Senior Lead AI-Driven Network Transformation & Automation (f/m/d) @ A1, Group Technology & Transformation

Shape how AI transforms the way we think, design, build and operate our networks. As functional lead at Group level, you define the path towards fully automated and optimised networks — fundamentally rethinking processes and ways of working in an AI-native approach, not simply automating existing tasks. You turn AI and automation ambition into a measurable, value-driven portfolio and set the direction for standardised, simplified operations and a lean, future-proof OSS and network tools landscape. Together with the Central Delivery Center (CDC), which owns execution and resources, you steer this transformation end-to-end. You lead laterally across Group, CDC and seven operating companies, align senior stakeholders behind one vision and transformation agenda and represent it towards senior leadership — owning the topic, not the resources.

Your Key Responsibilities
▪ Shape AI-driven network operations — define the path to fully automated, optimised networks. Rethink key technology processes and the target operating model; own the standardisation roadmap, assess seven-market maturity, simplify working practices and process taxonomy, set Group standards and justify local variations.

▪ Validate network AI agents — set quality gates for performance, reliability, security and safe behaviour. Define evidence required before deployment and after material changes, including human oversight, escalation and fallback arrangements.

▪ Shape OSS and AI-enabling architecture — co-develop the vision, reference architecture and multi-year roadmap with CDC across assurance, inventory, provisioning, orchestration, monitoring and AIOps. Enable AI-driven operations; adapt processes and architecture for cyber resilience as AI advances. As Group counterpart, own transformation direction and progress; CDC owns execution and resources.

▪ Challenge partners on AI value — translate relevant AI developments into partner expectations, challenge roadmaps and demonstrate value through joint use cases and measurable outcomes. Prioritise operational impact over technology for its own sake.

▪ Simplify and consolidate tools — set the target toolset and consolidation path; eliminate redundant, overlapping and legacy tools for a lean, standardised stack. Harmonise vendors, platforms, data models, APIs and use cases across OpCos.

▪ Own AI and automation — rethink work before automating. Prioritise and coordinate a portfolio of agentic and AI-driven use cases, zero-touch and closed-loop operations, with workflow orchestration where valuable. Require business cases, measurable targets and benefits tracking; hold Group initiative owners accountable for benefits delivery.

▪ Drive the operating model and governance — define and drive the domain operating model with CDC and OpCos; CDC owns execution and resources. Establish operational use-case prioritisation, validation, deployment and monitoring with human oversight and accountability. Own Group–CDC–OpCo forums, RACI and escalation; close decisions and build local buy-in without formal authority.

▪ Lead laterally — functionally lead process, automation and OSS experts across Group, CDC and OpCos. Set priorities, delegate topics, broker competing agendas and build community capability through influence, not line authority.

▪ Make change stick — drive rollout across heterogeneous markets, resolve senior-level resistance and embed standardised working through enablement, KPIs and incentives, not mandate alone.

Your Qualifications & Competences
▪ Senior experience — multi-year track record in senior technology or transformation roles, working as and closely with senior leadership (Director / Head-of level or equivalent).

▪ Transformation delivery — proven delivery of complex international transformation and/or organisational change projects, ideally in a telco OSS and tools environment.

▪ Lateral leadership & matrix fitness — proven ability to functionally lead senior experts and virtual, cross-border teams through influence rather than line authority; at home in a multicultural European / CEE matrix organisation with federated decision power, balancing strategic direction with measurable execution.

▪ Domain expertise — IT transformation, process management, operational excellence, AI and automation, cross-country consolidation; telecom tooling (assurance, inventory, orchestration, provisioning, monitoring, AIOps) across fixed, mobile, transport and core.

▪ Standards know-how — working understanding of relevant best practices and standards such as TM Forum frameworks, ODA and Open APIs.

▪ Stakeholder credibility — communicate credibly with senior stakeholders, navigate politics in a group environment and influence across cultures, jurisdictions and competing agendas without direct authority; a reliable partner to senior management.

We build on our expertise with constant learning, offer an open environment for every individual and provide flexible working time and office arrangements.

We invite you to join us in this new world of work.

The minimum annual gross salary for this position according to the current collective agreement is EUR 65.000,-.

The actual annual salary depends on your skills and experience.

A1. More than a job with benefits!

We are a reliable partner in digitization in 7 countries and offer our business and private customers smart IT services and digital communication solutions. With the best network technology, we connect people worldwide and are always on the lookout for innovations and energy-efficient technologies that benefit our team, customers, society and the environment.

Whether you are an IT or Security expert, sales talent, data genius or communication virtuoso - we have the right job for you.

Make it happen. Apply now!