GM - Core Projects

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is India’s leading telecom service provider. The Company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G and 4G platform. With the large spectrum portfolio to support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company is listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer. At VIL, we know that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages authenticity and fosters a sense of belonging. We strive for everyone to feel valued, connected and empowered to reach their potential and contribute their best.

VIL's goal is to build and maintain a workforce that is diverse in experience and background but uniform in reflecting our Values of Passion, Boldness, Trust, Speed and Digital. Consequently, our recruiting efforts are directed towards attracting and retaining best and brightest talents. Our endeavour is to be First Choice for prospective employees.

VIL ensures equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, colour, religion, creed, age, sex, sex stereotype, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, marital and civil partnership/union status, pregnancy, veteran or military service status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

VIL is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversifying its workforce.

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

Vodafone Idea Limited (formerly Idea Cellular Limited)

An Aditya Birla Group & Vodafone partnership