Telecom Manager

<div><strong>About the Role</strong><br/>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.<br/><br/>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.<strong>What You'll Do</strong><br/><br/>Key Responsibilities<br/><br/>Technical Program Management<br/>• Lead end-to-end technical program management for large-scale network and telecom initiatives impacting thousands of retail stores.<br/>• Own program planning, execution, timelines, dependencies, risk management, and executive-level status reporting.<br/>• Drive cross-functional alignment across Network Engineering, Store Technology, Security, Infrastructure, Finance, and external partners.<br/>• Manage program governance, milestones, and success metrics to ensure delivery against business and technical objectives.<br/><br/>Store Circuit Upgrade Programs<br/>• Own and lead key store circuit upgrade initiatives, including bandwidth increases, access technology transitions, and resiliency improvements.<br/>• Coordinate upgrades across WAN, DIA, Broadband, LTE/5G, and backup connectivity to support store growth and performance demands.<br/>• Partner with carriers, vendors, and internal teams to plan, schedule, and execute upgrades with minimal store disruption.<br/>• Ensure circuit upgrades meet performance, availability, security, and cost targets.<br/>• Track program progress, risks, and benefits realization, including improved performance and reduced incident impact.<br/><br/>Telecom Optimization & Strategy<br/>• Execute the telecom optimization strategy across global retail stores, corporate offices, and distribution centers.<br/>• Continuously assess telecom services to improve cost efficiency, resiliency, and scalability.<br/>• Drive initiatives such as carrier consolidation, access diversity, technology refresh, and SD-WAN optimization.<br/>• Evaluate and pilot innovative access solutions to support Store of the Future initiatives (e.g., 5G, fixed wireless).<br/><br/>Vendor, Carrier & Financial Management<br/>• Lead relationships with global and regional telecom carriers and service providers.<br/>• Oversee contract lifecycle management, renewals, and negotiations in partnership with Strategic Sourcing.<br/>• Manage telecom cost governance, including usage analysis, invoice validation, and savings tracking.<br/>• Provide regular reporting on program delivery, telecom spend, optimization outcomes, and realized savings to leadership.<br/><br/>Store & Business Enablement<br/>• Ensure store connectivity supports critical business services including POS, Store Wi-Fi, IoT devices, digital signage, and cloud applications.<br/>• Partner with Store Operations and Technology teams to align upgrades with store calendars and operational needs.<br/>• Improve store network reliability and customer experience through proactive modernization efforts.<br/><br/>Operational Excellence & Risk Management<br/>• Establish standards, KPIs, and processes for telecom programs and service performance.<br/>• Improve incident escalation and carrier response processes to reduce MTTR.<br/>• Identify and mitigate technical, operational, and delivery risks across complex programs.<br/><br/>Leadership & Collaboration<br/>• Provide technical and program leadership within the network and telecom domain.<br/>• Mentor program managers or analysts supporting telecom and store initiatives.<br/>• Communicate clearly with both technical and executive stakeholders, translating complex initiatives into business outcomes.<br/><br/><strong>Who You Are</strong><br/><br/><ul><li>Experience supporting <b>global retail or large distributed enterprises</b>.</li><li>Familiarity with <b>Cisco Meraki, Cisco SD-WAN, or similar enterprise networking platforms</b>.</li><li>Knowledge of telecom expense management (TEM) tools and processes.</li><li>Experience enabling digital transformation or <b>Store of the Future</b> initiatives.</li></ul><br/><br/><b>Key Competencies</b><br/><ul><li>Strategic thinking with strong execution focus</li><li>Data-driven decision making</li><li>Excellent stakeholder management and communication</li><li>Vendor negotiation and influencing skills</li><li>Ability to balance cost optimization with performance and resiliency</li></ul></div>