Principal STB Development Manager

Job Description

Join Us

At Vodafone, we’re not just shaping the future of connectivity for our customers – we’re shaping the future for everyone who joins our team. When you work with us, you’re part of a global mission to connect people, solve complex challenges, and create a sustainable and more inclusive world. If you want to grow your career whilst finding the perfect balance between work and life, Vodafone offers the opportunities to help you belong and make a real impact.

The Principal STB Development Manager is responsible for the end‑to‑end management of the Set‑Top Box (STB) hardware and system software stack, delivered centrally to local markets. The role provides strategic and operational leadership for Android TV–based solutions, ensuring high‑quality, scalable, and cost‑effective products aligned with business, technology, and customer‑experience objectives.

What you’ll do

• Own and manage the full STB hardware portfolio lifecycle, including roadmap definition, vendor selection, certification, launch, and end-of-life management;
• Own and govern the accompanying STB system software stack, with a strong focus on Android TV platforms;
• Define and execute the long-term STB technology strategy in alignment with product, architecture, and commercial goals;
• Lead and develop distributed, multi-location engineering and development teams;
• Ensure predictable delivery through Agile Release Trains (ARTs) within a SAFe framework;
• Act as senior escalation point for delivery, quality, and vendor performance issues;
• Lead cross-functional teams across hardware engineering, procurement, and external partners;
• Drive Android TV platform evolution, certification, and compliance;
• Oversee Linux-based components and environments where applicable;
• Manage strategic supplier and chipset partner relationships in collaboration with Procurement;
• Collaborate closely with Product Management to translate business requirements into technical roadmaps;
• Ensure alignment with system architecture, security, and compliance standards.

Who you are

• Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience;
• Extensive experience in STB or embedded consumer device development;
• Strong hands-on and strategic experience with Android TV (mandatory);
• Solid understanding of Linux-based systems (advantage);
• Proven experience managing multi-site engineering teams;
• Strong background in Agile delivery, preferably within SAFe and ART structures;
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder landscapes across technology, procurement, and product;
• Experience working with external vendors, ODMs, and chipset suppliers;
• SAFe or Agile leadership certifications are desirable;
• Fluency in English.

Not a perfect fit?

Worried that you don’t meet all the desired criteria exactly? At Vodafone we are passionate about empowering people 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 still apply as you may be the right candidate for this role or another opportunity.

What's in it for you

• Hybrid Work Model - Flexible hybrid work model with 8-10 in-office days per month, managed by team leaders;
• Vodafone Products and Services - Employees get a mobile phone, free communication plan, data card, and various discounts on services and products;
• Recognition - Recognition programs for innovative, creative, high-potential employees and exemplary behaviors;
• Health and Well-being - Well-being Program offers nutrition and psychological consultations, webinars, workshops, and discounts on various services and products;
• Learning - Access to Communities of Practice and a customizable digital training platform with high-quality content (namely Harvard Business Publishing, Skillsoft and Speexx);
• Local and International Mobility - Internal recruitment with local and international rotation opportunities across departments and roles.

Who we are

We are a leading international Telco, serving millions of customers. At Vodafone, we believe that connectivity is a force for good. If we use it for the things that really matter, it can improve people's lives and the world around us. Through our technology we empower people, connecting everyone regardless of who they are or where they live and we protect the planet, whilst helping our customers do the same.

Belonging at Vodafone isn't a concept; it's lived, breathed, and cultivated through everything we do. You'll be part of a global and diverse community, with many different minds, abilities, backgrounds and cultures. ;We're committed to increase diversity, ensure equal representation, and make Vodafone a place everyone feels safe, valued and included.

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, please refer to https://careers.vodafone.com/application-adjustments/ for guidance.

Together we can.