VodafoneThree - Technical Design Authority (Packet Core Services)
Location: Newbury + Hybrid
Working Hours:  Full time 37.5 hours per week – Mon to Fri
 

*Hybrid 

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team. 

Who We Are 

We’re here to build a network the UK can count on – one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online – we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future’s being built – today. 

We’re creating more than the UK’s best network. We’re helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress. 

We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there’s space for you here. We’re building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves. 

You’ll join a team that genuinely cares – about each other, about our customers, and about the future we’re building. From day one, you’ll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work. 

Why VodafoneThree 

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last. 

We’re not just expanding connectivity; we’re reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country. 

You’ll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you’ll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone. 

We move at pace, because what we’re building matters – and we’re learning as we go. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started. 

Join our UK Networks team, where we’re continually building and enhancing our network, connecting millions of people and businesses across the country. Be part of the team that makes it all happen – simplifying, automating, and bringing better connectivity than ever before, with giga-fast speed, to our customers.  

What you’ll do 

The Technical Design Authority (TDA) is accountable for the design and delivery of products and services within the Packet Core domain. The TDA will ensure all solutions are technically sound, meet business requirements, and align with the overall architectural strategy. Their responsibilities include defining technical standards, reviewing designs, and providing final approval before implementation. The Data Services domain provides engineering leadership for platforms that enable IP connectivity, signalling, mobility, and interworking between the operator’s network and external partners, roaming networks, and the internet.

• Work with the Packet Core Senior managers to define technology and lifecycle management roadmap for the packet core platforms, such as MME/AMF GGSN, PGW/UPF, IPX/GRX gateways, Gi/SGi-LAN,  carrier-grade NAT, security gateways, DNS, interconnect gateways)..Drive the evolution of packet core from legacy EPC to 5G Core (standalone and non-standalone), ensuring readiness for advanced services such as slicing, MEC, and private networks.
• Align packet core capabilities with business needs for consumer broadband, enterprise solutions, IoT, and ultra-reliable low-latency services.
• Lead the design, integration, and acceptance of packet core functions into the live network.
• Oversee design, build, integration, and acceptance of Packet Core platforms into the live network Deliver core engineering programs including EPC-to-5G-SA migration, cloud-native deployments, and automation of lifecycle management.
• Partner with Architecture, Signalling, Gateways, and Policy teams to ensure coherent end-to-end design.
• Define and monitor KPIs for platform and network performance, for example session setup success, latency, throughput, resilience, and service continuity, ensuring the highest quality and performance is achieved. Assist and drive investigation where required through to fix and resolution.
• Partner with Operations to ensure robust incident management, problem resolution, and proactive risk management.
• Drive automation, virtualisation, containerisation and simplification initiatives to reduce cost and improve agility.
• Ensure capacity planning meets data traffic growth forecasts and service-level requirements.
• Support regulatory and commercial discussions on core services, data continuity, and lawful intercept.

Who you are

• Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent (master’s preferred).
• Strong leadership and ability to set vision, inspire, and develop technical teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and vendor negotiation skills.
• Structured problem-solving and decision-making, with focus on delivery and resilience.
• Ability to manage large-scale transformation programs and cross-domain dependencies.
• Strong team ethic, with the ability to work both alone and across single and multi-domain teams

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly?  

We know that everyone is unique, with multiple aspects to their identity and different experiences behind them. We are passionate about Inclusion for All and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, whatever their personal or professional background. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align exactly with every part of the job description, we encourage you to apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another role, and our recruitment team can help you see how your skills fit in.

What we offer 

We care about our people’s success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies. 

Need to know

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to interview for a role that matches their skills. In collaboration with our Talent, Diversity & Inclusion teams and our employee-led DEI Networks, we identified a range of reasonable adjustments to help you feel comfortable and perform at your best self during the interview process. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please contact your recruiter directly or email [email protected] for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements.

During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are—your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we’re looking for authenticity and can’t wait to get to know the real you.

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