Glendon Stella
Melbourne,Reservoir
Summary
Dynamic Project Manager with over 20 years of experience delivering high-reliability products in embedded systems, IoT, telecom, and software sectors. Expertise in leading global cross-functional teams through complete product lifecycles in regulated environments, utilizing Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid methodologies. Demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships with stakeholders by aligning technical and business objectives to ensure successful outcomes. Recognized for effectively solving complex challenges while maintaining project scope, timelines, and governance, all while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration among high-performing teams.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Software Engineering Roles
NEC Australia & Motorola
- Cut boot time by 86% and improved battery life by 13% via low-level firmware optimisation.
- Developed embedded software in C, C++, and Java for mobile, Android, and pager devices in a Quality-critical environment.
- Designed and built manufacturing automated test systems, cutting LED test cycle time by 60%.
- Designed a UHF voting system to improve emergency communication for Victoria Police and CFA.
Project Manager
Beam Communications
05.2015 - 06.2025
- Oversaw a $10M+ product portfolio across hardware, firmware, industrial design, mobile apps, cloud infrastructure, and compliance, balancing delivery speed with regulatory requirements.
- Managed the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator from concept to global launch, earning multiple innovation awards and disrupting the remote safety communications market. Within two years, the product became a major player, with over 200K units now sold.
- Accelerated time-to-market by 27% using a tailored hybrid of Agile and Waterfall, with upfront risk mitigation and improved delivery governance.
- Improved forecasting accuracy, stakeholder visibility, and team coordination by introducing EVM, daily stand-ups, Kanban boards, and milestone tracking.
- Directed global cross-functional teams of 30+, aligning engineering, operations, and marketing.
- Stepped in as interim R&D Engineering Manager during a leadership gap, ensuring team momentum and delivery continuity.
Project Manager
Hydrix
01.2014 - 02.2015
- Recovered a failing $3.5M IoT project by identifying delivery gaps, implementing governance (stand-ups, sprints, milestone tracking, EVM), and resetting scope around a clear MVP and priority milestones. Delivered on time, regained stakeholder trust, and secured follow-on work.
- Drove early-stage planning and design for a Bluetooth interface for Cochlear implants, enabling wireless setup and tuning, significantly improving comfort for young patients during lengthy fittings.
- Cut development test system costs from $450K to $45K by replacing an over engineered solution with a lean, fit-for-purpose design developed in collaboration with a production automation expert.
- Won $3M+ in competitive tenders by aligning technical proposals with customer needs and commercial goals.
Project Manager / Project Leader
NEC Australia (R&D) Pty. Ltd.
12.2002 - 08.2013
- Introduced structured stand-ups, iteration cycles, and delivery checkpoints bridging NEC’s iterative Waterfall model with Agile principles.
- Coached and mentored teams, improving coordination, delivery discipline, and ownership at both engineer and team-lead levels.
- Scaled the R&D team from 9 to 30, shifting focus from low-level development to high-value architectural innovation and product development.
- Established a patent generation initiative, allocating 15% of team time to innovation, launching a self-review process, and introducing an incentive scheme. Generated 11 working prototypes and submitted 2 patent applications.
- Led a quality transformation initiative that reduced late-stage bug discovery from 70% to under 30%, using predictive defect modelling, process improvements, and cultural change. Met new quality KPIs on first attempt while maintaining delivery pace.
- Audited the CRM software portfolio, retiring 36 non-viable projects, saving $350K, and redirecting effort toward commercially aligned initiatives.
- Delivered 24+ mobile devices, including Android smartphones to Tier 1 carriers on six-month cycles, consistently meeting tight deadlines where any slip could jeopardise commercial viability.
- Drove CMMI Level 5 certification by leading continuous improvement activities and aligning team practices to organisational maturity goals.
Education
Bachelor of Science - First Class Honors
RMIT University
MelbourneSkills
- Delivery Methods: Agile (Scrum, Kanban), Waterfall, Hybrid
- Agile sprint planning
- PMBOK methodology expertise
- Project milestone tracking
- Financial governance expertise
- Capital and operational budgeting
- Budget management
- Earned value management
- Financial forecasting
- Embedded systems development
- Integrated firmware and hardware systems
- Internet of Things expertise
- Telecommunications expertise
- User experience design
- Leadership in cross-functional teams
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Supplier relationship management
- Team building
- ISO 9001 compliance expertise
- ISO 13485 compliance
- Software lifecycle management
- CMMI Level 5 certification
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Jira project management
- Jama expertise
- Confluence expertise
- Proficient in MS Project
- Power BI proficiency
- SharePoint administration
- Excel VBA
- Effective communication
- Analytical problem-solving
- Team leadership development
- Team collaboration
- Strategic decision-making
- DiSC assessment expertise
Certification
- Certifications: Certified Scrum Master (PSM I), PMBOK Cert IV (CPM), Project Fundamentals (Monash IT)
- Additional Training: Directing Projects (Skill Path), Coaching & Mentoring (Frank Kelloway), The Art of Consulting (Moore)
Timeline
Project Manager
Beam Communications
05.2015 - 06.2025
Project Manager
Hydrix
01.2014 - 02.2015
Project Manager / Project Leader
NEC Australia (R&D) Pty. Ltd.
12.2002 - 08.2013
Software Engineering Roles
NEC Australia & Motorola
Bachelor of Science - First Class Honors
RMIT University
Awards
Motorola Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient., NEC Performance Awards for Outstanding Division Contributions – recognised for managing day-to-day operations across the department while managing multiple concurrent projects and supporting three project leads.