Mukesh L. Sao
Summary
Results-driven Operations & Maintenance professional with 18+ years of experience in telecom infrastructure, project deployment, energy management, and service delivery. Adept at managing active/passive infrastructure, vendor coordination, and large-scale nationwide rollouts. Certified in ITIL V4 and Lean Six Sigma. Proven success in improving uptime, reducing costs, and optimizing operational efficiency. Seeking a leadership role to drive strategic initiatives and business transformation in the telecom and digital infrastructure domain.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Service Delivery/ Operations and Maintenance Manager-PAN INDIA
Sai Electrical and Electronics/SABKA Transformers Pvt LTD
Pune, MH
04.2024 - Current
- Orchestrated nationwide Service Delivery Management leading a team of 500+ to deliver on strategic objectives.
- Led end-to-end utility setup and infrastructure management across MSCs, Media Gateways, iBSC, NLD, and IP COLO sites.
- Specialized in critical systems including FM-200 fire suppression, smoke sensors, access control, CCTV, hydrant/jockey pumps, DG systems, HVAC/PACs, water-cooled centrifugal/screw chillers, and BMS.
- Managed electrical infrastructure components such as HT/LT panels, APFC panels, UPS, VFD, PIU, SPS, SMPS, and battery banks (drain tests, optimization, health check-ups).
- Oversaw switchyard operations, HT/LT switchgear management, false flooring levelling, and mock drills as part of safety audits and readiness checks.
- Directed hybrid energy initiatives, including BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems), solar deployment, and DG removal to cut diesel and EB (Electric Board) power costs.
- Drove full lifecycle execution of energy projects: Li-ion battery installations, energy-efficient upgrades, and solar expansion.
- Monitored EB/diesel bills, load usage, outages, and uptime performance to drive energy analytics and root cause analysis.
- Interfaced with cross-functional teams (Operations, Opex, Procurement, Finance) and external stakeholders (OEMs, vendors, SEBs) for project alignment and approvals.
- Ensured adherence to regulatory, technical, and safety standards; led documentation, reporting, and mentoring on energy-saving best practices.
- Supported the full lifecycle of solar projects: feasibility analysis, site survey, detailed design, construction, commissioning, and maintenance.
- Developed solar PV layouts, string sizing, inverter selection, utility interfacing, and city permit documentation.
- Designed systems using fixed tilt and single-axis trackers; executed projects for both ground-mounted and rooftop installations.
- Ensured compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC) and regulatory guidelines; developed technical specifications and BoQs.
- Conducted troubleshooting and performance monitoring to optimize system efficiency and power generation output.
- Conducted site surveys to assess load requirements, phase configuration, and proximity to EB points for new connections (temporary/permanent).
- Evaluated options for direct board supply vs third-party supply; managed estimation and demand note processes.
- Prepared technical submissions (load applications, site layouts, NOCs); coordinated with SEB officials for inspections and load approvals.
- Followed up on application statuses, ensuring timely processing and approvals.
- Supervised installation and commissioning of meter panels, MDBs, LT/HT structures, transformers, earthing systems, poles, and service lines.
- Ensured installation quality, safety, and regulatory compliance; managed safe EB shutdowns and energization schedules.
- Diagnosed faults in existing EB systems: phase loss, overloading, voltage drops, wiring/earthing issues, damaged components.
- Upgraded electrical supply (e.g., 5kW to 15kW, single-phase to three-phase); managed EB infrastructure relocations.
- Ensured adherence to NEC and local EB codes; completed inspections, obtained safety certifications, and handed over load sanction and connection reports.
- Provided post-commissioning support and coordinated periodic inspections, reconnections, or service interventions.
- Conducted land and soil assessments, access evaluation, and feasibility checks for new tower builds or upgrades.
- Collaborated with RF and acquisition teams for structural layout planning.
- Prepared and reviewed structural drawings, foundation designs, civil and electrical BoQs, and infrastructure automation plans.
- Ensured compliance with telecom standards, IS codes, and regulatory requirements.
- Supervised full civil infrastructure buildout: Tower foundations and erection (RTT/GBT), DG/shelter platforms, Cable trenching, earthing, fencing, compound development, Access road and drainage systems (if required).
- Managed civil works for tower height extensions, DG/shelter relocation, structural reinforcement, and equipment platform additions.
- Ensured construction quality through material checks and curing processes.
- Enforced safety compliance: PPE, fall protection, and HSE best practices.
- Coordinated site readiness with RF, electrical, and project teams; submitted RFIs, WCRs, and as-built documentation.
- Monitored vendor deliverables, tracked material inventory, and managed site progress to meet cost and timeline targets.
- Logistic/Warehouse management for client Altus and Indus Towers.
- Achieved telecommunication site readiness for on-air operations, ensuring RFI compliance, customer handovers, and securing WCC approvals.
- Managed cross-functional teams and vendors for site construction, electrification, upgrades, and operator’s integrations.
- Championed ESH & ESG compliance, fostering a culture of safety, monitoring adherence to safety guidelines, and providing essential training to field teams.
- Proactively managed external environmental challenges, strategizing solutions to overcome potential obstacles.
- Identified, tracked and resolved critical path issues.
- Significant Highlight-
- About 22000 tower EB management for Project Sanjeevani in Maharashtra.
- About 400+ team handling for 15 telecom circles of PAN India.
- Contributing to 65% grew the overall business for Pan India, Take new opportunity for Project in J&K, Delhi, North East reason and Orissa, Maharashtra Circles.
- Responsible for overall Business, Team management and Service delivery for Pan India level.
Circle O&M Manager
Tower Vision India Pvt Ltd
Hyderabad, Telangana/AP
04.2023 - 04.2024
- Expert oversight of KPI & SLA across all domains within the Circle.
- Expert to Analysis and planning Opex budget for Quarterly and Yearly basis of Operations & Maintenance annual operating plan by providing estimated inputs from the circle and adhere to annual operating plan, translating targets into action plans for the circle team.
- Identification and capitalization (Capex) on new business opportunities for tenancy sharing and service.
- Responsible to Establish mechanisms to monitor key circle performance metrics including network uptime, infrastructure health etc. and to identify and mitigate risks to business.
- Conducting root cause analysis in order to resolve circle issues and complications and determine resolution action plans.
- Exploring new initiatives and solutions to improve service quality and reduce operating costs.
- Ensuring timely repair and maintenance of faulty equipment within SLAs.
- Operations Review Daily/Weekly/Quarterly basis with stakeholders (SCM/Estate Management/Projects/Security) and Team, OME/IME, SME Partners.
- Managing Media Gateway, NLDs, iBSCs, MACRO and High Power small cells site’s Optical fiber media connectivity and Passive infrastructure management as per agreed SLA.
- Ensuring of 100% uptime through robust management of Passive Infrastructure, Power, and Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) media.
- 100% Alarm integration & Site Automation/ Ensured to functional with NOC.
- MOM and KPI review with customer to provide solutions of their issue to streamline Operations within timeline.
- Enhancements with coordination with Projects, SCM and Estate and Legal team.
- Successful implementation of upgrades for Vodafone Idea, RJIO, Airtel, and BSNL, Tata Telecommunication, SIFY.
- Responsible to Reviewing an analysis of energy consumption at the circle level, compare with budgeted targets and drive initiatives to reduce energy consumption at sites.
- KPI and Energy signoff with customers (Operators).
- Accurate Billing/Invoicing and timely Sign-off with OME/IME/SME partners.
- Strategic People Management and Talent Development.
- Rigorous Process Compliance.
- Proactive Customer Engagement and Relationship Building.
- Pioneering initiatives and innovations for operational efficiency and cost savings.
- Monthly Governance Meetings coordination with OME, OFC maintenance teams, and OEM/SME partners, including SCM.
- DG system, HVAC system, PACs, Water cooled Centrifugal / Screw Chiller, BMS, HT and LT panels, APFC panels, iBSC/NLD Server rooms, UPS and VFD (variable-frequency drive), Pumping system, WTP, STP, Smoke & Fire alarms System, Hydrant systems, PDU breakers, Switch yard, Digital application etc. Equipment, PDU Rack, SMPS, Battery bank drain test, Battery bank optimization and Health check-up and all other infra equipment’s as well general hygiene of BTS cell sites.
- DG, PIU, SPS, SMPS, PDU Rack, Battery bank Optimization, Operation and maintenance of electrical Utilities DG, AC, SMPS, ,PIU Transformers and shelter facilities, LT-HT Switchgears, HT Transformers HT-LT Panels, UPS, AC-DCDB, Tower, Shelter MSC, BSC And OFC Utilities.
- Significant Highlight-
- Single point of contact for Operation and Maintenance, Customer billing, SLA Signoff, Energy Signoff, Passive Infrastructure Maintenance, Vendor management and Team Management for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- About 100+ team handling for Andhra Pradesh/Telangana-India.
Operations Manager
Indus Towers Ltd
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
12.2020 - 04.2023
- Managed 1000+ sites with a 150+ member team; ensured KPI targets and uptime compliance.
- Spearheaded special task force operations within the Circle COO office, ensuring cross-functional coordination and regulatory compliance.
- Monitored daily progress of Circle-level strategic projects and collaborated with stakeholders for timely execution.
- Oversaw operations and maintenance for 1000+ sites, leading a team of 150+ across IME, Inhouse, SME, O&M, Security, and TOC/NOC.
- Managed budget and vendor operations in line with the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), achieving cost-effective results.
- Ensured ESH & ESG compliance by implementing field training, safety culture development, and audit readiness.
- Handled external environmental challenges, proactively resolving issues impacting operations.
- Enforced signage board regulations and ensured site hygiene and infrastructure branding.
- Maintained strong stakeholder relationships through regular governance meetings, MOMs, and customer sign-offs.
- Built rapport with local communities, landowners, and SEB authorities to streamline site support and issue resolution.
- Tracked partner/vendor performance against SLA/KPIs, ensured timely closure of work orders, and optimized support.
- Led energy efficiency initiatives, tracked EB and diesel consumption, and supported asset lifecycle decision-making.
- Analyzed TOC reports (USD, FF, Non-MSA) and implemented corrective actions to improve site uptime.
- Conducted preventive and corrective maintenance programs to achieve zero-defect operations.
- Performed site audits for security, key control, asset management, and ensured hygiene compliance.
- Reviewed diesel trends, validated utility bills, and minimized fuel pilferage.
- Monitored team activities via geofencing tools and ensured operational transparency.
- Validated SME/IME estimates for repairs and maintenance, and aligned efforts to improve EBITDA via cost controls.
- Developed and coached high-performance field teams through structured reviews, performance feedback, and training programs.
- Drove TQM practices and ensured PDCA approach was adopted across field operations.
- Significant Highlight-
- Managed 16,000+ towers; reported directly to the Circle COO.
- Played key role in Circle Audit & Compliance governance.
- Enabled smooth post-merger integration of Bharti Infratel & Indus Towers in UP East.
Zonal Operations Manager – O&M & Projects
ATC Telecom Infra Pvt Ltd
Sarguja, Chhattisgarh
05.2016 - 12.2020
- Handled 600+ sites, vendor teams, and preventive maintenance programs.
- Managed infrastructure for BTS, NLD/iBSC rooms, and DG/HVAC power systems.
- Led energy optimization, OPEX control, and compliance training for field teams.
Project Manager – LWE Project Rollout
Himachal Futuristic Communications Ltd
Bhopal, Chhattisgarh & Madhya Pradesh
04.2015 - 04.2016
- Rolled out 2000+ sites across Left Wing Extremism zones, ensuring timely HOTO.
- Deployed solar infrastructure, coordinated RF/SACFA planning, and site integration.
Cluster In-Charge – O&M
Bharti Infratel Ltd
Raigarh, Chhattisgarh
07.2012 - 03.2015
- Managed site O&M, asset performance, and energy cost control across clusters.
- Ensured compliance, site quality audits, and stakeholder coordination.
Cluster Lead
ZTE Telecom India Pvt Ltd
Patna, Bihar
05.2009 - 06.2012
- Delivered >99.99% network uptime across 1000+ new rollouts.
- Conducted RF tests, site surveys, SLA monitoring, and integration with TTSL.
Senior Engineer
Nokia Siemens Networks (via GTL)
Durg, Chhattisgarh
04.2007 - 05.2009
- Led infra upgrades, BTS/BSC commissioning, alarm integration, and OFC planning.
- Operated in critical Naxal zones, achieving 99.99% uptime under challenging conditions.
Education
MBA (Project Management) - undefined
Sikkim Manipal University
B.E. Electrical - undefined
NIT Raipur
01.2006
Skills
- ITIL V-4
- Lean Six Sigma
- Operations and Maintenance
- Service delivery
- Active/Passive/Optical fiber management
- Utility Infrastructure management
- Warehouse Management
- Logistics Management
- Field management
- End to end Services
- Data center management
- Server room management
- Telecom facilities management
- FM-200 systems
- Smoke sensors
- Access control
- CCTV
- Hydrant systems
- Jockey pump systems
- DG systems
- AC systems
- HVAC systems
- PAC systems
- Water-cooled centrifugal chillers
- Water-cooled screw chillers
- BMS
- HT panels
- LT panels
- APFC panels
- UPS
- VFD
- PIU
- SPS
- SMPS
- Battery bank management
- Switchyard management
- HT switchgear
- LT switchgear
- Transformer management
- False Flooring Levelling
- Mock Drills
- Safety Audits
- Optical Fiber operations
- ISP Maintenance
- OSP Maintenance
- Core Network deployment
- Last Mile Network deployment
- FTTX Networks
- PDH management
- SDH management
- DWDM management
- Underground Trenching
- Open Trenching
- Micro Trenching
- Horizontal Directional Drilling
- Aerial deployment
- OPGW deployment
- OTDR Testing
- Splicing
- GIS Mapping
- RF Spectrum allocation
- SCAFA
- Drive test report generation
- Troubleshooting
- Routine Drive testing
- Budget management
- Opex planning
- Capex planning
- Customer relationship management
- Client communications
- Site location management
- ROW management
- Negotiation skills
- Liaisoning skills
- Network Uptime management
- SLA management
- CRM software
- CRP software
- Oracle software
- Power BI software
- Project Deployment
- Operation & Maintenance
- Data Analysis
- Operations report interpretation
- Data Presentation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Pressure management
- Project management
- Team building
- Skill development
- ESH compliance
- ESG compliance
- Safety monitoring
- Training provision
Qualifications And Certifications
- MBA, Project Management, Sikkim Manipal University, 70.23%
- B.E., Electrical, NIT Raipur, 2006, 65%
- ITIL V4 Certification, AXELOS (PeopleCert), UK
- Lean Six Sigma Certification, CPD Certified, UK
Notable Highlights
- Delivered EB management for 22,000 towers (Project Sanjeevani – Maharashtra)
- Managed PAN India O&M teams with 500+ resources across 15 telecom circles
- Contributed to 65% business growth by expanding operations in J&K, NE, Delhi, Orissa
- Integrated 2000+ sites in LWE rollout and 1000+ sites in Rainbow Project
- Played critical role in mergers: Idea–Vodafone–ATC and Bharti–Indus
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hindi
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Service Delivery/ Operations and Maintenance Manager-PAN INDIA
Sai Electrical and Electronics/SABKA Transformers Pvt LTD
04.2024 - Current
Circle O&M Manager
Tower Vision India Pvt Ltd
04.2023 - 04.2024
Operations Manager
Indus Towers Ltd
12.2020 - 04.2023
Zonal Operations Manager – O&M & Projects
ATC Telecom Infra Pvt Ltd
05.2016 - 12.2020
Project Manager – LWE Project Rollout
Himachal Futuristic Communications Ltd
04.2015 - 04.2016
Cluster In-Charge – O&M
Bharti Infratel Ltd
07.2012 - 03.2015
Cluster Lead
ZTE Telecom India Pvt Ltd
05.2009 - 06.2012
Senior Engineer
Nokia Siemens Networks (via GTL)
04.2007 - 05.2009
MBA (Project Management) - undefined
Sikkim Manipal University
B.E. Electrical - undefined
NIT Raipur
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