Senior Automation Agile Product Owner (VOIS) Vodafone

We are seeking an experienced Automation Agile Product Owner to lead the Optical Automation roadmap within Vodafone s global Transport and Transmission networks. This role sits at the intersection of network engineering, software development, and agile delivery, owning end-to-end product definition and value maximisation. The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders to translate strategic objectives into scalable automation solutions that enhance network programmability and efficiency.

What you ll do

• Own the end to end requirements management process, ensuring business, user, and technical needs are clearly captured and translated into actionable backlog items.
• Define and evolve the product vision, features, capabilities, epics, and roadmap for Optical Automation use cases.
• Manage and continuously refine the product backlog, including prioritisation based on value, demand, and strategic alignment.
• Work collaboratively with development teams, Scrum Masters, and stakeholders to ensure shared understanding of objectives and delivery expectations.
• Define, track, and communicate key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure product success and value delivery.
• Collect, analyse, and prioritise feedback from users and stakeholders, promoting a strong feedback culture.
• Oversee the full product lifecycle, from concept through delivery and ongoing optimisation.
• Communicate progress transparently at each development stage to senior management and wider stakeholder groups.

Who you are

• An experienced Agile Product Owner with at least three years experience across agile frameworks, software development, and Scrum ways of working.
• A confident decision maker with strong analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Knowledgeable in network technologies, with deep understanding of Software Defined Networking (SDN).
• Experienced with SDN protocols and interfaces such as REST, RESTCONF, NETCONF, YANG data models, and APIs.
• Familiar with transport optical protocols and data models in a multi vendor environment (for example Huawei, Ciena).
• A collaborative team contributor with strong storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and cultural awareness skills.
• Adaptable, curious, and comfortable working in a highly skilled, international environment.

Nice to have:

• Optical certifications (vendor related or relevant association)
• Knowledge of DWDM, OTN, and broader transmission technologies
• Exposure to cloud architectures.

What's in it for you

• The opportunity to influence global network automation strategy across Vodafone s international and operating company networks.
• Exposure to cutting edge automation, SDN, and optical network technologies in a multi vendor, large scale environment.
• Collaboration with diverse, high performing teams across multiple countries and functions.
• A role that balances strategic product ownership with hands on collaboration and continuous improvement.

What skills you will learn

• Advanced product ownership and value-driven backlog management in complex network environments.
• Deepened expertise in optical network automation and SDN-based solutions.
• Enhanced stakeholder influencing and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strategic thinking applied to large-scale telecom network evolution.