Principal Architect, Mobile Backhaul, 5G

Job Description

Why this role matters

This role sets technical architecture for mobile backhaul and satellite in BT. It drives the direction of BT/EE’s mobile transport network supporting of over 25m subscribers including the evolution of the network to harness new technologies such as xhaul and Centralised RAN. It is also provides technical leadership for integration of LEO satellite into both fixed and mobile domains. The role provides wide ranging technical direction setting with extensive access to Networks leadership team as well as strong exposure to network vendors and wider industry.

This role can be based in London, Manchester, Ipswich or Bristol and our hybrid working model means you are expected to be in the office 3 days per week.

You'll have the following responsibilities

You will have extensive technical experience building mobile networks, with particular focus on mobile transport networks and connectivity from cell sites to the network core. Key responsibilities include architecting solutions, building business cases and financial models, and investigating new technologies to drive network improvements. The role requires a technical expert who isn't afraid to operate autonomously, engaging extensively with senior management to present and sell forward-looking network improvements. You will have a background in either equipment vendor or network provider sectors within the mobile space, with telecoms experience specifically in mobile being important.

• Architect for Mobile Xhaul architecture, including front-haul, mid-haul and back-haul – setting technical direction for connectivity to cell sites.
• Architect for use of Satellite within BT’s networks.
• Sets technical direction and reviews/ work of development teams to ensure alignment to architecture. Drives design patterns and planning rules to deliver mobile network xhaul.
• Owns and regularly reviews the mobile xhaul capacity requirements model.
• Leads technical input to a joint venture providing access services to BT defining strategy/architecture. Responsible for setting technical direction in a complex domain with multi-party relationships.
• Leads BT analysis of impact of new mobile technology areas to establish technical use cases for driving major future investment in mobile technology and define BT’s roadmap.
• Sets technical direction for future technology areas related to mobile and satellite – driving research activity within Networks and outside BT.
• Communicates mobile architecture widely as BT subject matter expert – including briefing to Network CEO/MD level. Communicates widely externally to representing BT to industry. Leads external engagement with industry to maintain BT presence at a number of industry fora.
• Leads engagement with vendors on key technology areas to define BT requirements and steer capabilities of our vendors

You'll have the following skills and experience

Skills

• Technology expertise: extensive industry expertise in the mobile architecture and IP network domains with knowledge of technology and supplier capabilites. Recognised as industry expert both within and outside BT. Industry leading knowledge of mobile technologies and likely evolution of mobile networks.
• Industry knowledge: Detailed knowledge of telecommunications industry and strategic developments impacting mobile and xhaul domains
• Stakeholder management: experienced at aligning views and making recommendations to MD/director level stakeholders in different parts of the business
• Business acumen: knowledgeble in business strategy and commercial considerations of technology deployment
• Ability to assess new technologies and recommend impact on BT infrastructure, product and services
• Ability to analyse complex options, simplify and recommend choices for large scale complex infrastructure
• Ability to articulate technology and strategic choices clearly for agreement at all levels of the organisation
• Technology related degree or higher level qualification
• Likely to be a member of a professional body e.g. Institution of Engineering and Technology

Experience

MANDATORY
• Experience specifying and designing mobile transport networks
• Experience of defining and implementing large scale complex carrier networks
DESIREABLE
• Experience of specifying and designing solutions using LEO and GEO satellites.
• Network of industry contacts which enable holder to promote BT as industry leader
• Recognised industry expert in their area of expertise, will represent BT at external bodies and industry fora on mobile/satellite.

Benefits

• 15% on target bonus
• Health Care
• Car Allowance
• BT Pension scheme, minimum 5% Employee contribution, BT contribution 10%
• From January 2025, equal family leave: receive 18 weeks at full pay, 8 weeks at half pay and 26 weeks at the statutory rate. It’s for all parents, no matter how your family is made up.
• Enhanced women’s health support: including help with menopause symptoms, cancer screenings, period care and more.
• 25 days annual leave (not including bank holidays), increasing with service
• 24/7 private virtual GP appointments for UK colleagues
• 2 weeks carer’s leave
• World-class training and development opportunities
• Option to join BT Shares Saving schemes.

Our leadership standards

Looking in:
Leading inclusively and Safely
I inspire and build trust through self-awareness, honesty and integrity.
Owning outcomes
I take the right decisions that benefit the broader organisation.

Looking out:
Delivering for the customer
I execute brilliantly on clear priorities that add value to our customers and the wider business.
Commercially savvy
I demonstrate strong commercial focus, bringing an external perspective to decision-making.

Looking to the future:
Growth mindset
I experiment and identify opportunities for growth for both myself and the organisation.
Building for the future
I build diverse future-ready teams where all individuals can be at their best.

About us

BT Group was the world’s first telco and our heritage in the sector is unrivalled. As home to several of the UK’s most recognised and cherished brands – BT, EE, Openreach and Plusnet, we have always played a critical role in creating the future, and we have reached an inflection point in the transformation of our business.

Over the next two years, we will complete the UK’s largest and most successful digital infrastructure project – connecting more than 25 million premises to full fibre broadband. Together with our heavy investment in 5G, we play a central role in revolutionising how people connect with each other.

While we are through the most capital-intensive phase of our fibre investment, meaning we can reward our shareholders for their commitment and patience, we are absolutely focused on how we organise ourselves in the best way to serve our customers in the years to come. This includes radical simplification of systems, structures, and processes on a huge scale. Together with our application of AI and technology, we are on a path to creating the UK’s best telco, reimagining the customer experience and relationship with one of this country’s biggest infrastructure companies.

Change on the scale we will all experience in the coming years is unprecedented. BT Group is committed to being the driving force behind improving connectivity for millions and there has never been a more exciting time to join a company and leadership team with the skills, experience, creativity, and passion to take this company into a new era.

A FEW POINTS TO NOTE:

Although these roles are listed as full-time, if you’re a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please still get in touch.

We will also offer reasonable adjustments for the selection process if required, so please do not hesitate to inform us.

DON'T MEET EVERY SINGLE REQUIREMENT?

Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and criteria. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement on the Job Description, please apply anyway - you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.