Associate Director of Strategic Operations

About the role

Forged Fiber is a company dedicated to delivering fast, reliable, future-proof connectivity. Our mission is to empower millions through a state-of-the-art open-access fiber network platform. This role is within the Strategic Operations team, focusing on turning strategy into execution across Build and Operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and inspire a Strategic Support Group made up of Program Managers and Project Managers
• Partner with the Operational Excellence team in strategic initiatives and execution
• Create the structure, operating rhythms, and governance needed to help Build and Operations teams execute with clarity, speed, and accountability
• Partner closely with Build, Operations, Engineering, Construction, Finance, Supply Chain, IT, and other teams to align priorities, remove roadblocks, and keep critical work moving
• Oversee strategic initiatives, process improvements, operational readiness efforts, and build-support programs from intake through execution
• Bring visibility to key milestones, risks, issues, decisions, and resource needs through clear executive reporting, dashboards, and action trackers
• Coach program and project managers on best practices for planning, stakeholder engagement, risk management, scope control, and delivery discipline
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve handoffs, strengthen execution, and create scalable ways of working across Build and Operations
• Prepare leadership briefings, recommendations, and decision materials that help leaders make informed choices
• Balance team capacity, priorities, vendor or contractor support, and budget inputs to ensure the right focus on the highest-impact work
• Model a culture of trust, transparency, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Experience leading program and project management teams in a complex operational, infrastructure, construction, telecommunications, or network build environment
• A strategic mindset with the ability to turn business priorities into clear plans, practical governance, and measurable outcomes
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and align leaders and teams across Build, Operations, Finance, IT, Engineering, Construction, and executive stakeholders
• Confidence developing clear reporting, dashboards, action trackers, risk registers, and decision materials for senior leaders
• A people-first leadership style with strong coaching, communication, change management, and organizational skills
• Comfort operating in a fast-moving, matrixed environment where priorities can shift and sound judgment matters
• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree or work history in business administration, Engineering, Construction Management, Telecommunications, Operations Management, Project Management, or related field. PMP, PgMP, Lean Six Sigma, or similar certification is a plus. 5+ years of experience in program management, project management, operations, network build, infrastructure deployment, telecommunications, or a related field, including experience leading managers or cross-functional delivery teams

Pay

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors. Location Based Pay Ranges: Dallas, TX Pay Range: $150,000.00 to $210,000.00 Annually

Benefits

Forged Fiber offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing.