Bristow Thankachan
Wing Commander (Retd), Indian Air Force
Derby
Summary
Highly accomplished Programme Manager with over 14 years of experience leading complex, high-value projects in the defense and aerospace industries. Successfully managed programmes valued at up to ₹900 crore, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to quality standards. Proven expertise in cross-functional team leadership, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement strategies resulting in a significant 20% reduction in operational delays. Skilled in integrating technical systems with procurement and supply chain processes. Seeking to leverage strong project management and leadership experience to drive zero-defect production and programme success. Currently pursuing APM and Prince 2 certifications to further strengthen project management expertise.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Senior Operations Officer
Military Intelligence
Gujarat
7 2020 - Current
- Led a ₹900 crore project, managing the induction and trials of equipment, achieving a 98% compliance rate for operational and administrative requirements
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams (engineering, procurement, local resources) to develop 5 detachment locations near the international border, ensuring zero defects in all deployments
- Spearheaded the development of an AI-based data analysis software, improving operational decision-making efficiency by 30%
- Ensured on-time delivery and zero-defect quality by implementing continuous improvement techniques
Squadron Commander
National Security Guards
01.2018 - 07.2020
- Commanded a unit of 100+ personnel specializing in urban warfare and counter-terrorism, successfully leading 10+ high-stakes operations with 100% mission success
- Managed the procurement of technology equipment worth ₹50 crore, increasing combat capability by 25%
- Developed training schedules and led 10 major exercises, improving operational readiness by 15%
Programme Lead
Security Training School
03.2016 - 01.2018
- Established a new training school and developed curriculum for over 9,000 airmen and 900 officers, ensuring all training milestones were met within budget and timeline
- Implemented lean practices and continuous improvement strategies, reducing training programme costs by 15% and improving efficiency
- Managed over 20 training programmes per year with a 95% trainee satisfaction rate
Operations Officer
Surface-to-Air Missile Battalion
02.2014 - 03.2016
- Directed operations, engineering, and administration for a Surface-to-Air Missile unit, deploying the system for 5 major exercises with zero operational defects
- Led 20+ deployments near the international border, ensuring 100% operational success for a team of 150+ personnel
- Improved maintenance processes, reducing operational delays by 20% and ensuring zero defects during critical mission deployments
Business Analyst and Technical Educator
Infosys Technologies
09.2010 - 12.2011
- Trained over 200 system engineers in business analysis and new services at Infosys' Global Education Center, achieving a 10% increase in trainee performance
- Managed the delivery of training programmes on time and within scope, with a 90% trainee satisfaction rate
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics)
VTU, Air Force Technical College
06.2012 - 06.2013
B.Tech - Computer Science and Engineering
Government Engineering College Thrissur
10.2006 - 09.2010
Skills
Programme & Project Management
Risk Mitigation & Strategic Planning
Cross-functional Team Leadership
Stakeholder Management & Collaboration
Continuous Improvement & Lean Practices
Budgeting, Scheduling & Resource Allocation
Zero-Defect Delivery
Operational Efficiency
Workforce Planning
Organizational Development
Cost Reduction
Certification
Currently pursuing: APM (Association for Project Management) and Prince 2 certifications
Awards
- Best Commando Award - NSG Black Cat Commando Course (Top 1% of trainees)
- Senior Trainee Captain - Indian Air Force (Led a class of 50+ officers)
- Appreciation from Commanding Officer for successful convoy movement and deployment of Surface-to-Air Missile Battery near India-Pakistan border.
- Commendation by AOC for managing the longest road convoy movement and zero-defect deployment of missile systems.
Additionaldetails - Righttowork
UK (Dependent Visa)
Timeline
Squadron Commander
National Security Guards
01.2018 - 07.2020
Programme Lead
Security Training School
03.2016 - 01.2018
Operations Officer
Surface-to-Air Missile Battalion
02.2014 - 03.2016
Post Graduate Diploma - Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics)
VTU, Air Force Technical College
06.2012 - 06.2013
Business Analyst and Technical Educator
Infosys Technologies
09.2010 - 12.2011
B.Tech - Computer Science and Engineering
Government Engineering College Thrissur
10.2006 - 09.2010
Senior Operations Officer
Military Intelligence
7 2020 - Current
Currently pursuing: APM (Association for Project Management) and Prince 2 certifications
Air Staff Course | Air Force Administrative College, 10/01/19, 11/30/19
Mission System Avionics | AWACS, Indian Air Force, 12/01/20, 05/31/21
Surface-to-Air Guided Weapons | Technical Type Training School, 07/01/13, 02/28/14
National Security Guard Commando Course | Black Cat Commando, 2018
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