Saunders Scott

NPO Technical Manager | Reading (Hybrid) | 6 Month Contract We're supporting a major telecoms programme looking for an NPO Technical Manager to lead end-to-end optimisation and performance across live network deployments. This is a hands-on technical leadership role, ideal for someone who still enjoys optimisation work but also wants ownership of delivery, KPIs, and customer interaction. The role You'll act as the primary technical interface for NPO, owning performance across clusters and sites while leading optimisation teams and driving acceptance. Lead end-to-end NPO activities across planning, optimisation, and acceptance Act as the main escalation point for network performance Drive KPIs across throughput, latency, coverage, and stability Coordinate optimisation and drive test teams Analyse drive test data and deliver performance improvements Support project planning, delivery, and technical risk management Lead cluster and site acceptance activities Work closely with customers, project teams, and field engineers What they're looking for 5+ years RAN optimisation experience (2G-5G) Strong Nokia RAN knowledge (NetAct, AirScale, MRBTS, SRAN) Experience leading optimisation teams or acting as technical lead Strong understanding of KPIs, drive testing, and network performance Experience working directly with telecom operators Fluent English Nice to have Experience with ORAN/CRAN Multi-vendor background Additional language Why this role Long-term programme with stable delivery pipeline Real ownership of performance and optimisation outcomes Strong mix of hands-on technical work and leadership High-impact role working directly with customer stakeholders Details Location: Reading (Theale) - Hybrid Contract: 12 months Hours: 40 per week Interested? If you're an NPO specialist who wants to step into a technical leadership role without losing the hands-on side, let's have a quick chat.