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AI Technical Lead - Mobile

Virgin Media O2
Full-time
On-site
London, ENG

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Virgin Media O2 is hiring an AI Tech Lead - Mobile to steer the AI development squad in the Technology Transformation team, delivering AI powered solutions with open source models such as Llama 2 and Hugging Face. You will provide technical leadership, ensure code quality, CI/CD and security, and collaborate with product owners and other tech squads to scale impact. A strong mobile networking background (5G Core, 4G EPC, RAN/Open RAN, network slicing, VoLTE) and hands on experience with Python or Go, SQL, YAML, and cloud platforms (GCP preferred) are must haves, plus Docker and Kubernetes familiarity. Tips for applying: showcase leadership in AI projects, evidence of growing tech talent, measurable outcomes, robust code reviews, and cross functional collaboration; tailor your CV and cover letter with concrete examples and be ready for technical and competency interviews. Virgin Media O2 operates a flexible first culture with in person collaboration of at least eight days per month across London, Birmingham, Peterborough and Reading. Include if you need adjustments to support the recruitment process.

Summary

Location Birmingham, London, Peterborough, Reading Job Family Digital & Technology Job Type Full Time Posted Date 06-Feb-2026 Ref # 71445

We have an exciting new role for an AI Tech Lead - Mobile to join our Technology Transformation team.

As the AI Tech Lead you will play a pivotal role in leading and driving the development of pioneering AI solutions applying state-of-the-art open-source language models such as Llama 2 and Hugging Face. You will lead a dedicated team of AI developers, collaborating closely with collaborators, product owners, and other technical teams to deliver AI-powered solutions that drive business success. Your primary focus will be on providing technical leadership, ensuring code quality, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within the AI development squad.

A working knowledge of mobile networking technologies would be advantageous

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

  • Technical Leadership: Provide expert technical guidance, mentorship, and leadership to the AI development team. Ensure alignment to best practices and maintain high-quality code standards.
  • AI Solution Development: Lead the design, development, testing, and deployment of AI-powered products and solutions, applying open-source language models and AI frameworks.
  • Code Review: Conduct regular code reviews to ensure code quality, adherence to coding standards, and seek opportunities for improvement. Ensure compliance with CI/CD practices and security measures.
  • Team Leadership: Manage a team of skilled AI developers, providing guidance, feedback, and technical assistance as needed. Act as the primary technical escalation point for major incidents related to AI solutions.
  • Solution Scalability and Reliability: Architect AI platforms for scalability, reliability, and performance. Select and implement appropriate technology stacks for AI development.
  • Cross-Team Collaboration: Identify cross-product and cross-team dependencies and work with relevant partners to address them. Facilitate decision-making processes and ensure alignment with Agile and DevOps values.
  • AI Technology Evaluation: Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI and open-source technologies. Provide vision and strategy for using AI tools and frameworks for network modernization.
  • Technical Chapter Leadership: Act as the Technical Chapter lead for AI, automation, data science, and disseminate best practices across the squads.
Who we are

The UK’s fastest broadband network. The nation’s best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK's biggest companies too. We put our customers first, making life simpler, smoother, and more joyful. With big ambitions and a brilliant team, we’re building a more connected future for everyone.

Our ways of working

We’re a flexible-first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days each month connecting in person.

That doesn’t just mean time in the office, it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days - anywhere meaningful collaboration happens. What matters is making those moments purposeful, so when we come together, it really counts.

Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all

Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we're working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.

The must haves
  • Hands-on practical experience as a Senior AI Developer or Tech Lead with a track record of growing tech talent.
  • Strong mobile network background, with hands-on experience in 5G Core, 4G EPC, RAN/Open RAN/vRAN, network slicing, VoLTE, and mobile service
  • Experience with open-source language models like Llama 2, Hugging Face or similar tool.
  • Proficiency in SQL scripting and SQL queries
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms ideally GCP or similar (Azure, AWS etc)
The other stuff we are looking for
  • Previous experience in software development and proven leadership skills.
  • A working knowledge of mobile networking technologies would be advantageous
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Go, YAML, or similar.
  • Knowledge of AI frameworks, libraries, and tools.
  • Experienced in DevOps, including test automation, CI/CD, and source control.
  • Experience of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and network orchestration (Cisco NSO, Itential IAP).
What's in it for you

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.

Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you’d like to. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you’re covered no matter what life throws your way.

Next steps

If we feel like a place where you can belong, we'd love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date. Once you've submitted an application the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a technical and competency interview.

When you apply, you'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you’re offered a job with us, it will be conditional, based on the passing of background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles need a financial probity check. Your recruiter can provide you with more information if needed.

Thanks for your patience and for showing an interest in joining the Virgin Media O2 family.

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