Deputy Mission Lead – Autonomous Network Operations

June 18, 2026

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent Location: UK/ Europe About TM Forum TM Forum is the global industry member alliance for telco and tech companies with over 800 communication service providers, vendors, hyperscalers, consultancies and system integrators, including the world’s top ten CSPs and top three hyperscalers. We aim to return the telco sector back to growth, through a move to AI-enabled agility and efficiency delivered by our three industry Missions: Composable IT & Ecosystems, Autonomous Networks, and AI and Data. Following the Forum’s rapid growth over the last 5 years to become one of the industry’s leading collaborative innovation platforms, we are now sharpening our strategic agenda to focus on 3 industry missions – Composable IT & Ecosystems; Autonomous Networks and Data & AI Innovation. Each mission will be led by a new General Manager. Role Overview The Deputy Mission Lead will work closely with the Mission Lead to run the AN mission with responsibility for its member value and market impact. This involves working with the Mission Lead to formulate and set a cohesive strategy that leverages the Forum's capabilities and market position to achieve agreed targets, including building a diverse community of engaged professionals from our global membership. This role will work closely with the AN Mission Lead, the CTO and senior leaders across the Forum and our member companies. They will collaborate closely with Labs and Innovation Engine leaders to develop and drive a clear roadmap for developing impactful assets and tools that drive change for our industry. Close cooperation with Events and Research teams curates' relevant content, while regional directors provide insights for global success. Ideal candidates will have executive leadership experience, entrepreneurial spirit, a proven track record in the relevant technology, customer engagement and business development skills, matrix team-building prowess, and most of all a passion for industry-level change. Job Specification <ul><li> Supports the Mission Lead and is responsible for the quality and relevance of the output.</li><li> Responsible for formulating a cohesive strategy that leverages the Forum’s capabilities </li></ul>(through a matrix structure) and market position to deliver to agreed targets. <ul><li> Coordinating with other Mission Owners and their teams to minimize overlap and </li></ul>competition. <ul><li> Building a healthy (engaged, growing, fit-for-purpose) community of member professionals to </li></ul>meet diversity criteria (company type, size, regional, etc.). <ul><li> In close collaboration with Labs and Innovation Engine leaders, defining a compelling vision </li></ul>and a clear roadmap of assets and outputs and being accountable for their delivery. <ul><li> Working closely with Events and Research teams to curate and deliver content that supports </li></ul>the Mission goals and overall, Forum success. <ul><li> Working closely with Regional Directors to understand regional nuances and opportunities to </li></ul>help the Mission succeed in that region and globally. <ul><li> Ensuring the marketing, sales and other member-facing teams are equipped with a clear and </li></ul>compelling value proposition support the Mission's goals and engage our members. <ul><li> Deputize and cover for the Mission Lead, when required, at meetings with members, speaking </li></ul>at conferences and representing the TM Forum at events. Experience And Qualifications / Requirements <ul><li> Senior leader with a strong and proven track record of delivering to challenging targets in </li></ul>relevant technology area(s). <ul><li> This role would suit an experienced or aspiring Chief Technology Officer with 10+ years' </li></ul>experience of network strategy, architecture, design, implementation and operation <ul><li> Experience building a community of interest.</li><li> Ambitious, high-energy, self-motivated, entrepreneurial character – a true ‘self-starter’ who </li></ul>thinks strategically and brings teams with them on the journey. <ul><li> Experience working face to face with customers/members in a consultative environment </li></ul>building rapport and long-standing relationships. <ul><li> Ability to demonstrate strong affinity to the Forum’s values.</li><li> Proven ability to build and motivate matrix teams; to navigate conflicting priorities and inspire </li></ul>member professionals to engage. <ul><li> Excellent communicator internally and externally with gravitas and experience for C-Level </li></ul>interactions. <ul><li> A passion for driving real change at an industry level. </li></ul>Diversity & Inclusion at TM Forum At TM Forum, we’re building a workplace where everyone can belong, feel respected, supported and able to do their best work. We welcome talent from all walks of life to join our global community, which is made stronger by the different perspectives, backgrounds and experiences each person brings. We hire based on skills, potential and values, never on assumptions about who someone is or where they come from. We actively work to ensure our recruitment and people practices are fair, inclusive and free from bias. We are a global alliance of 800+ organizations across the connectivity ecosystem. Members include the top 10 Communication Service Providers, top three hyperscalers, and a wide range of vendors, consultancies, and system integrators. Together, we are building a sustainable future for the sector in connectivity and beyond

Back to blog

DISCLAIMER

Deputy Mission Lead – Autonomous Network Operations

Other Jobs To Apply