Telecom Manager

About the Role
The Telecom Manager is responsible for leading large-scale, cross-functional network and telecom programs that enable reliable, scalable, and cost-effective connectivity across GAP Inc.'s global retail stores, offices, and supply chain locations.

This role combines technical program management leadership with telecom optimization ownership, driving critical initiatives such as store circuit upgrade programs, access modernization, SD-WAN alignment, and Store of the Future enablement. The manager will serve as a key interface between Network Engineering, Store Technology, Security, Finance, Sourcing, and telecom service providers to deliver complex programs on time, within scope, and with measurable business impact. What You'll Do

Key Responsibilities

Technical Program Management
• Lead end-to-end technical program management for large-scale network and telecom initiatives impacting thousands of retail stores.
• Own program planning, execution, timelines, dependencies, risk management, and executive-level status reporting.
• Drive cross-functional alignment across Network Engineering, Store Technology, Security, Infrastructure, Finance, and external partners.
• Manage program governance, milestones, and success metrics to ensure delivery against business and technical objectives.

Store Circuit Upgrade Programs
• Own and lead key store circuit upgrade initiatives, including bandwidth increases, access technology transitions, and resiliency improvements.
• Coordinate upgrades across WAN, DIA, Broadband, LTE/5G, and backup connectivity to support store growth and performance demands.
• Partner with carriers, vendors, and internal teams to plan, schedule, and execute upgrades with minimal store disruption.
• Ensure circuit upgrades meet performance, availability, security, and cost targets.
• Track program progress, risks, and benefits realization, including improved performance and reduced incident impact.

Telecom Optimization & Strategy
• Execute the telecom optimization strategy across global retail stores, corporate offices, and distribution centers.
• Continuously assess telecom services to improve cost efficiency, resiliency, and scalability.
• Drive initiatives such as carrier consolidation, access diversity, technology refresh, and SD-WAN optimization.
• Evaluate and pilot innovative access solutions to support Store of the Future initiatives (e.g., 5G, fixed wireless).

Vendor, Carrier & Financial Management
• Lead relationships with global and regional telecom carriers and service providers.
• Oversee contract lifecycle management, renewals, and negotiations in partnership with Strategic Sourcing.
• Manage telecom cost governance, including usage analysis, invoice validation, and savings tracking.
• Provide regular reporting on program delivery, telecom spend, optimization outcomes, and realized savings to leadership.

Store & Business Enablement
• Ensure store connectivity supports critical business services including POS, Store Wi-Fi, IoT devices, digital signage, and cloud applications.
• Partner with Store Operations and Technology teams to align upgrades with store calendars and operational needs.
• Improve store network reliability and customer experience through proactive modernization efforts.

Operational Excellence & Risk Management
• Establish standards, KPIs, and processes for telecom programs and service performance.
• Improve incident escalation and carrier response processes to reduce MTTR.
• Identify and mitigate technical, operational, and delivery risks across complex programs.

Leadership & Collaboration
• Provide technical and program leadership within the network and telecom domain.
• Mentor program managers or analysts supporting telecom and store initiatives.
• Communicate clearly with both technical and executive stakeholders, translating complex initiatives into business outcomes.

Who You Are

• Experience supporting global retail or large distributed enterprises .
• Familiarity with Cisco Meraki, Cisco SD-WAN, or similar enterprise networking platforms .
• Knowledge of telecom expense management (TEM) tools and processes.
• Experience enabling digital transformation or Store of the Future initiatives.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong execution focus
• Data-driven decision making
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication
• Vendor negotiation and influencing skills
• Ability to balance cost optimization with performance and resiliency