VINAYNATH NARAYANAN
Manchester
Summary
Head of Engineering | Head of AI | Enterprise Architect | Engineering Leader
Senior technology and AI engineering leader with 23+ years of IT experience spanning enterprise architecture, engineering leadership, cloud and digital transformation, Agentic AI programming framework, AI-augmented Software Delivery Life cycle and technology strategy. Experienced in leading engineering teams and technical leadership communities, including Tech Leads, Development Leads and Cloud/Azure Architects, while translating business strategy into scalable technology roadmaps and end-to-end solutions.
Proven track record of introducing and scaling AI-enabled engineering practices, including AI Development Lifecycle (AIDLC), Spec-Driven Development, GitHub Enterprise and GitHub Copilot, AI-augmented testing, governed CI/CD pipelines and enterprise AI governance. Experienced in establishing engineering quality frameworks, architecture governance, security controls and operating models across software and data engineering.
Strong background in Enterprise & Solution Architecture, Cloud Transformation, Digital Transformation, AI Strategy, Engineering Management, Solution Design, Business Consulting, Agile Delivery, Change Management and Technology Roadmap vision. Experienced in working across engineering, architecture, security, data and business stakeholders to deliver complex transformation programmes and establish sustainable engineering capabilities.
Combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise, providing the vision, governance and engineering leadership required to transform organisations, modernise technology estates and responsibly adopt AI at enterprise scale.
Overview
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Certificate
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
AI and Engineering Leader
TalkTalk
Manchester
01.2026 - Current
- Introduced the AI Development Lifecycle (AIDLC) to TalkTalk for the first time, establishing a structured approach to embedding AI across the end-to-end software and data engineering lifecycle.
- Github Enterprise admin with E2E governance on enterprise setup, organisational structure and Entra integrated Github Cloud account management.
- Championed AI-augmented software engineering practices, enabling engineering teams to transition from traditional development to AI-assisted design, development, testing and delivery.
- Led the design of an end-to-end AIDLC pipeline, connecting AI governance, security, architecture, development, testing and deployment into a coherent engineering lifecycle.
- Established the foundations for an enterprise-scale AI engineering capability at TalkTalk, combining AIDLC, Spec-Driven Development, GitHub/Copilot, SQE/SQA, CAST, CI/CD, AI governance, Ardoq and security controls into a connected engineering ecosystem.
- Extended AIDLC practices across both software engineering and data engineering teams, creating a common framework for responsible and repeatable AI-enabled delivery.
- Introduced Spec-Driven Development at TalkTalk for the first time, leveraging GitHub Copilot and Spec Kit to establish a more structured, repeatable and AI-ready approach to software specification and implementation.
- Established engineering standards for AI-assisted development, mentoring Tech Leads and Development Leads on how to adopt GitHub Copilot responsibly while maintaining engineering quality, security and governance.
- Led GitHub Copilot governance and adoption, implementing controls and facilitating engineering teams in scaling AI-assisted development across the organisation.
- Introduced AI-augmented test-case generation using Copilot Studio, demonstrating how generative AI could accelerate test design while supporting consistent and repeatable software quality practices.
- Developed an enterprise AI governance control framework, bringing together engineering, security, architecture and governance considerations to enable responsible adoption of AI technologies.
- Established AI governance and control management through Ardoq, enhancing visibility and traceability of AI capabilities, controls, dependencies and architectural considerations across the enterprise.
- Bridged engineering, architecture, AI and security disciplines, creating alignment between strategic AI objectives and practical engineering implementation across the technology organisation.
- Drove the shift towards governed AI-assisted engineering, balancing developer productivity and innovation with quality, security, architecture, compliance and operational controls.
- Led the development of automated CI/CD pipeline integration through GitHub, improving the integration of quality, security and engineering controls into the software delivery lifecycle.
- Introduced Software Quality Engineering (SQE) and Software Quality Assurance (SQA) frameworks, strengthening quality governance and embedding quality engineering principles throughout the development lifecycle using CAST and evolved into Github Code review and security review agents.
- Integrated CAST into the engineering quality framework, enabling greater visibility of application quality, maintainability, technical debt and engineering risk.
- Managed GitHub enterprise administration and governance, including oversight of organisational controls, repositories, engineering standards, permissions and platform adoption.
- Mentored engineering leaders and technical specialists through the AI transformation, enabling Tech Leads, Azure Architects and Development Leads to understand and apply emerging AI engineering practices.
- Led and managed a multidisciplinary engineering leadership community comprising of Tech Leads, Azure Architects and Development Leads across software engineering and data engineering.
- Partnered closely with security consultants to define and implement AI engineering controls, ensuring AI adoption was aligned with enterprise security, risk and governance expectations.
Programme Architect
TalkTalk Consumer
Manchester
05.2023 - 12.2025
- Architected and delivered end-to-end smart decisioning and offer management.
- Architected and delivered TTU, a flex-speed product for TalkTalk.
- Managed enterprise architecture across 7 domains, including CPE, VoIP, and decisioning.
- Managed personalised pricing strategies to enhance customer engagement and optimise product lifecycle management.
- Managed RFP and NDA strategy for intelligent pricing, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Documented solution visions, overseeing end-to-end domain delivery and traceability.
- Defined enterprise application catalog and lifecycle management in ARDOQ.
- Documented and managed enterprise strategies in Ardoq
- Guided data science work on intelligence and speed management algorithms.
Programme Architect
TalkTalk
Manchester
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Defined architecture strategy and platform consolidation roadmap for unified delivery.
- Applied TM Forum ODAF principles to guide next-gen platform architecture build.
- Architected and delivered Centralised and Robust CCM engine for all communication management.
- Introduced enterprise-wide centralised CCM platform, migrating independent modules for unified communication management.
- Managed end-to-end change management for Talktalk across consumer, wholesale, and business direct segments.
- Led the consumer architecture team of 5 across consumer, online and direct spaces.
- Simplified product strategy and roadmap, transforming delivery function from tech-driven to product-driven model. Streamlined the next Gen BSS architecture Framework.
- Streamlined the next Gen BSS architecture Framework.
- Digital transformation driven through customer first and experience index enabling tools for better zero touch experience.
Specialist Solutions Architect
BT Plusnet
09.2020 - 08.2022
- Designed multiple complex end-to-end solutions, including the introduction of a smart router, discount mastering through SID modelling, and open API transformation for platform consolidation and architectural integrity of the BT Consumer enterprise architecture framework.
- Successfully implemented the smart router rollout for Plusnet.
- Delivered a robust design of Discount mastering leading to platform consolidation.
- Oversaw data quality and GDPR compliance, ensuring stability of data architecture across platform.
- Handled GDPR and PIA impact assessments as part of all projects.
- Mastered security by design principles in the projects and collaborated closely with the security COE.
- Evaluated digital and collaboration tools to strengthen architecture stability and ensure adherence to design principles.
- Supported BT CIO solution architecture practice by enhancing design and delivery processes.
- As a lead architect, mentored other Solutions architects to get to speed with the key deliverables.
- Managed the overall competency of the teams and looked towards innovation and automation solutions.
- Independently handled the EECC regulatory requirements.
- Introduced proactive DD verification omnichannel experience across all agent and digital channels.
- Actively engaged in critical project decisions to drive success.
- Participated in various initiatives to enhance project outcomes.
Telecom BSS SME and Pre-Sales Business Consultant
BT Plusnet
02.2016 - 09.2020
- Served as a business solutions architect for billing migration during a nationwide transformation programme.
- Supporting a major country wide transformation for a leading telecom Operator in UK that was won by CGI and was awarded a Pegasus award for my contributions.
- Supported the solutions, service transformation, and automation of major bids across the UK, Belgium, and provided white label solutions to enhance programmes.
- Led teams handling RFQ, RFI, RFP with strong exposure to the bidding process.
- Established an ICE idea for Pre-bid evaluation tool that is going through evaluation for funding.
- Developed and submitted hardening proposals and service improvement strategies to business leads, aiming to strengthen system security and performance.
- Architected seamless transitions and designed data migration solutions via controller and DAN extracts.
- Categorised requirements into TMFORUM standards, identifying critical business functions for stabilisation and transformation, while benchmarking redundant functions for consolidation.
- Build and manage ready to deliver AMS and AD frameworks with client specific customisations.
- Took a lead role in project management
- Supported project initiatives that enhanced operational efficiency and alignment with business goals.
- Documenting and managing the upkeep of organisational process assets and best industry practices via central knowledge management and CMDB tools.
Solution Architect & Senior Business Analyst – WLMS Programme -BT
BT Plusnet
11.2011 - 09.2020
- Drove business and technical change in the programme as senior Business Analyst.
- Leading a team of 4 business analysts to drive the change management work stream.
- Managed design perspective for major WLR2 to WLR3 migration project, including ownership of billing migration and provision of design solutions for BT Openreach and Kofax migrations.
- Designing E2E architectural solutions catering to complete WLMS IT stack ranging from C2M, L2C, T2R and In-life management including Order Management, Billing & Payments, CRM, Product Management, Enterprise Information, Self-Care Services, KCI Management, Fault & Diagnostics, Complaint Management, etc.
- Representing the E2E Solution Design and Architecture Team for BT WLMS
- Highly experienced in defining and scoping NFR (Non-Functional requirements) changes and delivering KPI improvements.
- Established the business process framework aligned to eTOM guidelines in the programme. Have drafted the eTOM level 3 framework for the programme.
- Documenting as-is and to-be architecture, BPMI, BRS creation, issue E2E functional design and author business process designs.
- Led team of 6 Solutions Architects, overseeing their functional and technical development.
- Providing guidance and key decision points to Finance & Project Managers for critical project planning
- Involved in the team handling RFQ, RFI, RFP and have strong exposure to bidding.
- Contributed significantly to key project initiatives
- Preparing, updating, and reviewing business process definition documents
- Created the complete E2E pipeline for Agile business analysis and change management process.
- Worked and submitted new hardening proposals and service improvement strategies to the business leads.
- Participated in various projects and initiatives.
- Served as a part of Programme Governance and Change Board, representing Architecture & Design Stream.
Systems/Data Analyst
Virgin Media DIQ
08.2011 - 11.2011
- Diagnosed system integration challenges and recommended solutions based on identified process gaps.
- Conducted root cause analysis for various process streams to a huge debt in query of around
- 29 million
- Formulated updated DIQ list and reconciled outstanding and new cases to reduce categories and root causes month-to-month
- Developed presentations for Work Stream Leads to define process gaps and propose mitigation actions for cases in DIQ.
- Recognised contract issues and developed strategies to address them.
- Participated actively in diverse project activities to support team objectives.
- Completing the project well in time and received several appreciation emails from the client and line managers for outstanding performance
Senior Business Analyst – WLMS
BT Wholesale
10.2009 - 08.2011
- Played the role of a senior BA for a major billing system migration from Geneva 4.2 to RBM.
- Authored and owned the BRD and performed structured and object-oriented analysis using tools like functional decomposition, ERD, use case, activity diagram, decision tables etc…
- Executed three print centre migrations while owning BA and SA competencies, providing technical guidance as SME post-billing to the core team.
- Facilitated brainstorming, RAD, and JAD sessions with clients and third parties in the UK for effective requirement elicitation.
Component Designer & DCL SME
National Grid Porting Project – NGPP
02.2009 - 06.2009
- Served as DCL expert for migrating VMS-based DCL scripts to Shell scripts in new refresh architecture for National Grid, ensuring smooth transition and compatibility.
- Conducted unit and system testing of newly migrated shell scripts in refresh architecture, validating functionality and reliability of the new system.
- Ensured time & quality delivery of all modules deployed as a part of the migration activity.
- Took over system design of NIBS and BSIS (billing and invoicing systems) and authored the technical design for ADTS module (GUI based FTP module).
- Defined path specifications and allocated mount points in refresh architecture design, enhancing system structure and usability.
Component Design Lead - Managed services – BT B&PP-WLMS – WLF
Tech Mahindra Ltd.
Mumbai
04.2004 - 01.2009
- Managed and delivered the design, development, and implementation of a capability-driven post billing project for the White label managed system, British Telecom (WLMS-BT) with a team of 6.
- Chaired daily status and design calls, addressed issues, managed service operations, and delivered analysis and end-to-end design for capability-driven post bill formatting.
- Acted as the Design Authority for LLD/HLD creation and signoff, and implemented processes and initiatives such as agile delivery methodology and JDT.
- Coordinated client engagement as single point of contact onsite (UK), facilitating requirement gathering, project scoping, and creation of new work request proposals (NWR) for WLF.
- Served as primary liaison for post billing and rendering initiatives, ensuring effective communication and coordination between teams.
- Developed quarterly work description documents (WDD) and established comprehensive support process for WLF project.
- Growth Path:
Developer and Team Lead - Inter Operator Billing - MACH
Tech Mahindra Ltd.
04.2004 - 07.2007
- Led a team analysing, designing, and building converters for switch formats.
- Managed unit testing, pre-production testing, and release delivery for each cycle.
- Oversaw technical work and audit preparation to strengthen compliance readiness.
- Provided key support during TAP 3V11 migration and CIBER 2.0 changes.
- Reviewed TADIG, CIBER, and TAP documents and proposed update requests.
- Acted as configuration manager using VSS and CMS for controlled changes.
Education
M.S - Software Engineering
Birla Institute of Technical Sciences (BITS)
Pilani01-2008
B.Sc. - Computers
Madras University
Chennai01-2003
Skills
- AI strategy development
- AI-driven solutions
- AI transformation
- AI governance frameworks
- AI microservices
- Agile architecture
- Agile methodology
- Software architecture
- Architecture skills
- Design patterns
- End-to-end architecture
- Cloud infrastructure
- Data integration
- Database management
- SQL and PL/SQL
- XML integration
- API specifications
- Java and microservices
- MS Windows Server and SQL
- Network optimisation
- Architectural leadership
- Industry expertise
- IT Disciplines
- Stakeholder engagement
- Client engagement 6 4
- Effective communication 8 4
- Collaboration skills
- Mentoring 4 4
- UX design
- BABOK
- Mentoring 4 4
Certification
BCS Certified Professional in System Development Essentials: 2013, BCS Certified Professional in Business Analysis Practice: 2013, SEFAS Certified Expert Designer in the Pre-Print Formatting Domain: 2009
Personal Details
Languages Known: English, Tamil, and Hindi
Timeline
AI and Engineering Leader
TalkTalk
01.2026 - Current
Programme Architect
TalkTalk Consumer
05.2023 - 12.2025
Programme Architect
TalkTalk
08.2022 - 05.2023
Specialist Solutions Architect
BT Plusnet
09.2020 - 08.2022
Telecom BSS SME and Pre-Sales Business Consultant
BT Plusnet
02.2016 - 09.2020
Solution Architect & Senior Business Analyst – WLMS Programme -BT
BT Plusnet
11.2011 - 09.2020
Systems/Data Analyst
Virgin Media DIQ
08.2011 - 11.2011
Senior Business Analyst – WLMS
BT Wholesale
10.2009 - 08.2011
Component Designer & DCL SME
National Grid Porting Project – NGPP
02.2009 - 06.2009
Component Design Lead - Managed services – BT B&PP-WLMS – WLF
Tech Mahindra Ltd.
04.2004 - 01.2009
Developer and Team Lead - Inter Operator Billing - MACH
Tech Mahindra Ltd.
04.2004 - 07.2007
M.S - Software Engineering
Birla Institute of Technical Sciences (BITS)
B.Sc. - Computers
Madras University
Personal Details
References: Upon request.
Social Engagement
- Served as a Member of British Heart Foundation & UK Cancer Institute
- Active member of the “save the lake” foundation in Bangalore.
Core Competencies
- As a Lead Solutions Architect – Consumer, Direct, Online [For TalkTalk UK]
- Leading the team of Solutions Architecture group for Consumer, Direct and Online.
- Representing the ARB from a TalkTalk Consumer Architecture perspective.
- Involved in Architecture Gap analysis, transformation guilds and platform consolidation strategy.
- Working on Architecture transformations in the current and Next Gen Platform build.
- Heading two key compliance projects for EECC
- Hosting the Architecture Guild between SA and EA within TalkTalk.
- Part of the product roadmap team guiding the product management team on Product strategy and Product Backlog.
- As a Specialist Solutions architect [BT, Plusnet and EE]
- Senior specialist solutions architect within the client’s CIO Solutions architecture practice.
- Heading critical deliverability assessment and rollout of Strategic projects cross LOB for a major UK Telcom client.
- Have single headedly Architected and rolled out the smart router implementation for Plusnet.
- Have architected Open API implementations for platform consolidations and remove legacy debt.
- Owned the complete design ownership from concept to rollout and includes requirements elicitations, Solution mapping, Solution design, process impact, Operational impact, Service design, non-functional impact, and Security considerations.
- Strong architectural experience with platform transformation experience and handling complex compliance projects for clients.
- Have used several digital collaborations tools like Mural and Miro and handled portal changes via Figma.
- Highly experienced in TMFORUM and Telecom business process framework – eTOM, SID, TAM, Open API and ODAF Framework.
- Have experience of handling Regulatory projects through EECC mandates – have hands on experience of rolling out regulatory projects from concept to design.
- Have closely worked with the BT security practice to bring the “security by design” principle to life for the clients.
- Have contributed to several reference guides, how-to docs, enhanced process maps, templates, architecture flow within the SA community.
- Mentored new Senior solutions architects within the squad.
- As a Director Expert in CGI
- Heading an innovation squad along with a 3rd party to implement data analytics transformation from rules-based modelling to predictive kickstart model for ordering and customer experience layers.
- Heading the TMFORUM ODAF transformation group.
- Leading the Solutions architecture incubate group targeted at grooming more Telecom Centric Solutions Architect.
- Part of the steering group managing the Telecom BSS/OSS Enterprise Knowledge repository
- Strong experience in System analysis and design including use case analysis and modelling techniques.
- Adept at deploying various methodologies to change processes, recommending modifications to enhance operational efficiencies, control variability, costs and reduce cycle-time.
- Strong experience in working on RFP, RFI, RFQ and overall bidding process.
- Strong experience in engaging and handling with Technical COE like SGE, Performance, Security, PEN testing etc…
- Leading a squad for Cloud technologies trainings and certifications.
- Trained on AWS solutions architecture and advanced Solutions Architecture courses and pursuing certification by July 2022.
- Delivered automation ideas for Order monitoring and Rectification through a Low-cost automation approach. The framework and solution received the first Platinum Award for CGI from CII for low-cost automation design.
- Recognised with several Internal Diamond Awards and have received client awards as well.
- Core member and steer group lead for the SABA (Systems Analysis and Business Analyst) work stream in CGI.
- Key contributor to the Solution architecture/E2E architecture COE in CGI.
- Holds the distinction of working in all areas of BSS like digital transformation, self-services, Centralised communication management engine, Order Management, Provisioning, Mediation, Telecom Billing, Fault Management, Network Management, Post-Billing, Revenue Assurance & Collections, Formatting, Rendering and Print-House Solutions in Telecom OSS/BSS Fixed Line, Mobile and Broadband Domain.
- Sound knowledge in GSM, TADIG, TAP3 and worked with MACH (second largest clearing house) to build up the CIBER 2.0 billing systems for MACH US Operators
- Other skills:
- Experienced in investigating & understanding key business issues behind the numbers and providing clear, concise, and timely analysis & recommendations.
- Heading the Cloud Architecture Knowledge community.
- Hands on experience on setting the E2E process towards transforming to Agile business analysis and rapid design.
- An astute leader with hands-on-experience in leading teams for successful project implementation/process transition while ensuring a high-quality customer experience
- Senior business analyst and solutions architect for various major releases in BT, Plusnet, EE and TalkTalk and other farming initiatives.
- TMFORUM member focussing on ODAF alignment.
- SEFAS Certified Expert Designer in the Pre-Print Formatting Domain. Have managed 3 print centre migrations.
- Demonstrated proficiency in escalation management of complex issues to ensure customer satisfaction and timely problem resolution; proficient in managing and leading teams for running successful service delivery and process operations.
Websites, Portfolios, Profiles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinaynath-narayanan-bb422061
Personal Details
References: Upon request.
Social Engagement
- Served as a Member of British Heart Foundation & UK Cancer Institute
- Active member of the “save the lake” foundation in Bangalore.
Core Competencies
- As a Lead Solutions Architect – Consumer, Direct, Online [For TalkTalk UK]
- Leading the team of Solutions Architecture group for Consumer, Direct and Online.
- Representing the ARB from a TalkTalk Consumer Architecture perspective.
- Involved in Architecture Gap analysis, transformation guilds and platform consolidation strategy.
- Working on Architecture transformations in the current and Next Gen Platform build.
- Heading two key compliance projects for EECC
- Hosting the Architecture Guild between SA and EA within TalkTalk.
- Part of the product roadmap team guiding the product management team on Product strategy and Product Backlog.
- As a Specialist Solutions architect [BT, Plusnet and EE]
- Senior specialist solutions architect within the client’s CIO Solutions architecture practice.
- Heading critical deliverability assessment and rollout of Strategic projects cross LOB for a major UK Telcom client.
- Have single headedly Architected and rolled out the smart router implementation for Plusnet.
- Have architected Open API implementations for platform consolidations and remove legacy debt.
- Owned the complete design ownership from concept to rollout and includes requirements elicitations, Solution mapping, Solution design, process impact, Operational impact, Service design, non-functional impact, and Security considerations.
- Strong architectural experience with platform transformation experience and handling complex compliance projects for clients.
- Have used several digital collaborations tools like Mural and Miro and handled portal changes via Figma.
- Highly experienced in TMFORUM and Telecom business process framework – eTOM, SID, TAM, Open API and ODAF Framework.
- Have experience of handling Regulatory projects through EECC mandates – have hands on experience of rolling out regulatory projects from concept to design.
- Have closely worked with the BT security practice to bring the “security by design” principle to life for the clients.
- Have contributed to several reference guides, how-to docs, enhanced process maps, templates, architecture flow within the SA community.
- Mentored new Senior solutions architects within the squad.
- As a Director Expert in CGI
- Heading an innovation squad along with a 3rd party to implement data analytics transformation from rules-based modelling to predictive kickstart model for ordering and customer experience layers.
- Heading the TMFORUM ODAF transformation group.
- Leading the Solutions architecture incubate group targeted at grooming more Telecom Centric Solutions Architect.
- Part of the steering group managing the Telecom BSS/OSS Enterprise Knowledge repository
- Strong experience in System analysis and design including use case analysis and modelling techniques.
- Adept at deploying various methodologies to change processes, recommending modifications to enhance operational efficiencies, control variability, costs and reduce cycle-time.
- Strong experience in working on RFP, RFI, RFQ and overall bidding process.
- Strong experience in engaging and handling with Technical COE like SGE, Performance, Security, PEN testing etc…
- Leading a squad for Cloud technologies trainings and certifications.
- Trained on AWS solutions architecture and advanced Solutions Architecture courses and pursuing certification by July 2022.
- Delivered automation ideas for Order monitoring and Rectification through a Low-cost automation approach. The framework and solution received the first Platinum Award for CGI from CII for low-cost automation design.
- Recognised with several Internal Diamond Awards and have received client awards as well.
- Core member and steer group lead for the SABA (Systems Analysis and Business Analyst) work stream in CGI.
- Key contributor to the Solution architecture/E2E architecture COE in CGI.
- Holds the distinction of working in all areas of BSS like digital transformation, self-services, Centralised communication management engine, Order Management, Provisioning, Mediation, Telecom Billing, Fault Management, Network Management, Post-Billing, Revenue Assurance & Collections, Formatting, Rendering and Print-House Solutions in Telecom OSS/BSS Fixed Line, Mobile and Broadband Domain.
- Sound knowledge in GSM, TADIG, TAP3 and worked with MACH (second largest clearing house) to build up the CIBER 2.0 billing systems for MACH US Operators
- Other skills:
- Experienced in investigating & understanding key business issues behind the numbers and providing clear, concise, and timely analysis & recommendations.
- Heading the Cloud Architecture Knowledge community.
- Hands on experience on setting the E2E process towards transforming to Agile business analysis and rapid design.
- An astute leader with hands-on-experience in leading teams for successful project implementation/process transition while ensuring a high-quality customer experience
- Senior business analyst and solutions architect for various major releases in BT, Plusnet, EE and TalkTalk and other farming initiatives.
- TMFORUM member focussing on ODAF alignment.
- SEFAS Certified Expert Designer in the Pre-Print Formatting Domain. Have managed 3 print centre migrations.
- Demonstrated proficiency in escalation management of complex issues to ensure customer satisfaction and timely problem resolution; proficient in managing and leading teams for running successful service delivery and process operations.