Head of Core and Infrastructure Evolution

We have a brand-new role for a Head of Core and Infrastructure Evolution to join our Core Engineering team to lead the evolution of our Mobile Core Network and Infrastructure Platforms.

You will lead the development of the evolution plan, initiation, and modernisation of our Transformation plan for network core and infrastructure platforms. This role is responsible for shaping and driving strategic development across mobile core, voice and messaging, IT infrastructure, and public cloud integrations. It requires a candidate with strong technical expertise, commercial discipline, financial acumen and the ability to catalyse complex project delivery across cross-functional teams.

This position plays a critical role in aligning network capabilities with business ambitions, embedding automation and orchestration, and ensuring scalable, resilient, and cost-effective operations holistically across the Core Application, Infrastructure and Cloud landscape.

Key Responsibilities

1. Platform Development and Leadership

• Lead the strategic development of mobile core, IT infrastructure, voice and messaging, and supporting cloud services.

2. Budget Ownership & Financial Governance

• Own the capital budget for network core and infrastructure domains.

3. Delivery Catalyst

• Act as a catalyst for delivery across strategic and tactical programmes, removing blockers and accelerating time to value.
• Initiate multi-disciplinary teams and suppliers to deliver complex infrastructure programmes.

4. Automation, Orchestration & Operations

• Embed a culture of automation, monitoring, and orchestration to drive operational efficiency and reduce manual intervention.
• Collaborate with architecture and engineering teams to implement scalable, secure, and cloud-native solutions.
• Support the shift toward cloud-native and software-defined infrastructure principles.

5. Stakeholder Management & Interfacing

• Own strong relationships with internal teams, partners, and external suppliers.
• Optimise interfaces between teams and platforms to ensure seamless planning and delivery.
• Ensure roadmaps are built from robust requirements, driven by measurable business value.

The UK’s fastest broadband network. The nation’s best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK's biggest companies too.

Diverse, high performing teams - jam packed with serious talent. Together, we offer the UK more choice and better value, through our boundary-pushing, customer-championing values and ambitions.

Together, we are Virgin Media O2, and we can't wait to see what you can do.

Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all

Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we're working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.

• Proven experience leading mobile network core and infrastructure programmes.
• Strong knowledge of voice, data, and messaging systems across mobile.
• Demonstrated success in managing multi-million-pound budgets with financial discipline.
• Experience in driving automation, orchestration, and digital infrastructure delivery.
• Strong leadership, with the ability to drive complex, cross-functional delivery programmes.
• Comfortable influencing at senior levels and engaging technical and non-technical stakeholders alike.

• Exposure to hybrid cloud or public cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or GCP) is highly desirable.

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.

Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you’d like to. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you’re covered no matter what life throws your way.

If we feel like a place where you can belong, we'd love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date. Once you've submitted an application the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a competency based interview.

When you apply, you'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you’re offered a job with us, it will be conditional, based on the passing of background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles need a financial probity check. Your recruiter can provide you with more information if needed.

Thanks for your patience and for showing an interest in joining the Virgin Media O2 family.