Program Manager - Telecommunication exp must

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a senior, telecom-native Program Manager to lead complex, high-visibility programs for a Communications Service Provider. This role is closely scrutinized by client leadership and requires a leader who combines disciplined program execution with deep, hands-on knowledge of telecom networks, OSS/BSS platforms, and service delivery. The successful candidate will be a credible partner to client architects and engineering leaders, able to discuss network and IT architecture trade-offs, translate technical dependencies into executable plans, and represent program status confidently to executive stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end telecom program delivery Lead programs from definition through production launch across network, IT, and digital workstreams (e.g., 5G/LTE feature launches, OSS/BSS modernization, order-to-activate, billing transformation, device and plan launches), accountable for scope, cost, schedule, and quality.
• Coordinate across teams and dependencies Align network engineering, IT/OSS/BSS, product, marketing, and vendor partners (e.g., Ericsson, Nokia, Amdocs, Netcracker) on scope, hand-offs, and cross-team dependencies, including IE/ORT testing windows, network maintenance windows, deployment schedules, and eligibility/data pulls.
• Partner with architecture teams Engage solution, network, and enterprise architects to understand target-state designs, interface dependencies, and integration impacts; translate architecture decisions into delivery plans, sequencing, and risk mitigations.
• Track status, dates, and risks Maintain committed dates, executive status fields, and health indicators in Jira/Nexus; monitor milestones, flag slips early, and keep hot topics, RAID logs, and risk registers current so reporting stays accurate.
• Run governance and drive action items Facilitate stand-ups, program reviews, architecture and release-readiness reviews, and breakout sessions; capture decisions and action items, assign owners, and follow up to closure.
• Manage scope and escalations Assess scope changes and new information, quantify schedule, resource, and network/customer impact, and escalate to leadership with clear options when triggers are met (e.g., budget, timeline, regulatory, or partner changes).
• Ensure launch and operational readiness Drive cutover planning, production validation, rollback plans, and hand-off to network operations (NOC) and IT operations, with attention to service availability, customer impact, and SLAs.
• Prepare executive stakeholder reporting Build leadership-ready updates that emphasize production release dates, business value milestones, and RAG status, and present confidently in executive reviews.

Required Telecom Domain Expertise

• Mobile network architecture Working knowledge of 4G LTE (EPC) and 5G (NSA and SA) architecture, including RAN, transport, and 5G Core network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, UDM), and how changes in each domain affect delivery timelines.
• OSS/BSS landscape Practical understanding of order management, service and resource inventory, provisioning and activation, mediation, rating and charging, billing, CRM, and assurance, including end-to-end flows such as quote-to-cash, order-to-activate, and trouble-to-resolve.
• Industry frameworks and standards Familiarity with TM Forum frameworks (eTOM, SID, Open Digital Architecture, Open APIs) and awareness of 3GPP releases and standards relevant to program scope.
• Network modernization Exposure to NFV/SDN, cloud-native network functions (CNFs), Kubernetes-based telco cloud, network automation and orchestration, and public/hybrid cloud adoption by carriers.
• Telecom products and services Understanding of consumer and enterprise offerings such as postpaid/prepaid plans, device launches, eSIM, number porting, fixed wireless access (FWA), fiber/broadband, IoT, private networks, and network slicing.
• Testing and release practices Experience coordinating telecom-specific test phases (lab, integration, end-to-end, IE/ORT, field and first-office application testing) and production cutovers within maintenance windows.
• Regulatory and operational awareness Awareness of carrier obligations such as E911, CALEA/lawful intercept, CPNI and data privacy, and network reliability expectations.

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of IT/technology experience, with 8+ years delivering programs for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Communications Service Provider or a major telecom vendor/system integrator.
• 5+ years leading multi-workstream programs with cross-functional teams, multiple vendors, and budgets of significant scale.
• Demonstrated ability to discuss telecom architecture with architects and engineers, ask the right technical questions, and challenge assumptions credibly.
• Proven track record managing scope, dependencies, risks, and escalations in a high-scrutiny, executive-visible environment.
• Strong executive communication skills, with the ability to convert technical complexity into clear business outcomes, decisions, and options.
• Hands-on experience with Agile/SAFe and hybrid delivery models, including release planning and PI planning.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an engineering, network, or solution architecture role before moving into program management.
• Experience with major telecom platforms and vendors (e.g., Amdocs, Netcracker, Ericsson, Nokia, Oracle Communications, Salesforce Communications Cloud).
• Certifications such as PMP, PgMP, SAFe RTE/SPC, TM Forum certifications, or cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform).
• Experience delivering 5G SA, network API exposure, or telco cloud migration programs.
• Experience applying Gen AI and automation to program reporting, testing, or operations.

Tools and Methods

• Program tools: Jira, Nexus, Confluence, MS Project, Smartsheet, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint, Power BI
• Delivery methods: Agile/SAFe, Waterfall, and hybrid models; RAID management; release and change management (ITIL-aligned)
• Reporting: RAG-based executive dashboards, milestone tracking, and business value reporting