Tech Lead Plan

You will play a pivotal role in driving the design, quality, and optimisation of next‑generation network platforms. The position is responsible for providing technical leadership, ensuring architectural integrity, and guiding the supplier team through complex transformation initiatives that align with business objectives and future technology strategies. This role demands a deep understanding of network technologies, cloud integration, automation, and security principles, combined with strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.

The Technical Lead will act as the primary technical authority for their platform to deliver scalable, resilient, and cost‑effective network platform solutions. Effective lifecycle management and evolution of our Plan, Design and Build platforms, including critical logical and physical network inventory systems, will underpin our network automation and AI transformation.

The Technical Lead will drive design, quality, and optimisation of next‑generation network platforms, lead architectural decisions, manage supplier teams, and coordinate transformation initiatives. You will ensure alignment with business objectives and technology strategies, oversee lifecycle management, and support network automation and AI initiatives across planning, design, and build value streams.

• Hands‑on practical experience as a Technical Lead working in the Telco OSS space
• Deep understanding, knowledge and experience of Fixed and Mobile network topologies and technologies
• Strong knowledge of fixed broadband networks including FTTP, XGS‑PON, and HFC, and mobile networks including RAN, core, and transmission
• Working knowledge and experience of a variety of OSS capabilities that enable products that underpin our network plan, design and build value streams across fixed and mobile: including Physical and Logical Network Planning and Inventory applications (including GIS) and Workflow applications
• Proficiency in programming languages
• Experience with open‑source language models
• Knowledge of platform engineering principles and demonstrable experience of implementing them
• Strong background in Dev Ops, including test automation, CI/CD and source control
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g. GCP), containerisation and next‑generation OSS capabilities

• Understanding of telecom protocols and standards (e.g. BGP, segment routing, IP/MPLS)
• Strong leadership skills, excellent problem solving and communication abilities
• Practical knowledge of generative, agentic and computer‑vision AI that can be applied to network plan, design and build value streams to realise tangible outcomes

We are the UK's fastest broadband network, a best‑loved mobile brand, and one of the UK's biggest companies. We put our customers first, making life simpler, smoother, and more joyful. With big ambitions and a brilliant team, we’re building a more connected future for everyone.

We are a flexible‑first organisation that values choice and clarity. We encourage meaningful collaboration with at least eight days of in‑person connection each month, in a way that counts and feels purposeful.

Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to removing bias and barriers for all people and candidates. We build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from policies to relationships. We encourage you to be authentic throughout your application journey.

We offer a comprehensive rewards package and many extras designed to support you and your loved ones, ensuring you’re covered no matter what life throws your way.

If you fit and feel you can belong, we’ll review your application and may invite you to a competency‑based interview. All applicants must be willing to undergo background checks, including a criminal record check and, where required, a financial probity check. We encourage early application as the closing date may advance. Adjustments to support the recruitment process are welcomed.