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Network Automation Strategy lead

Job Req ID:  55106
Posting Date:  22 Jan 2026
Function:  Architecture Solution and Design
Unit:  UK Business
Location: 

Aberdare, United Kingdom

Salary:  Competitive Salary + Market Leading Benefits

Locations Considered: Manchester, Belfast and Birmingham or London.

 

We operate a hybrid model of 3 days in the office and 2 days working fromnLiverpool, Newcastle, London, Birmingham or Newcastle home, please only apply if you are comfortable with this arrangement.

Why this job matters

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. 

What you’ll be doing

  • 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.

What experience you'll need

  • 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.

Benefits

At BT, we entertain, educate, and empower millions of people every single day. We’re a brand built on connecting people – whether that’s friends, family, businesses, or communities. Working here, you’ll receive an attractive salary and a range of competitive benefits, but – more than that – you’ll be joining an ambitious organisation with a culture of togetherness, collaboration, and inclusivity, that takes a genuine and proactive interest in your progress and development.
 
•    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.

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.

A FEW POINTS TO NOTE:

Although these roles are listed as full-time, if you’re a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please still get in touch.

We will also offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process if required, so please do not hesitate to inform us.

DON'T MEET EVERY SINGLE REQUIREMENT?

Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and criteria. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement on the Job Description, please apply anyway - you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.

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