Senior Director, Automation and Tooling

Optus is an Australian telecommunications company, delivering more than 11 million services to our customers every day across mobile, broadband and digital solutions.

Based in Sydney OR Brisbane, The Senior Director, Automation and Tools (Access Network) is responsible for owning the strategy, execution and performance of network automation and tools across our Access Network—spanning mobile radio technologies (4G, 5G and beyond). You’ll design and deploy scalable automation solutions that uplift network performance, enhance configuration management, simplify operations and improve service delivery, while guiding a multidisciplinary technical team and ensuring alignment with broader network automation strategy.

This role ensures the automation roadmap and platforms (e.g., SON, RAN Domain Controller, SMO) align with our methodology and standards. It requires close collaboration with stakeholders across Access, Core, Network Strategy, Operations, Transport and IT; deep expertise in access network technologies, software development practices and orchestration platforms; and the ability to drive continuous improvement through robust governance and delivery.

What You’ll Do

• Focus on driving operational excellence and continuous improvement within the automation and tools framework for the Access Network, with a strong emphasis on mobile radio technologies.
• Provide operational leadership across Automation Architecture (defining platform requirements and strategic evolution), Platform Management (implementing and managing tools such as SON, RAN Domain Controller and SMO), and Technical Delivery and Software Development (end‑to‑end SDLC, from lab/pre‑prod testing to deployment and post‑prod evaluation).
• Ensure automation systems integrate with orchestration workflows and configuration automation; maintain rigorous documentation, testing and deployment practices across all initiatives.
• Manage cybersecurity compliance for automation infrastructure; oversee CAPEX planning, tracking and reporting for annual automation/tools budget and related Opex; implement clear governance for internal and external delivery.
• Establish and sustain a high‑performing engineering team; partner with Planning, Engineering, Delivery, Performance & Optimisation; represent the Access Network in cross‑functional forums to ensure cohesive automation outcomes.

What You Bring

• Strong experience in large‑scale mobile network operations and automation within Access Network domains is crucial.
• Hands‑on engineering capability with tools such as Python, JavaScript, RESTful APIs, GitLab, Rust, Kafka, PostgreSQL.
• Proven leadership in managing technical and software delivery teams.
• Deep grasp of mobile radio technologies (4G/5G), OSS and automation platforms and network orchestration; experience in workflow automation across operational, configuration and performance management components.
• Program management strength including budget oversight and governance; excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Degree or equivalent experience in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Engineering or related field; certifications or proven experience in software development and network automation tools.

The good stuff….

• Competitive remuneration and employee discounts. Make life easier (and more affordable) with $80 monthly credit and 25% off Optus products and unique shopping discounts with our retail partners.
• Flexible working arrangements with opportunities to work three days in the office, two days remote or home.
• Vibrant and collaborative office campus that includes cafes, convenience store, chill out zones, GP, post office, gym and on-site childcare centre (Sydney)
• Competitive leave policies, including additional 'Connected’ days to focus on culture, family, health, community, or whatever’s important to you.
• We support growing families with inclusive, carer-neutral paid Parental Leave of up to 16 weeks.
• Direct your own development and build future-ready skills with Optus U’s industry-focused micro-credentials, developed with La Trobe and Macquarie Universities.
• Build meaningful connections through employee-led networks and diversity initiatives including Culture Connect, Elevate Women, Disability Network and Express Yourself (LGBTQIA+).
• Put your wellbeing first with free access to counselling and support services, 24/7 — in-person, by phone, SMS, or video.
• Free Optus bus from Macquarie University Metro Station (every 6-8 minutes); morning and afternoon.

At Optus, we are strengthened by others and that means valuing diversity and saying ‘yes’ to embracing individual differences. We are committed to ensuring that our application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all job seekers, including individuals from diverse gender, cultural and linguistic backgrounds, individuals with a disability, individuals identifying as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals who may have served in the armed forces or who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. We also want to do our best to make our recruitment process inclusive. If you require any adjustments or accessibility support to participate fairly and equitably in the recruitment process, please email AccessibleRecruitment@optus.com.au or call 1800 309 170.

For more information on Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Optus, please visit https://www.optus.com.au/about/inclusion-diversity