Project Manager - Networking Infrastructure & WAN Programs

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Project Manager to lead and coordinate infrastructure initiatives involving networking equipment, WAN connectivity, and enterprise network modernization projects. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management expertise, exceptional stakeholder management capabilities, and the ability to drive cross-functional teams toward successful project delivery.

The Project Manager will be responsible for planning, executing, monitoring, and delivering network-related projects while ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, budget, quality, and business objectives. A foundational understanding of networking concepts, WAN technologies, and network infrastructure is essential to effectively engage with technical teams and business stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution

• Lead end-to-end project delivery for networking infrastructure and WAN-related initiatives.
• Define project scope, objectives, timelines, milestones, risks, and resource plans.
• Manage project schedules and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
• Coordinate activities across infrastructure, network engineering, operations, vendors, and business teams.
• Track project progress and proactively address issues impacting project success.

Stakeholder & Team Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate project meetings, status reviews, steering committee discussions, and executive updates.
• Foster collaboration across geographically distributed teams.
• Drive accountability and ensure alignment among project participants.
• Analytics & Reporting
• Develop and maintain project dashboards, KPIs, and status reports.
• Analyze project performance metrics and provide actionable recommendations.
• Utilize Excel and reporting tools to create executive-level presentations and reports.
• Communicate project risks, dependencies, and mitigation plans clearly to leadership.

Risk & Issue Management

• Identify, assess, and manage project risks and dependencies.
• Implement mitigation strategies to minimize project impact.
• Escalate critical issues appropriately and facilitate timely resolution.
• Decision Making & Problem Solving
• Apply analytical thinking to resolve project challenges.
• Support data-driven decision-making using project metrics and business insights.
• Evaluate alternative approaches and recommend optimal solutions.
• Networking & WAN Coordination
• Work closely with network architects, engineers, and vendors to deliver networking initiatives.

Understand fundamental networking concepts such as:

• LAN/WAN architecture
• Network routing and switching
• VPN technologies
• SD-WAN concepts
• Network hardware deployment and upgrades
• Connectivity and bandwidth management
• Coordinate network equipment deployment, migrations, refreshes, and operational readiness activities.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.

Experience

• 5-10 years of project management experience in infrastructure, networking, or technology programs.
• Experience managing cross-functional technical projects in enterprise environments.
• Proven track record of delivering projects on schedule and within budget.
• Required Skills
• Project Management
• Project planning and execution

Scope, schedule, and resource management

• Risk and issue management
• Budget and stakeholder management
• Agile, Waterfall, or Hybrid project delivery methodologies

Communication & People Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation and stakeholder management abilities
• Effective conflict resolution and team leadership skills

Analytical Capabilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Data interpretation and reporting
• Decision-making based on metrics and business outcomes

Technical Understanding

• Basic understanding of networking infrastructure and WAN technologies
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical teams
• Familiarity with network deployment and operational processes

Tools & Reporting

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, Smartsheet, or similar
• PowerPoint and reporting/dashboard tools

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, or Scrum certification.
• Experience managing network transformation, infrastructure refresh, or WAN migration programs.
• Exposure to telecom providers, network vendors, or data center projects.
• Knowledge of SD-WAN, cloud networking, and enterprise connectivity solutions.

Success Metrics

• On-time and on-budget project delivery.
• Effective risk management and issue resolution.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and communication effectiveness.
• Successful coordination of networking equipment deployment and WAN initiatives.
• Continuous improvement in project reporting, governance, and execution efficiency.