PRIYANKA SETHI

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement strategic plans for software development projects, aligning them with organizational goals and objectives.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of software developers and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Project Management: Oversee the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering and design to implementation, testing, and deployment, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.
• Quality Assurance: Establish and maintain quality assurance processes and standards to ensure the delivery of high-quality software products that meet industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Technical Guidance: Provide technical guidance and support to the development team, assisting with complex technical challenges and ensuring the use of best practices and methodologies.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including product managers, business analysts, and quality assurance teams, to ensure alignment of software development activities with business needs and priorities.
• Resource Allocation: Manage human, financial, and technological resources effectively to support software development activities and meet project objectives.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with software development projects, ensuring proactive risk management strategies are in place.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the software development team, identifying opportunities to enhance processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and adherence to contractual agreements.

The Head of Systems - Operations, Support & Maintenance (Multiple Business Units) is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the operational management, support services, and maintenance of systems across multiple business units within the organization. This role requires strong technical expertise, strategic thinking, and effective leadership skills to ensure the smooth functioning of systems and the delivery of high-quality support services to internal stakeholders.

• Operational Strategy: Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize the operational efficiency and effectiveness of systems across multiple business units, aligning with organizational goals and objectives.
• Systems Support Services Management: Lead and coordinate systems support services functions, including helpdesk support, technical support, and system administration, to ensure timely resolution of issues and maximum uptime.
• Systems Maintenance Planning and Execution: Oversee the planning and execution of maintenance activities for systems, infrastructure, and hardware across multiple business units, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Resource Management: Manage human, financial, and technological resources effectively to support systems operations, support services, and maintenance activities, ensuring alignment with performance targets and budgetary constraints.
• Performance Monitoring and Improvement: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to monitor systems performance, analyze data to identify areas for improvement, and implement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including business unit leaders, IT teams, and end-users, to ensure alignment of systems operations and support services with business objectives and priorities.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, standards, and policies related to systems operations, support services, and maintenance activities, and implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential risks and issues.
• Vendor Management: Manage relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and service providers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and adherence to contractual agreements.
• Continuous Learning and Development: Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in systems operations, support services, and maintenance, and provide leadership and guidance to the team to foster a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Leadership and Team Management: Provide strong leadership and direction to the systems operations, support, and maintenance teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment, and promoting employee engagement and professional growth.

I spearheaded the development, documentation, and implementation of applicable QA processes and procedures to enhance quality methods within our group, ensuring the delivery of top-notch products. I took charge of developing, implementing, and refining test plans, scripts, and methodologies, ensuring thorough testing of all software systems in compliance with specifications. I meticulously prepared software quality test plans and cases, establishing and maintaining standards for test documentation. Collaboration with Developers was key to emphasizing defect prevention throughout the development process, thereby improving overall product quality. I maintained error-free programs, systems, and documentation across software application releases. Proactive measures were taken to address potential software issues through the creation of comprehensive test scenarios. I identified areas for test improvement through analysis, experience, and metrics usage. Timely communication of critical issues and status updates was a priority. I provided education and training on QA processes to peers and subordinates, offering guidance as needed. Additionally, I provided coaching and guidance to the Quality Assurance Team on best practices and maintained strong working relationships with peers in various departments. Monthly reporting metrics were presented to the Director of Operations, and Process Audits were conducted for all Software and Project Teams under my purview.

• In my dual role as a Project Manager and Business Analyst, I amalgamated a comprehensive understanding of business scenarios with strategic project management expertise. I meticulously analyzed business requirements, translating them into actionable project plans aligned with pre-set budgets and overarching organizational objectives. With a keen eye on efficiency and effectiveness, I ensured strict adherence to software processes, exploring outsourcing opportunities with vendors to optimize project resources.
• Moreover, I developed and refined strategies tailored to the unique needs of each project, leveraging my expertise to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities for success. Through proactive communication and collaboration, I cultivated strong partnerships with stakeholders and sponsors, fostering a shared vision and commitment to achieving desired outcomes.
• Throughout the project lifecycle, I maintained a hands-on approach, interfacing with project participants at every stage to address challenges, refine strategies, and drive continuous improvement. Serving as a bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders, I facilitated seamless collaboration and alignment, ensuring that project deliverables exceeded expectations and contributed to the organization's long-term success.

• In my role as Technical Head-Operations, I led a team of 15 individuals, overseeing defect-free systems and student services related to transfers, student appraisal, certification, and capacity utilization. I managed Group Leaders and their responsibilities concerning the Quality Management System.
• Additionally, I managed processes such as transfers, certification, and student appraisal, identifying non-conformities and implementing action plans for their resolution. I facilitated the transfer of students to the Regional Placement Division upon receiving relevant details. Ensuring system uptime, I promptly resolved or escalated any technical issues.
• I supervised the completion of all student services during SOL end Inspection and collaborated with the Head of Center to plan regular batch launches and faculty allocations for optimal productivity and student satisfaction. Participating in Center Review Forums and other regional forums, I contributed to discussions and deliberations.
• Furthermore, I maintained an adequate level of courseware stock through regular monitoring and handled the escalation of delivery-related issues through the helpdesk. Lastly, I monitored the update and upkeep of the Student Management System.

• As Group Lead, I provided guidance to a team of faculty to ensure education delivery met standards; and monitored performance through attendance logs and appraisals, conducted reviews, and ensured quality through feedback sessions and audits. Also, I participated in meetings, workshops, and handover processes. Furthermore, I coordinated with the Placement Division and implemented customer satisfaction surveys, while also conducting batch introduction sessions.
• Group Lead for the Student Management System, I maintained the Encore database as the Database Administrator, addressing issues and escalating them to the Regional IS Team. I managed user permissions, ensured timely database updates, and maintained various systems related to backups and documentation. Additionally, I oversaw daily operations such as system shutdowns and replication.

Overall, I played a crucial role in maintaining the Student Management System and ensuring quality education delivery within my team.

• Provided guidance, mentoring, and review for Technical Writers, focusing on English correctness, instructional design, technical accuracy, and adherence to schedules. This involved coordination with clients and various reviewers, including English and Instructional Design Reviewers, as well as Subject Matter Experts.
• Developed Instructor Led Training material for courses like : MS Project 2000 (2 Modules), FrontPage 2000 (2 Modules), FrontPage 98 (2 Modules), FreeHand 9 (6 Modules for Windows & Mac OS)
  

• Instructed classes in a variety of technologies as per QMS and Product Methodology as Faculty
• Imparted Course & Technical Trainings on VB 4.0, VC++ 4.0, Windows NT, C++, Java, Sybase, Access, J2EE, VB 5.0 & 6.0, Java, SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 7.0, VC 6.0 and COM / DCOM
• Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in the learning process.
• Assisted students in developing problem-solving skills by providing guidance on research projects.
• Monitored classroom behavior and provided feedback on how students can improve their academic performance.