GM - Core Projects

Job Title:

Lead - Core Projects

Job Code:

22001689

Designation:

GM - Core Projects

Band:

M3

Function:

Technology

Sub-Function:

Technology Projects

Reports To:

CORE Projects

No. of Direct Reports

3

Location Type:

COR

No. of Direct + Indirect Reports

Job Purpose

Lead the centralized governance, planning, delivering the end-to-end delivery of planned AOP Budget Capacity and execution of IMS, Packet Core, Enterprise, and Cloud Network projects hosted on BareMetal, Appliance and Cloud platforms across India, ensuring timely delivery, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and seamless project handover to Central Operations and SNOC while ensuring First time right execution, Operational excellence, Quality, and Business continuity

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the centralized governance and execution of Core Network projects (IMS, Packet Core, Enterprise & Cloud) across all circles, ensuring delivery within approved timelines, budget, and quality standards.
• Drive end-to-end project lifecycle management, including planning, solution validation, deployment, integration, testing, migration, and commercial Go-Live.
• Proactively identify project risks and dependencies, implementing mitigation plans to ensure on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with Planning, SNOC, COG, IT, Security, Commercial, Billing, and Circle teams to ensure seamless execution and service readiness.
• Provide technical governance and strategic inputs for PID preparation, new product launches, capacity expansion, modernization, and network transformation initiatives.
• Govern software upgrades, network migrations, and domain changes, ensuring minimal customer impact and service continuity.
• Lead brownfield modernization, node redeployment, and cloud transformation programs with zero or minimal service disruption and nil equipment damage.
• Drive First-Time-Right (FTR) execution through standardized governance, automation, quality controls, and operational excellence.
• Establish governance with OEMs, System Integrators, and Managed Service partners to ensure adherence to project milestones and contractual commitments.
• Ensure compliance with security, regulatory, audit, and risk management requirements across all Core Network projects.
• Drive operational efficiency through process automation, standardization, inventory optimization, and hardware reuse to maximize CAPEX and OPEX savings.
• Monitor project performance through executive dashboards, KPIs, governance reviews, and periodic leadership updates.
• Ensure complete project documentation, operational acceptance, and seamless handover to COG and SNOC

Managerial

• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing Core Project teams across India.
• Build leadership capabilities through coaching, succession planning, and competency development.
• Drive a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage team performance, goal setting, and individual development plans.
• Foster strong collaboration with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Ensure adherence to Health, Safety, and Workplace (HSW) policies while maintaining high employee engagement and retention.

Technical/ Functional Competencies

• Core Network Project & Program Management
• IMS, Packet Core & Enterprise Platforms
• Cloud Network Modernization & Virtualization
• Network Architecture, Integration & Migration
• Multi-Vendor Ecosystem Management (Nokia, Cisco, Ericsson, Oracle, Mavenir, HPE)
• Project Governance & PMO
• Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Governance
• Automation & Process Excellence
• OPEX/CAPEX Optimization
• Executive Stakeholder & Vendor Management

Behavioural & Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Stakeholder Management
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Managing Under Pressure

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Direction Setting
• People Development
• Vendor and Partner Governance
• Cross-functional Leadership

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Education Qualification

B.E./B.Tech (Electronics & Communication) PMP / cloud certification an advantage.

Years of working experience

Minimum 12 years total, with at least 6 years in Core (IMS/Packet Core) project management.

Working Relationship

Internal Stakeholders

• CORE Projects (M4)
• SNOC Leads & teams
• Security Leads
• Circle Core heads / LI SPoCs
• IT, Planning, CODE, Mediation, RA, PMS teams

External Stakeholders

• OEM vendors - Nokia, Mavenir, Oracle, Cisco, F5, ZTE,Ericsson
• SI partners-Precision, Cache Digitech