Summary
• Location: Birmingham, Bradford, Leeds, London, Manchester, Peterborough, Reading
• Job Family: Digital & Technology
• Job Type: Full Time
• Posted Date: 21-Oct-2025
• Ref #: 69869
We have a great new role for a Test Automation Lead to join our B2B Service and Platform team. The Test Automation Lead is responsible for developing and implementing automated testing strategies to ensure the reliability, performance, and security of network infrastructure. This role involves leading a team of developers, collaborating with network architects, lab and manual test teams to support test automation of functional and regression scenarios. The successful candidate will drive innovation in testing processes and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations. The makeup of the role is approximately 30% leadership/strategy and 70% hands‑on.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
* Develop and Implement Test Automation Strategies: Design, develop, and maintain automated test frameworks and scripts for network infrastructure using tools such as VMware, Ansible, Jenkins, and CloudShell.
* Lead Automation Dev Team: Mentor and lead a team of developers, ensuring best practices in test automation and continuous improvement of testing processes.
* Collaborate with Network Teams: Work closely with manual test engineers and development teams to ensure seamless integration of test automation and to identify testing requirements.
* Execute Test Plans: Coordinate and execute test plans and cases, analysing test results and reporting on the quality and performance of network products.
* Drive Innovation: Investigate and institutionalize new tools, methods, and standards to enhance the automation testing process for network infrastructure.
Who we are
We are the UK’s fastest broadband network, the nation’s 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.
Our ways of working
We’re a flexible‑first organisation because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days each month connecting in person—whether that’s team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross‑functional projects, or away days. What matters is making those moments purposeful, so when we come together, it really counts.
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. 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.
Qualifications – Must Haves
* Significant experience leading network testing and automation initiatives, preferably within the telecom or enterprise networking domain.
* Proven track record in QA leadership, driving automation strategy, and mentoring cross‑functional teams.
* Strong proficiency in test automation frameworks and scripting languages such as Python, Java, or PowerShell.
* Understanding of network infrastructure, protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, SIP, DNS), and telecom lab environments.
* Experience in process automation to streamline test execution, reporting, and defect triage aligned with network testing workflows.
Qualifications – Other Preferred Skills
* Familiarity with network devices such as Cisco CPEs, Alcatel NTUs, and other carrier‑grade equipment.
* Proficiency in using traffic generation and analysis tools like Ixia and Spirent for performance and stress testing.
* Practical experience with SD‑WAN technologies, including configuration, validation, and performance testing.
* Demonstrated ability to design and develop independent APIs to support test automation and integration with network systems.
* Hands‑on experience with CI/CD pipelines (e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI), containerization (Docker), and infrastructure‑as‑code tools like Terraform.
What We Offer
We aim to celebrate our people and everything in between. We believe a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each day is the best way to build a brighter world. Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a rewarding benefits package designed to support you and your loved ones.
Next Steps
After submitting an application, the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a technical and competency interview. We will let you know about any adjustments you might require to support the recruitment process. Applications are reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, so the closing date may be brought forward. If offered a job, it will be conditional upon passing background checks. All roles require a criminal record check; some may need a financial probity check.
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