Position Overview:

The Regional Head of Network Operations will oversee end-to-end management of a large, geographically distributed network infrastructure comprising switches, routers, and the optical transport layer for one of India's leading Internet Service Providers. This role is responsible for operational excellence, network integrity, SLA compliance, and people leadership across multiple cities and states.

Key Responsibilities:

- Direct and manage end-to-end Network Operations for core, metro, and access networks across several cities and states.

- Provide technical leadership for a multi-technology environment including L2/L3 switching, routing, Metro Ethernet, GPON, and DWDM networks.

- Plan, coordinate, and execute new product and technology rollouts, including detailed product/solution qualification and quality assurance (QA) testing.

- Lead a large team of network engineers and operations managers; provide mentorship, training, and performance management.

- Ensure robust network monitoring and rapid incident response to achieve and exceed network SLAs (uptime, latency, performance, fault management).

- Drive continual improvement in network reliability, capacity, and scalability.

- Oversee root cause analysis and implement preventive and corrective measures for network issues.

- Manage vendor relationships, especially for hardware (switches, routers, optics) and critical software or monitoring solutions.

- Regularly review and update network documentation, policies, and procedures.

- Report to executive leadership on network KPIs, incident trends, and project status.

Required Technical Skills:

- Deep expertise in large-scale routing (OSPF, BGP, MPLS), switching (VLAN, STP, advanced L2/L3 protocols).

- Proven experience with Metro Ethernet and multi-site WAN design and management.

- Hands-on experience with GPON, MEN and advanced optical transport technologies (DWDM, FTTx, fiber troubleshooting).

- Strong command of product qualification and QA methodologies for network and optical equipment.

- Experience managing network automation, NMS, and monitoring tools.

Leadership & Soft Skills:

- Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate large teams (100+ people) across regions.

- Exceptional organizational, project management, and communication skills.

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and crisis management abilities.

Qualifications:

- B.E./B.Tech in Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or equivalent; post-graduate degree is a plus.

- 12+ years relevant experience in core/metro network operations for an ISP or carrier.

- Certifications (CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, MEF-CECP, or equivalent) strongly preferred.

Location:

Based in Hyderabad, with regional responsibility and frequent travel.

Reporting To:

VP - Network & Infrastructure

Compensation:

Competitive, with performance-based incentives.