Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Job Description: Chief Technology Officer (CTO), AP State FiberNet Limited (APSFL) - Driving Telecom Innovation with Cisco Expertise AP State FiberNet Limited (APSFL), a pivotal force in Andhra Pradesh's digital empowerment, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to spearhead its technological advancements. We are looking for a strategic leader with a deep understanding of the telecommunications landscape and a proven track record, particularly with Telecom & Cisco Technologies, to guide the evolution of our extensive fiber optic network infrastructure. The CTO will be instrumental in shaping our technology strategy, ensuring a robust, secure, and future-ready network that aligns with our mission and growth objectives.

 

This role demands a leader who not only possesses extensive telecom domain knowledge but also brings significant expertise in Cisco's suite of networking solutions.

Reporting to: Managing Director

Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Telecom & Cisco Technology Leadership: Provide visionary leadership for all technical functions, with a strong emphasis on leveraging your deep understanding of the telecommunications industry and Cisco's technology portfolio to drive APSFL's strategic direction.
•  Network Infrastructure Planning & Implementation (Telecom & Cisco Focus): Take ownership of the planning, design, and implementation of APSFL's network infrastructure, with a focus on optimizing Fiber, DWDM, IMS, IPTV, IP/MPLS, and GPON technologies, and strategically incorporating Cisco's networking and security solutions.
•  Expansion & Optimization (Telecom & Cisco Perspective): Analyze the existing network infrastructure from a telecom-centric viewpoint, identifying opportunities for optimization and developing comprehensive expansion plans that strategically utilize Cisco's advanced networking capabilities to support business growth and evolving service demands.
• Budgeting & Resource Management (Telecom & Cisco Considerations): Ensure the timely and efficient implementation of network enhancements, including the development and presentation of detailed budgetary plans and Bills of Materials, with specific consideration for Cisco hardware, software, and licensing.
•  Architecture & Governance (Telecom & Cisco Best Practices): Define and establish robust architecture frameworks and governance policies for APSFL's fiber optic networks, ensuring high levels of efficiency, scalability, reliability, and performance, while adhering to Cisco best practices and security guidelines. Cont……
•  Innovation & Product Validation (Telecom & Cisco Solutions): Build and lead a cutting-edge product validation center to conduct thorough research, test innovative proof-of-concepts, and introduce novel solutions, with a particular focus on evaluating and integrating relevant Cisco technologies for competitive advantage.
•  Network Modernization (Telecom Evolution & Cisco Roadmaps): Develop and implement a comprehensive network infrastructure modernization plan and budget, continuously assessing emerging telecom trends and strategically aligning with Cisco's technology roadmaps for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Enterprise Network Solutions (Telecom & Cisco Integration): Architect and design scalable and secure enterprise fiber optic network infrastructure solutions that effectively meet the evolving internal and external customer requirements, with a strong emphasis on leveraging Cisco's enterprise networking and security offerings.
• Vendor Management & IT Governance (Telecom & Cisco Ecosystem): Actively participate in the creation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for IT infrastructure and critical software applications (ERP/BSS/OSS), lead the selection process for outsourcing partners, and establish and enforce robust IT governance frameworks, with a specific understanding of the Cisco partner ecosystem.
• Cybersecurity & Disaster Recovery (Telecom Security & Cisco Expertise): Oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity policies and the network security architecture for APSFL, ensuring robust governance frameworks, data protection measures, and effective disaster recovery readiness, with a deep understanding of Cisco's security portfolio.
• Team Leadership & Development (Telecom & Cisco Skillsets): Build, mentor, and manage high-performing technical teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, with a focus on developing expertise in both the telecom domain and Cisco technologies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration (Telecom & Cisco Context): Effectively communicate and collaborate with internal stakeholders, including board members and other executive leaders, as well as external stakeholders, including government agencies and technology partners, often within the context of telecom infrastructure and Cisco solutions.

 

Qualifications:

•  Preferred: Doctorate or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field with a strong emphasis on telecommunications networking.
• Extensive Telecom Experience: A minimum of 25 years of progressive experience in technology leadership roles within the telecommunications industry, with significant involvement in network planning, architecture, and infrastructure management.
•  Deep Cisco Expertise: Proven and demonstrable experience in architecting, implementing, and managing complex network solutions utilizing a wide range of Cisco technologies across routing, switching, security, and other relevant domains. Certifications such as CCIE are highly desirable.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in the implementation and management of large-scale telecom network solutions, ideally within fiber optic network environments, with a strong understanding of Cisco's role in such deployments.
• Emerging Telecom & Cisco Technologies Acumen: A strong understanding of emerging trends in the telecommunications industry and a comprehensive knowledge of Cisco's current and future technology roadmaps.
• Problem-Solving & Innovation (Telecom & Cisco Focused): Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to innovation and a commitment to continuous improvement within the context of telecom network challenges and Cisco's capabilities.

 

Skills:

• Expertise in Telecom Network Technologies: Comprehensive expertise in Fiber optic infrastructure, DWDM, IMS, IPTV, IP/MPLS, and GPON technologies within a telecommunications context.
• Deep Cisco Technology Proficiency: Extensive hands-on and theoretical knowledge of
• Cisco's networking and security portfolio, including but not limited to routers, switches, firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and network management platforms.
• Strategic Telecom & Cisco Thinking: Proven ability in strategic thinking, with the capacity to accurately forecast network demand and develop long-term infrastructure upgrade plans that strategically leverage Cisco solutions within the telecom landscape.
•  Strong Leadership Abilities (Telecom & Cisco Teams): Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to effectively manage large technical teams, oversee multiple complex internal and external projects, and drive organizational change, including fostering expertise in Cisco technologies.
•  IT Architecture & Governance (Telecom & Cisco Frameworks): Extensive experience in defining and implementing IT architecture, cybersecurity best practices, and IT governance frameworks, with a strong understanding of how Cisco's solutions fit within these frameworks in a telecom environment.
• Excellent Communication & Presentation Skills (Telecom & Cisco Context): Outstanding written and verbal communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively articulate complex technical concepts related to telecom networks and Cisco technologies to diverse audiences.
• Budget Management (Telecom & Cisco Procurement): Proven proficiency in developing and managing significant budgets for large-scale technical operations, including the procurement and management of Cisco hardware, software, and services.
•  Fiber Optic Network & Cisco Integration Mastery: In-depth understanding of fiber optic technologies, network security principles, and enterprise-level network solutions.