Craig Bland

Experience

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  RT Masts

  Jan 1997 - Jan 2004

  RIGGER/MICROWAVE COMMISSIONING ENGINEER

  Started as a trainee on pcn, learning the job then became team leader which lead to running my own team installing feeders and all types of antennas for Vodafone and Orange. Once completed I became a Commissioning engineer for microwave links for Orange, Vodafone, T Mobile, DMC Street works and Hutch 3G. This position lead to building all types of towers and monopoles for a number of customers also installed a great deal of steel work across the mobile industry.

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  Alan Campbell Group

  Jun 2004 - Jun 2006

  Team Leader

  A team leader and Commissioning engineer on PDH and SDH systems for microwave links for the major networks Orange, Vodafone, T Mobile and O2 Airwaves which my duties were to install microwave links, Connect circuits back to BTS and prove links back to the relevant switches and also finding and repairing faults out in the field.Installation of pcn feeders and testing using the anritsu site master for O2 Airwaves, Orange and Vodafone.Installation of steel work for the major networks and tower upgrade for CCI Show less

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  Ericsson

  Jul 2006 - Apr 2007

  IMPLEMENTATION/ENGINEER MANAGER

  A team leader and site supervisor responsible for training men in all aspects of rigging on site and the day to day running of sites, Including WCDMA and system sharing with CDMA.Tower upgrades to accommodate for the new WCDMA (3G) network which entailed of adding new tuffs to existing monopoles and installation of new head frames on all existing towers. Full testing of all sites using the ANRITSU site master and was leading a major fault finding team across the whole of South Australia.Also worked along side RBS technicians involved with the loading of scripts onto the BTS 3206 and 2206. Show less

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  Ericsson

  Jan 2008 - Jul 2008

  Telecommunications Project ManagerLed end-to-end delivery of critical network infrastructure projects, seamlessly integrating Ericsson Mini Link H/C systems with Space Diversity and Marconi OMS 860/870 SDH equipment. Demonstrated versatility by combining strategic oversight with hands-on technical expertise.Key Achievements:Customer-Centric Project Execution: Ensured 100% fulfillment of client requirements while consistently meeting tight deadlines, resulting in high customer satisfaction ratings.Technical Leadership: Leveraged in-depth knowledge of Ericsson and Marconi systems to provide on-site technical support, troubleshooting, and optimization.Resource Optimization: Implemented streamlined processes for equipment ordering, purchasing, and allocation, reducing procurement lead times by 20%.Core Responsibilities:Strategic Planning: Conducted comprehensive technical surveys and developed detailed project roadmaps to align with organizational objectives.Team Development: Coordinated and supervised cross-functional teams, including the recruitment and training of subcontractors, fostering a high-performance work environment.Financial Management: Exercised rigorous budget control, optimizing costs while maintaining project quality and timelines.Stakeholder Management: Facilitated regular client meetings, ensuring transparent communication and swift resolution of concerns.Quality Assurance: Established robust documentation control systems and implemented standardized processes to ensure consistent project delivery.This revised version highlights your strategic role as a project manager while showcasing your technical expertise and ability to drive successful project outcomes. It emphasizes key achievements and core responsibilities in a more impactful way, making your experience more appealing to potential employers in the telecommunications or project management field. Show less

  • Senior Implementation Project Manager

    Jun 2007 - Jul 2008

  • PROJECT MANAGER/FIELD ENGINEER,

    Jan 2008 - Jan 2008
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  Ericsson

  Oct 2008 - Jun 2009

  PROJECT MANAGER/FIELD ENGINEER

  An enthusiastic, highly motivated and resolute Field Engineer with international expertise in telecoms network rollout and a proven track record of success.In his current role as Engineer/Supervisor for Ericsson Panama his key achievements on the Digicel rollout are as follows:• Successfully contributed to the network rollout phase of the project including installation of RBS 2106, 2206 & 2308 Micro, antenna and line work, microwave links TN PDH/SDH and integration.• I & C Marconi MDRS 155s.(installation & alignment of Antennas up to 1.8m)• Supervision of multi-disciplined teams. • O & M including feeder testing, TMA replacement• Fault Finding, Capacity upgrades • call testing for each individual site• Disciplined use of Ericsson project tools Site Handler• SIU Equipment course taken in Ericsson Panama (satellite Equipment) Show less

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  COLT Telecom

  Jun 2009 - Jan 2010

  Team Leader TAC Customer Diagnostics Transmission & Data Enginee

  • Diagnosed and restored customer circuits from 64K to 10G Wavelength Services, including LAN, WAN, SDH, DSL, MPLS, and more.• Expertly worked with multiple vendors such as Nortel Networks, Cisco, and Nokia Technologies to meet tight SLAs.• Successfully managed Transmission and Data circuits remotely under extreme pressure, ensuring network stability and customer satisfaction.

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  Ericsson

  Jan 2010 - Oct 2015

  Project Manager for Operations Delivery.Responsible for All Delivery aspect for the LTE/3C Program. Manage test execution and maintain quality standards with adherence to both internal and external standards.Manage and develop a team of Resources to perform required support to ASP as well as Customer of the products.1st LTE PM/IM in America to have LTE For AT&T on a LIVE Network.Project Management Planning and Execution• Direct and Manage all aspects of telecom equipment deployment• Direct market level equipment deployment with ASP/Employees and Vendors so that deliverables are met including Engineering documentation, Installation/Integration documentation and Procedures also Data Translation• Ensure ASP/Employees are familiar with following Procedures/Quality.• Make Sure ASP/Employees follow project communication plan and escalate as required.• Oversee the creation and verify accuracy of the scope of service been performed with ASP/Employees & Customer.• Develop project schedules based on inputs from Product Management, Engineering and other key members• Regular monitoring of progress against stated goals and taking corrective action as needed.• Regular monitoring the financial part of the program as for customer and ASP.• Create and present clear and timely status reports to top management. • Indentify resource risks and work with upper management in securing all necessary project resources.• Regular monitoring all Cash Flow for the individual program I am involved with. Show less Responsible for pre-paring and planning of microwave design • Ensure all traffic nodes (TN) are configured to network requirement’s including all configurations.• Pre-paring the TN for all E1 mapping to enable network not to be impacted via east/west design.• Lead in fault diagnostic/strategy team dealing in V-Lan E1,STM, RBS2000,RBS3000 WCDMA/HSPDA• Recreating of IDB/parameter changes on site and remotely i.e. PCM, TEI Value ALMA/TMA Alarm Inlets.• Coordinating all aspects of build with NOC HQ for RNC Sync Up Show less

  • National Customer Service Manager

    Jan 2015 - Oct 2015

  • Customer Project Manager

    Apr 2010 - Jan 2015

  • Implementation Manager

    Apr 2010 - Oct 2012

  • Project Manager

    Jan 2010 - Apr 2010
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  Polaris Wireless

  Oct 2015 - Aug 2016

  Global Project Manager

  Highly qualified PM to help with management of OSP, Fiber, RAN and Anchor sites for various clients.Manage all aspects of intermediate to large projects throughout the development lifecycle, includingproject scope, schedule, resources, quality, costs and change.• Work closely with stakeholders and to define project parameters, then translate customer needsinto formal requirements, using knowledge of the industry and delivery methodology• Develop detailed project schedule, resource plan, and status reports, managing task assignmentto project resources and reporting on and managing project scope throughout the lifecycle• Interface with all areas affected by the project, including end user, services organizations,vendors and implementations partners.• Review project deliverables for accuracy, and apprise management of risks, issues, andrecommended mitigations.• Ensure satisfactory transfer of custody and control of product upon hand off, then close all projectdocumentation and archive appropriate records Show less

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  Zayo Group

  Oct 2016 - Mar 2020

  Regional Manager

  As a seasoned Construction Project Manager, I led high-impact network development projects by coordinating cross-functional teams, including Network Development, Program Management, Engineering, Real Estate, and Network Operations. I managed every aspect of the project lifecycle—budgets, schedules, vendor coordination, site design, material procurement, and progress tracking—ensuring timely and efficient execution of each phase.I developed accurate budget estimates for new site developments and capital improvements, carefully balancing financial oversight with operational needs. Compliance with safety and regulatory standards was a top priority, and I enforced consistent adherence across all teams and vendors.Strategically, I developed master plans to identify key project components and inter-team relationships, ensuring seamless engagement across functions. With a focus on the critical path, I anticipated and resolved issues before they impacted delivery. I also led the OSP Large Project Tracker, ensuring that large-scale projects stayed on course, meeting milestones and addressing risks early.My role extended to managing all project documentation—compiling, QC’ing, and delivering packages according to contractual requirements. I maintained tight budget control, proactively managing variances, and communicated financial updates and potential overruns to leadership in real time.At Zayo Bandwidth, I developed strategic plans that aligned customer priorities with internal objectives. I improved data accuracy and streamlined communication across Sales, Finance, and Operations teams, optimizing business performance metrics and driving efficiency. My focus on solving critical issues and managing key stakeholders helped deliver complex projects on time and within scope.With a proven track record of managing large-scale, complex projects, I thrive in fast-paced environments where leadership, proactive problem-solving, and precise execution are essential to success. Show less

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  Kineticom Inc. (Fiber Group)

  Mar 2019 - Jan 2024

  Director of Operations

  As the mastermind behind the formation of the Operations Department, I laid the foundation for a high-performing team focused on operational excellence and strategic growth.Key Responsibilities:Developed and executed a comprehensive project master plan, aligning with organizational goals.Identified critical project components and fostered collaboration among diverse teams.Delivered accurate budget forecasts and managed project finances to optimize resources.Prioritized customer needs while swiftly resolving key issues to maintain momentum.Oversaw the Large Project Tracker, proactively mitigating risks to ensure project success.Ensured meticulous documentation and timely delivery of test packages.Managed budget variances and communicated potential overruns to senior management.Directed network design efforts, addressing reroutes and long lead items strategically.Hosted regular status calls with customers and internal teams for transparency.Engaged with sales teams on Dark Fiber solutions, streamlining processes for efficiency.Championed data accuracy across departments to enhance decision-making.Defined and reported on key performance metrics, driving continuous improvement.Skills and Qualifications:Proven track record as an Operations Director or similar role.Exceptional project management and budgeting expertise.Strong leadership and communication skills that inspire teams.In-depth understanding of business operations and industry regulations.Key Objectives:Maximize operational efficiency and productivity across all projects.Ensure timely delivery within budget constraints while maintaining quality standards.Foster interdepartmental collaboration to drive innovation.By spearheading this division's creation, I shaped its vision and cultivated a culture of excellence that positions the organization for sustained success. My strategic leadership continues to drive financial performance and operational efficiency Show less