Product Owner - Telecoms

About Zinkworks

Zinkworks collaborates with top Telecommunications and Financial Services companies to update outdated systems, transition vital platforms to the cloud, and create AI-powered automation solutions. Operating from Ireland and across the EU, UK, and US, Zinkworks combines extensive industry knowledge with delivery expertise to help clients accelerate modernization and optimize operations.

Role Overview

We seek a seasoned Telecoms Product Owner to contribute to the delivery of a Digital Twin platform tailored for telecoms network engineering. This position requires working closely with Core Transmission Design, Core Fibre Design, and broader network teams to decode complex engineering workflows, legacy systems, and design methodologies, converting these into a prioritized backlog for teams specializing in software, data, AI, and UX.

The platform aims to supersede manual and legacy network design workflows, including vendor systems and Visio-based records, assisting crucial decisions related to fibre, transmission, capacity, and customer circuit design. This role demands fluency bridging telecoms network engineering and contemporary software delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the product backlog for the Digital Twin initiative.
• Lead discovery efforts across Core Fibre, Core Transmission, Capacity Planning, Operations, Access, and Technical Pre-Sales teams.
• Transform use cases into precise user stories, acceptance criteria, data needs, and integration requirements.
• Prioritize tasks considering value, dependencies, and delivery order.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, data analysts, AI experts, and UX designers to develop viable solutions.
• Convert intricate telecom concepts into actionable software requirements.
• Support Agile ceremonies including sprint planning, backlog refinement, reviews, demonstrations, and feedback collection.
• Control scope and question requests that do not align with the program’s strategic direction.
• Monitor delivery success metrics like design cycle time reduction, capacity enhancement, cost savings, and CAPEX avoidance.

Candidate Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Product Owner, Product Manager, or equivalent in software delivery.
• In-depth understanding of telecoms or network engineering domains.
• Knowledge of network engineering, OSS/BSS, inventory, planning, or design software.
• Familiarity with transmission technologies such as DWDM, ROADM, optical channels, ODF, OTDR, splice schematics, dark fibre, and both access and core networks.
• Proven track record in writing user stories, managing product backlogs, and supporting Agile delivery teams.
• Experience handling complex data-driven products involving legacy systems, integration challenges, and data quality assurance.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with software engineers, architects, and technical specialists.
• Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, including senior engineering and programme leadership.
• Comfortable navigating Agile processes within the constraints of enterprise governance, architecture, security, and change management.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Familiarity with network design and inventory tools like TNMS, NCS / Navigator, Planner Plus, IQGeo, or similar platforms.
• Experience participating in network inventory, OSS/BSS replacements, or network transformation projects.
• Exposure to AI-driven products, including LLMs, RAG, agent-based systems, or workflow automation.
• Knowledge of GCP or cloud-native software delivery models.
• Prior work with telecom operators, network vendors, or system integrators.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will exhibit strong Product Ownership capabilities that introduce structured approaches to complex technical challenges. They will confidently engage with senior network engineers, challenge and clarify assumptions, and facilitate the transition from ambiguous concepts to functional software solutions. While not necessarily a network designer or software developer, they must be sufficiently knowledgeable of both areas to earn trust and drive effective delivery.

Inclusion and Diversity

Zinkworks is dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive culture that values unique experiences and perspectives. This commitment enhances innovation, collaboration, and equity within our teams and communities. Based in Ireland, we strive both inside and outside the workplace to foster an inclusive and connected society.