Ankita Thakral

Project Management

• Accelerated successful deployment of the communication system in remote locations, in liaison with BSNL, with effective collaboration, logistical planning, and stakeholder engagement in a resource-constrained environment. Handled communication projects at three airbases.
• Monitored adherence to service and technical requirements for the induction of the missile system project in remote airbases, demonstrating precision in execution, stakeholder coordination, and compliance with operational standards.
• Spearheaded multi-disciplinary skill assessment for over 400 staff, identifying capability gaps and informing strategic talent development fortnightly.
• Streamlined the development of assessment materials for 25+ disciplines, achieving 99% accuracy through a structured 3-stage validation process under high-pressure timelines.
• Oversaw end-to-end coordination of 100+ events, including protocol-driven formal dinners and cultural programs, ensuring smooth execution and high attendee satisfaction.
• Proactively identified and addressed team members’ personal concerns to maintain morale, ensure continuity, and enhance overall project performance in high-pressure environments.
• Coordinated the planning and execution of monthly cohesion events for 500+ personnel across diverse units, significantly improving cross-functional collaboration and boosting team morale, contributing to a more unified and productive workforce.
• Conducted regular inspections across nine different disciplines simultaneously to ensure accurate recordkeeping and appropriate annotations, consistently identifying and correcting discrepancies to uphold compliance and process integrity.
• Conducted surprise inspections across multiple sections to ensure accurate documentation, stock availability, and proper management of spares and critical items, reinforcing accountability, operational readiness, and adherence to inventory control standards.
• Successfully resolved conflicts and discrepancies between cross-functional groups by identifying common goals and facilitating mutually acceptable compromises.
• Coordinated with multiple vendors to proactively place timely maintenance demands across different verticals, implementing a preventive maintenance strategy that ensured operational continuity, time efficiency, and readiness through well-defined contingency measures.
• Maintained task boards within the office environment to visualize workflow, track progress, and manage next sprint items, facilitating transparency, team alignment, and iterative planning.

HRM and Administration.

As an HR and Administration professional, I bring strategic thinking. Leadership, empathy, and integrity are important values in my place of work.

• Led end-to-end HR processes for over 350 personnel, managed through a core group of six mid-level managers, overseeing the administration of the missiles unit.
• Conducted professional and operational assessments for officers and airmen; appointed examiner.
• Chaired 30+ strategic skill assessment sessions for top-tier personnel, using targeted presentations and interviews to identify and promote future leadership potential.
• Mentored and trained over 300 personnel, fostering skill development, operational readiness, and professional growth.
• Earned Instructor Grading in recognition of excellence in subject matter expertise, instructional delivery, and leadership in a high-performance training environment.
• Led 10+ nationwide deployments, managing complex HR logistics, stakeholder communication, and people readiness.
• Built inclusive, performance-oriented teams through transparent leadership and structured feedback systems.
• Coordinated wellness and conflict resolution for diverse workforce segments.
• Oversaw compliance and documentation for workforce planning, security, and operational mandates.
• Facilitated marital counseling sessions to support healthy relationship dynamics among personnel, contributing to emotional well-being, reduced interpersonal conflicts, and a more cohesive work environment.
• Led the end-to-end recruitment process for 600 civilian candidates into the Indian Air Force, including question paper design, exam administration, practical assessments, interviews, and result compilation. Ensured transparency and procedural rigor, effectively ruling out RTIs through meticulous documentation and compliance with recruitment norms.
• Boosted team engagement on multiple occasions through an active listening and holistic problem-solving approach, driving results.
• Executed detailed appraisals annually for a workforce exceeding 200 personnel, evaluating performance against KPAs, and providing actionable feedback.
• Championed leadership for 25+ managers, enhancing succession planning within the organization.
• Conducted regular inspections of mess facilities to ensure hygienic food preparation, proper stock management, and disciplined operations, promoting employee well-being and maintaining workplace standards.
• Served as Liaison Officer for high-ranking dignitaries, overseeing hospitality, logistics, and other support services to ensure a seamless experience.
• Managed leave requests and scheduling for culturally diverse teams, aged 18 to 57, balancing individual needs with operational availability, and implementing contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted workforce performance.
• Championed VVIP hospitality services by collaborating with two direct managers and multiple managers across other departments, ensuring dignitaries' comfort and a seamless experience through effective cross-team communication and leadership.

Operations Management

With my experience in leadership, operations, and logistics, I add value to an organization, elevating the standards by practicing operational efficiency through problem-solving skills.

• Held talks, briefings, and presentations on a range of operational tasks. Effectively handled a variety of job descriptions at the same time, exhibiting flexibility and productivity in a VUCA environment.
• Leveraged strong leadership skills to oversee complex operations, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives, and driving operational excellence.
• Partnered with internal and external stakeholders to secure support to maintain diverse Russian assets across nine or more categories.
• Spearhead operations for the missiles vertical in three major operational air bases of the IAF. Led cross-functional teams of over 90 personnel across Operations, Techno-Logistics, and Administrative functions.
• Directed emergency asset relocation during a high-risk operational environment, achieving zero incidents and full safety compliance for both the workforce and equipment.
• Optimized critical wartime processes to achieve organizational KRAs.
• Participated in 4,000+ simulated and 1,000+ live missile exercises, emphasizing agile decision-making.
• Executed operations on appliances worth over two crore, running in a high-risk, strictly regulated environment; actively managed risks while monitoring equipment performance and personal efficiency metrics to maintain operational effectiveness in a dynamic and challenging setting.
• Managed resources remotely across multiple locations in highly dynamic, real-time critical operations by continuously monitoring real-time screen updates, ensuring personnel safety, while optimizing operational responsiveness.