GM - IT Infrastructure

Role

Strategic Projects Infrastructure

Job Level/ Designation

M3

Function / Department

Information technology

Location

Pune

Job Purpose

The IT Infrastructure Project Manager will lead and manage complex infrastructure transformation projects within the telecom IT environment, ensuring the successful delivery of high-availability, Telco-grade IT infrastructure solutions. This role demands a deep understanding of infrastructure sizing, capacity planning, and architecture design, with a specific focus on telecom Business Support Systems (BSS) while modernization with an approach on cloud first and highly scalable. The position involves driving projects from Proof of Concept (POC) through to RFP and final delivery, working collaboratively with OEMs and vendors and internal stakeholders. The manager will be responsible for overseeing cost management, project timelines, and ensuring the seamless integration of Automation, AIOPS, and ITIL best practices to optimize infrastructure performance and operational efficiency.

Key Result Areas/Accountabilities

1. Infrastructure Transformation:
   Lead and manage infrastructure transformation initiatives, including virtualization, cloud-first strategies, and the integration of open-source technologies, ensuring alignment with business goals and telecom BSS requirements while driving innovation and operational efficiency.
2. Project Lifecycle & Delivery Management:
   Oversee the entire project lifecycle from Proof of Concept (POC), RFP, and vendor selection to delivery, ensuring projects are executed within scope, on time, and within budget. Manage multiple high-visibility projects in a complex, matrixed organization.
3. Cost, Timeline, and Resource Management:
   Ensure high visibility and control over project costs, timelines, and resource allocation. Proactively manage budgets, track expenditures, and implement corrective actions to mitigate risks and ensure successful project delivery.
4. Collaboration with IT Demand Management & Stakeholders:
   Partner with IT Demand Management teams and key stakeholders across the business to prioritize infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and driving business outcomes.
5. Automation & Productivity Enhancement:
   Drive the adoption of automation tools and AIOPS to streamline infrastructure operations, improve productivity, reduce manual interventions, and enhance operational efficiency across the organization.
6. Vendor & Partner Relationship Management:
   Manage vendor relationships with strategic Partners like IBM, Kyndryl, Amdocs, TCS etc  and third-party partnerships/OEMs like Oracle , Microsoft, HP, Hitachi, Pure Storage, Cisco etc  ensuring that all deliverables, SLAs, and contractual obligations are met while optimizing costs and performance through effective negotiation and collaboration.
7. Risk Management & Continuous Improvement:
   Identify, mitigate, and resolve project risks and issues, ensuring that infrastructure projects are delivered with minimal disruptions. Lead continuous improvement initiatives, applying industry best practices, ITIL frameworks, and security standards to ensure project success.

Core Competencies, Knowledge, Experience

1. Expertise in designing and implementing scalable, high-availability Telco-grade IT infrastructure, with a deep understanding of virtualization, cloud-first strategies, and open-source technology adoption tailored for telecom environments (BSS/OSS systems).
2. Proficient in managing the full project lifecycle, from Proof of Concept (POC) through RFP and final delivery, with a strong ability to manage costs, timelines, and resources in a highly complex, matrixed organization.
3. Strong capability in managing vendor relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the successful delivery of services that meet agreed-upon performance, quality, and cost standards. Effective at collaborating with business and IT stakeholders to align project outcomes with organizational goals.
4. Demonstrated experience in leveraging automation tools and AIOPS to optimize infrastructure operations, reduce manual intervention, and drive operational efficiency and productivity improvements.
5. Expertise in maintaining project cost control, resource allocation, and timeline management while proactively addressing and mitigating risks to ensure successful project execution within budget and time constraints.
6. In-depth knowledge of ITIL best practices for service management, change management, and risk mitigation, ensuring compliance with industry standards and promoting continuous improvement in infrastructure operations.
7. Strong ability to align infrastructure projects with business objectives, ensuring that technical solutions drive business outcomes, enhance scalability, and contribute to improved organizational agility and productivity.

Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of IT infrastructure, with specialized knowledge in Telco-grade systems, cloud-first strategies, and open-source technologies relevant to telecom IT BSS environments.
• Proficient in IT service management frameworks, specifically ITIL, and in applying these frameworks to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices for managing complex IT projects in matrixed organizations.
• Expertise in cost management, vendor negotiations, and resource optimization to ensure successful project outcomes within budget and timeline constraints.

Experience:

• 18+ years of experience in managing large-scale IT infrastructure projects, particularly in the telecom industry, with a focus on virtualization, cloud-first strategies, and open-source technologies.
• Proven track record in managing end-to-end project lifecycles, from initial POC to final delivery, within complex, matrixed organizations.
• Extensive experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams, including IT demand management, vendors, and business units, to deliver infrastructure solutions that align with strategic business objectives.
• Hands-on experience in driving automation and AIOPS initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce manual efforts, and enhance infrastructure operations.

Must have technical / professional qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science/Information Technology, Engineering, or related fields.
• Relevant certifications in project management (e.g., PMP, Prince2) and ITIL & TOGAF are a plus.
• Expertise in project management methodologies and tools (e.g., Agile, PMP/ Prince2).