Senior Network Planning & Build Architect

Job Title: Senior Network Planning & Build Architect

Location: Bellevue ,WA

Duration: 6+ Months of Contract with Possible Extension

Roles and Responsibilities:

 1. Strategic Leadership & Execution

• Drive network planning and build strategy execution, translating business goals into actionable roadmaps
• Lead strategic initiatives such as 5G expansion, fiber densification, rural coverage, and capacity upgrades
• Partner with leadership to define OKRs/KPIs (coverage, capacity, cost efficiency, deployment velocity) 
• Identify risks, dependencies, and opportunities to optimize network investment decisions

2. Program & Portfolio Governance

• Oversee end-to-end program management across planning, design, site acquisition, and deployment lifecycle
• Establish governance frameworks, RAG reporting, and executive dashboards
• Drive accountability for milestone delivery across cross-functional teams (RAN, Transport, Core, Operations)
• Ensure alignment to budget, timeline, and regulatory commitments

3. Cross-Functional Alignment & Execution

• Act as the central coordination point across:
• Network Engineering (RAN/Core/Transport)
• Site Acquisition & Construction
• Vendors/OEMs and Managed Service Partners
• Finance, Procurement, and Regulatory teams
• Break silos and ensure seamless communication and execution across domains

4. Executive Advisory & Decision Support

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Network Planning & Build leadership
• Provide data-driven insights on network performance, coverage gaps, and capacity planning
• Prepare executive reviews, board materials, and investment cases
• Support decision-making on network investments, vendor selection, and prioritization

5. Operational Excellence & Transformation

• Drive process optimization and tools rationalization across planning and deployment workflows
• Introduce automation, AI/ML insights, and digital transformation initiatives in network planning
• Improve cycle times for site rollout, permitting, and deployment execution
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance cost, quality, and speed

6. Vendor & Ecosystem Management

• Coordinate with OEMs, contractors, and partners for network deployment execution
• Track vendor performance, SLAs, and delivery commitments
• Support commercial and operational governance of vendor ecosystem

7. Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Manage executive communications, reporting cadence, and leadership reviews
• Ensure alignment between field teams, engineering groups, and executive leadership
• Represent the leadership team in critical internal/external forums

Key Outcomes / Success Metrics

• Network rollout milestones delivered on time and within budget
• Improved coverage, capacity, and network performance metrics
• Reduction in deployment cycle time and cost per site
• Strong cross-functional alignment and execution discipline
• High-quality executive reporting and decision enablement

• 12–18+ years in telecom (Network Planning / Deployment / Engineering / Program Management)
• Proven leadership in large-scale network build programs (5G, fiber, RAN transformation)
• Experience working with cross-functional engineering and vendor ecosystems

Education

• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Engineering, Telecommunications, or related field
• MBA preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking + execution excellence
• Strong program and portfolio management capabilities
• Deep understanding of telecom network architecture (RAN, Core, Transport)
• Ability to translate technical concepts into business outcomes
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills
• Strong analytical and decision-making ability
• Experience with KPIs, dashboards, and performance tracking frameworks

Leadership Traits

• Influencer without authority
• Structured, data-driven, and outcome-oriented
• Ability to operate in high ambiguity, high scale environments
• Strong bias for action and accountability