Head of Innovation and Automation

Come create the technology that helps the world act together

Nokia is committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed, and cloud networks. Your career here will have a positive impact on people’s lives and will help us build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive world. We challenge ourselves to create an inclusive way of working where we are open to new ideas, empowered to take risks, and fearless to bring our authentic selves to work.

The Team You’ll Be Part Of

CNS Services & Care organization is seeking a highly motivated and visionary ‘Senior Leader’ for its newly created unit named Innovation and Automation, to drive the next wave of innovation and operational excellence in our Services & Care Organization. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in emerging technologies, automation strategies, and innovation management, with a proven track record of leading transformative initiatives within a large, complex, and dynamic global environment. This role will be pivotal in advancing S&C’s leadership in AI, GenAI and digital services by initiating the development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions to optimize service delivery, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

The Innovation and Automation Unit (IAU) is created to automate integrate/maintain processes and ensure S&C stays at the forefront of innovation through efficient service delivery with focus on innovation and efficiency.

IAU interlocks with P&E/CNS Tech/GBC on various technology areas and manages the development of internal S&C automation. This unit will drive S&C to improve customer experiences by automating service ‘integrate’ process, fault detection, resolution, and predictive maintenance.

This leader is the main champion for all automations across S&C in close cooperation with P&E/CNS Tech/GBC.
 

• Develop and execute the innovation, and automation initiatives to drive efficiency across Services & Care Organization.
• Collaborate with senior executives and cross-functional teams to align technology strategies with business objectives and customer needs.
• Identify emerging technology trends and disruptive innovations that can be leveraged to create competitive advantages in service delivery and operations.
• Acts as technology advisor to the S&C leadership team
• Lead initiatives in AI/Gen AI, machine learning, and robotics to create automated service solutions that reduce costs and improve speed and quality.
• Foster a culture of innovation within the organization by establishing processes and frameworks for continuous experimentation and creative problem-solving.
• Drive the implementation of new digital platforms, tools, and services (through direct interlocks with P&E and Domain S&C) that enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency.
• Develop a roadmap for automation across CNS services & Care portfolio, focusing on scalability, flexibility, and global applicability.
• Partner with P&E and Domain S&C to design and deploy automated solutions that enhance service delivery, quality, and resilience.
• Ensure the integration of AI/Gen AI and automation solutions into Services ‘Integrate’ process systems to optimize workflows and improve productivity in network services and customer support.
• Serve as the automation thought leader, representing S&C in key internal forums, partnerships, and customer engagements when needed.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of innovation professionals, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Work hand-in-hand with Delivery Excellence unit to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of automation initiatives.
• Report regularly to the executive leadership team on the progress of innovation and automation programs, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Owns the POC/ Trials across the globe and ensures streamlines systemic approach leading to successful trials.
• Single interface with P&E to drive serviceability initiatives on behalf of S&C
• Owns the funnel of S&C innovative ideas and implementation the key strategic ones 

Parameters for success (KPIs): 

• Automation Adoption Rate: Percentage of ‘integrate’ process work packages successfully automated.
• Operational Efficiency: Reduction in time & cost of services implementation and care average case handling times
• Streamlined Trails and effective use of labs ‘as a service’ 
• Strong funnel of AI/Gen AI and innovation ideas with clear ‘turn idea into implementation’ rate

Key interfaces

• P&E 
• CNS Technology
• GBC
• S&C Domains and Domains Leadership (CDS and CDC)
• Market Services Leadership 

• Senior leader and strategic thinker with 20+ years of experience in business management and leadership of large cross-functional projects
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in a leadership role focused on technology, innovation, and automation.
• At least 5+ years of hands-on technologist/developer/implementation experience in enterprise software or telecommunications industry 
• Strong understanding and ideally direct hands-on exposure to leveraging AI to enhance, drive and radically transform process automation
• Very strong technical grasp of Generative AI, LLMs, and leveraging this technology for professional services automation
• At least 5+ years of hands-on leadership and domain experience with telecommunications industry and networking technology deployment (core networks, 4G/5G, security, orchestration and analytics)
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field. MBA or relevant business degree is a big plus.
• Proven experience driving large-scale digital transformation initiatives in complex, global organizations. 
• Strong leadership, influencing, and facilitation skills. Highly organized with strong focus on driving results with strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into action.
• Strong track record in automation technologies, including AI, ML, and cloud computing.
• Experience on interfacing customers 
• Must be able to work in a fast paced, results oriented organization where leadership, teamwork and commitment to execution are essential.
   

Come create the technology that helps the world act together

Nokia is committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. Your career here will have a positive impact on people’s lives and will help us build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive world.
We challenge ourselves to create an inclusive way of working where we are open to new ideas, empowered to take risks and fearless to bring our authentic selves to work

What we offer
 
Nokia offers continuous learning opportunities, well-being programs to support you mentally and physically, opportunities to join and get supported by employee resource groups, mentoring programs and highly diverse teams with an inclusive culture where people thrive and are empowered.

Nokia is committed to inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer

Nokia has received the following recognitions for its commitment to inclusion & equality:

• One of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere
• Gender-Equality Index by Bloomberg
• Workplace Pride Global Benchmark

At Nokia, we act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Nokia’s employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
Join us and be part of a company where you will feel included and empowered to succeed.

Additional Information

US/Canada Nokia Offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes but is not limited to:

• Corporate Retirement Savings Plan
• Health and dental benefits
• Short-term disability, and long-term disability
• Life insurance, and AD&D – Company paid 2x base pay
• Optional or Supplemental life and AD&D insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
• Paid time off for holidays and Vacation
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Tuition Assistance Plan
• Adoption assistance
• Employee Assistance Program/Work Life Resource Program

The above benefits exclude students.

Disclaimer for US/Canada

Nokia Maintains broad annual base salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, and with consideration to internal peer equity.(Check the salary ranges in the job info section for this role)

All North America job posts will post for a minimum of 7 calendar days and up to 180 days or until candidate/s identified.