Head of GIS Delivery & LiDAR Operations

Job Title: Head – Delivery & Operations, Linear Engineering ServicesLocation: ChennaiRole PurposeThe Head – Delivery & Operations will be the end-to-end owner of the linear engineering delivery arm of the organization, responsible for ensuring high-quality, on-time, and cost-efficient execution of telecom design and engineering projects.The organization currently operates in the telecom sector, delivering:LiDAR-based ground surveysRoute planning and linear network designAs-built engineering packsThis role will:Develop in-house LLD and permitting capabilities to enable value chain expansion in near teamLead and scale the full engineering delivery organizationEnsure seamless client interface post-project awardBuild operational rigor, quality systems, and delivery governanceEstablish best-in-class standards for telecom engineering servicesPrepare the organization for expansion into utilities and other linear infrastructure sectorsThis is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical depth in telecom engineering projects, operational excellence capabilities, and the ability to build scalable delivery systems. The individual must combine engineering judgment, project governance expertise, and commercial awareness to ensure delivery excellence and client satisfaction. Key Responsibilities1) End-to-End Engineering Delivery OwnershipOwn the complete lifecycle of engineering multiple projects delivery concurrently from project kick-off to final submissionEnsure timely and high-quality delivery of:LiDAR survey outputs and data processingRoute alignment and network planningAs-built drawings and engineering packsLLD documentationPermits and statutory approvalsEstablish delivery KPIs (quality, TAT, cost efficiency, client SLAs)Act as final escalation authority for delivery-related risks and technical challenges 2) Operational Excellence & GovernanceBuild a structured engineering delivery operating modelImplement delivery governance frameworks, review mechanisms, and milestone trackingEstablish QA/QC systems for survey, design, and documentation outputsBuild engineering capacity planning models aligned with pipeline growth 3) Technical Leadership – Telecom EngineeringProvide technical oversight across:GIS-based design systemsLiDAR data utilization and interpretationFiber network design and permitsUtility corridor planningLinear infrastructure engineeringEnsure adherence to telecom standards, local regulatory requirements, and client specificationsGuide engineering teams on constructability, cost optimization, and field feasibilityIntegrate feedback loops from EPC clients to continuously improve engineering outputs 4) Client Interface & Commercial AlignmentServe as primary client liaison post-project awardLiaise with on-demand permitting agents to support regulatory approval processesParticipate in project kick-offs and ensure scope clarity and expectation alignmentDrive regular client reviews and delivery updatesManage change requests and scope variations in alignment with commercial teamsEnsure high customer satisfaction and repeat business 5) Expansion into Utilities & New SectorsDevelop engineering delivery capability for adjacent sectors such as:Power distribution and transmissionGas pipelinesWater and sewer networksOther linear infrastructure domainsIdentify capability gaps and build sector-specific expertiseDevelop sector-ready design frameworks and compliance systemsSupport business development with technical inputs for new market entry 6) Organization Building & LeadershipLead and mentor all LLD Managers and engineering delivery teamsDefine organizational structure for scale (regional teams, sector verticals, etc.)Build a performance-driven engineering culture focused on accountability and qualityFoster cross-functional collaboration between Sales, Finance, and Operations Success MeasuresWhat success looks like 24 months into the role:Delivery ExcellenceAchieve $5M+ in operational revenue by the end of Year 2, with a targeted EBITDA margin of 10–15%Scalable Engineering OrganizationScale the existing GIS and LiDAR delivery team to 2x its current capacityEstablish a 12-15 member LLD and Permitting team to support US telecom operations, with a plan to double capacity by Year 2Build and operationalize a 100-member integrated engineering delivery organization comprising LLD Managers, Permitting Experts, OSP Engineers, QA Specialists, GIS Analysts, and LiDAR EngineersClient ImpactSuccessfully execute pilot LLD and permitting projects for US telecom clients, converting delivery into repeat business engagements.Drive deeper client engagement across BEAD and non-BEAD US telecom rollouts, delivering projects for 5+ telecom operators and infrastructure companiesDiversificationLead pilot project execution in the European telecom sector, converting initial engagements into sustained client relationshipsDiversified revenue mix beyond US telecom and BEAD program Candidate ProfileExperience & Background15-18 years of experience in telecom engineering, linear infrastructure, or design services organizationsExperience in firms providing engineering services to telecom operators, EPC players, or utilities (e.g., Cyient, RMSI, Tata Consulting Engineers, etc.)Proven track record of leading large engineering delivery teamsExperience managing multi-project environments with strict SLAsExposure to utilities or adjacent infrastructure sectors preferred Domain Expertise (Must-Have)Strong knowledge of linear infrastructure engineering principlesFamiliarity with LiDAR technology and GIS-based design toolsWorking understanding of permitting and statutory approval processesKnowledge of constructability considerations relevant to EPC executionExperience building delivery governance and QA/QC frameworks Leadership CompetenciesStrong execution and operational rigorAbility to scale teams and processesClient-facing maturity and stakeholder managementStructured problem-solving and decision-makingCommercial awareness in engineering services environments EducationB.E./B.Tech in Civil / Electrical / Telecom / Mechanical EngineeringPostgraduate qualification in Infrastructure Management / Project Management (preferred)