Lead Product Owner

About Zinkworks

Zinkworks partners with leading Telecommunications and Financial Services organizations to modernize legacy systems migrate mission-critical platforms to the cloud and engineer AI-driven automation. From OSS transformation to rApp development and network intelligence our teams simplify complexity and turn it into competitive advantage. Based in Ireland and operating across the EU UK and US Zinkworks combines deep domain expertise with delivery excellence to help clients modernize faster and operate smarter.

We are partnering with a major UK Telecommunications provider to deliver their flagship Agentic AI transformation program. Operating from our Innovation Hub in Athlone we are building a CTO 2.0 ecosystem moving our client from legacy manual workflows to an intelligent automated operating model powered by Autonomous AI Agents.

This is not a theoretical R&D project; we are deploying production-grade Generative AI and Digital Twin solutions on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to revolutionize critical infrastructure. Our scope spans multiple high-impact domains including:

• Fixed Access Engineering

• Core Network Engineering

• Data Centre Sustainability

As the lead PO on this project you will own a multi-stream backlog powering AI automation platform engineering and infrastructure optimisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and prioritise a complex multi-stream product backlog.

• Act as the operational bridge between BAs and Developers.

• Define and communicate the product vision and roadmap.

• Lead Sprint Planning Reviews and backlog refinement.

• Validate completed work against acceptance criteria.

• Maximise product value using data-driven decision-making.

• Manage expectations with senior stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance and regulatory alignment across product releases.

Must-Have Skills

• Mastery of backlog grooming dependency management and prioritisation.

• Deep expertise in Scrum and Kanban.

• Ability to translate business needs into clear technical tasks.

• Capability to manage cross-domain backlogs (AI Cloud Data).

• Strong proficiency in JIRA Confluence and roadmapping tools.

• Ability to set and enforce strict quality gates.

• Decisive leadership and the ability to protect team focus.

Desirable Skills

• Telecom domain knowledge (RAN Core OSS/BSS Fixed Access).

• AI/ML product experience (GenAI Agentic Frameworks Automation).

• Understanding of Data Centre operations or sustainability initiatives.

Inclusion & Diversity at Zinkworks

At Zinkworks we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of diversity inclusion and belonging. We believe that our strength lies in the unique backgrounds perspectives and experiences of our team members. By embracing an inclusive environment we empower innovation and collaboration across all levels of our organisation. Based in Ireland we are proud to support and engage with our local communities through meaningful initiatives that promote equity and opportunity. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace as we actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and connected society for all.