/AIOps capabilities from vendors and the wider market, and determine how to best leverage them within BT.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in network architecture, network design, or technical consultancy, ideally across multiple vendors (e.g. Cisco, Fortinet, Aruba, Palo Alto).
• Strong leadership and influence skills, with the ability to set technical direction and bring diverse specialist teams on a common automation journey.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the credibility to challenge and guide senior technical stakeholders.
• Ability to operate in a fast‑paced, evolving environment, balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on problem solving across multiple concurrent initiatives.

About BT

With over 175 years of heritage, BT is now the flagship business brand of BT Group. We've brought together our best people and capabilities into a B2B powerhouse serving 1.2 million business customers internationally. We’re a global leader for secure connectivity and collaboration platforms for businesses of all shapes and sizes, from big household names and government departments, right through to sole traders and new start‑ups. But it's not just the technology that matters, it's what it can do to help them build stronger, smarter, more secure businesses. We value diversity and inclusion and believe in making a positive impact. We connect for good by championing digital inclusion and equipping people, businesses, and communities with digital skills to thrive. As a member of our team, you will be part of an organisation that celebrates difference, fosters innovation and provides you with opportunities to be your best. With millions of businesses relying on us daily, joining BT means you can be part of a diverse and multi-skilled team that makes a significant impact to society.

Benefits

• 15% on target bonus
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Car Allowance
• Pension scheme (5% from you, 10% from BT)
• Car allowance
• Private healthcare for you and your family
• From January 2025, equal family leave: receive 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate. It's for all parents, no matter how your family is made up.
• Enhanced women's health support: including help with menopause symptoms, cancer screenings, period care and more.
• 2 weeks paid carer's leave
• Flexible benefits
• Employee discounts

Flexible Working

This role offers a 3 together, 2 wherever working model. This means you are required to be at your contractual location 3 days a week with 2 flexible days per week.