VodafoneThree Senior Manager Autonomous Networks, AI and Orchestration Enablement

Location: Newbury or London + Hybrid
Salary: Excellent basic salary plus bonus and Vodafone benefits
Working hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday



Hybrid

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week, for at least 8 days per month. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team.
 

Who We Are

We’re here to build a network the UK can count on – one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online – we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future’s being built – today.

We’re creating more than the UK’s best network. We’re helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress.

We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there’s space for you here. We’re building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves.

You’ll join a team that genuinely cares – about each other, about our customers, and about the future we’re building. From day one, you’ll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.



Why VodafoneThree

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last.

We’re not just expanding connectivity; we’re reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country.

You’ll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you’ll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone.

We move at pace, because what we’re building matters – and we’re learning as we go. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started.

Join our UK Networks team, where we’re continually building and enhancing our network, connecting millions of people and businesses across the country. Be part of the team that makes it all happen – simplifying, automating, and bringing better connectivity than ever before, with giga-fast speed, to our customers.
 

What you’ll do

This role leads VodafoneThree’s strategic direction for Autonomous and Intent-driven Networks, Service Orchestration and AI enablement, ensuring the network is future-ready, digitally enabled, and operationally efficient. It manages a small team of experts with experience on OSS and network management tools to drive transformation in the way the network is built and operated. The role drives cross-functional collaboration across all areas of Network, including Network Engineering, Network Development & Infrastructure and Network Operations, VF3 commercial and business stakeholders and partners and suppliers who develop and provide Autonomous network and orchestration solutions.

• Lead and upskill a team of domain experts to define and evolve the long-term strategy and transformation roadmap for the introduction of Autonomous Network and service orchestration, with a detailed plan to achieve TM Forum AI and automation certification. 
• Engage with Network Directors and senior stakeholders across the business to build consensus around the AI and automation transformation roadmap, gain approval for the relevant business cases, and influence complex technical topics related to Service orchestration and Network Automation, ensuring strategic alignment and executive sponsorship. 
• Develop future-state solution architectures for the integration of heritage Vodafone and Three data, tools and OSS systems that enable intelligent automation, predictive operations, and digital service delivery across the network.
• Selecting optimal solutions to meet Joint Business Plan (JBP) targets and enable simplification. 
• Collaborate with the Head of Business Engagement & E2E Solution Architecture, business stakeholders in the Enterprise and Consumer teams to ensure digital and automation strategies are embedded in Network Evolution Plan and customer-facing solutions. 
• Drive ecosystem development across technology partners, vendors, and internal teams to accelerate delivery of scalable, interoperable Autonomous Network and service orchestration solutions, while providing vendor selection frameworks and strategic options to solution teams to ensure alignment with architectural principles and commercial value. 

Who you are

• Expertise in Network Automation, Data and solution architecture for Autonomous and Intent-driven Networks and Service Orchestration, AI/ML platforms, and AI applications within a telecoms environment. 
• Extensive experience in end-to end strategic planning and architecture governance for digital transformation programmes. 
• Strong understanding of vendor ecosystems, open APIs, and cloud-native solutions. 
• Experience in legacy platform migration, automation frameworks, and AI-driven operations. 
• Familiarity with investment planning processes and how architecture informs long-term forecasting. 
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Director and Executive levels. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate across technology, commercial, and operational domains. 
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance frameworks relevant to OSS and data-driven operations.

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly?
We know that everyone is unique, with multiple aspects to their identity and different experiences behind them. We are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.
 

What we offer

We care about our people’s success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies.



Need to Know

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please refer to the Accessibility section of our Careers website (https://careers.vodafone.com/uk/applying-to-us/) for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements.

During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are—your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we’re looking for authenticity and can’t wait to get to know the real you.
 

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