Our client is looking for a Head of Automation Development to lead, scale and inspire their CTO automation development teams across Fixed, Mobile and B2B networks. You'll head up a high-performing group of 30+ developers, driving innovation, code quality and delivery excellence. This role is a rare opportunity to blend strategic leadership with hands-on technical direction, working across cutting-edge automation, microservices and emerging AI/ML concepts, all in the context of large-scale transformation. What you'll do: • Lead, grow, and mentor multiple development squads across fixed, mobile and B2B networks. • Drive the design and delivery of automation solutions, breaking down silos and creating synergies. • Oversee code quality, coding standards and ways of working. • Work with product teams, architects and analysts to maximise delivery value. • Shape strategic use cases, design tactical solutions and explore innovative tools and libraries. • Foster a continuous improvement culture, ensuring delivery is efficient, scalable and secure. • Promote data-driven decision making and agile best practices. What we're looking for: • Experienced leader with a strong software engineering background. • Proven track record in fixed, mobile or B2B network environments. • Background in large-scale network or IT transformations. • Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to inspire high performance in others. Key skills & technologies: Automation & orchestration: Cisco NSO, Ansible, workflow automation platforms. Programming & modelling: Python, JavaScript, Netconf, XML, JSON, YANG, TOSCA. Architectural approaches: Microservices, CI/CD/CT (GitLab, Robot, Selenium, Cucumber, Veracode, SonarQube). Emerging technology: Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and their application in automation. Please note: This role is a hybrid working, contract role with an immediate start date.