At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy and evolution of middleware and API platforms at Virgin Media O2.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O2, a top employer known for innovation and connectivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work, healthcare, generous holidays, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading enterprise platforms and expertise in middleware and APIs.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
As Platform Lead for Middleware, MSA and API Gateways, you will shape and drive the strategy, performance and evolution of a critical integration platform estate at the heart of Virgin Media O2’s technology landscape. This role blends strategic leadership with operational accountability, ensuring platforms are resilient, scalable and aligned to business priorities while enabling modern, API‑led and cloud‑native engineering practices. You will own the platform vision and roadmap across middleware, microservices and API ecosystems, working closely with technical leads and strategic partners to deliver consistent, governed and high‑performing services. From steering AI‑enabled innovation and improving engineering productivity to managing performance, cost and risk, you will play a key role in modernising integration capabilities and delivering measurable value to the business.
Who we are At Virgin Media O₂, we connect people to the moments that matter most. Virgin Media leads the UK for broadband reliability, speed and overall performance, while O₂ keeps people connected on the move with award‑winning coverage. We’re also proud to be named one of the Financial Times Top 500 Best Employers for 2026, based on one of the UK’s largest employee satisfaction surveys.
Benefits & Culture We’re a flexible‑first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. You’ll have access to our award‑winning employee network groups, Bupa healthcare, wellbeing support, life cover, a pension and generous holiday –plus your birthday off. Optional electric vehicle lease and Cycle2Work schemes, dental insurance, neurodiversity assessments, and brilliant discounts on broadband, TV and mobile. You’ll also get access to the Virgin Family platform and the O₂ Priority app, with exclusive rewards, experiences and chances to attend events at The O₂ and beyond.
Equal Opportunities Virgin Media O₂ is an equal opportunities employer and we work hard to remove bias and barriers. We want every person who joins us – and everyone thinking about joining us – to feel seen, heard and supported.
Must Haves
- Significant experience leading large‑scale enterprise platforms
- Strong expertise in middleware and integration platforms such as GCP and Oracle Fusion
- Deep understanding of API management and gateway technologies such as Apigee
- Experience with microservices architecture and MACH principles
- Proven experience operating within a strategic partner or managed service model
Other Desired Attributes
- Strong financial and commercial acumen
- Experience governing both change and run services at scale
- Experience applying AI‑enabled engineering or platform governance approaches
- Ability to balance technical integrity with commercial and delivery priorities
- Strong senior stakeholder engagement and leadership capability
Platform Lead Middleware, MSA and API Gateways employer: Virgin Media O2
At Virgin Media O₂, we pride ourselves on being a flexible-first organisation that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including Bupa healthcare, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like your birthday off. Our commitment to innovation and inclusivity ensures that every team member feels valued and supported, making us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the tech landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Platform Lead Middleware, MSA and API Gateways
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Virgin Media O2 values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Virgin Media O2 might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Virgin Media O2!
✨Direct Apply to Virgin Media O2
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Virgin Media O2 website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Platform Lead Middleware, MSA and API Gateways
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Virgin Media O2.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Virgin Media O2. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media O2
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
