Senior Manager, Outside Plant (OSP) Construction

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Outside Plant (OSP) Construction is responsible for the successful launch of new markets with predictable execution of OSP fiber construction programs across assigned build areas. Reporting to the Vice President, Production Planning, this role will stand up, scale, and lead construction operations in net-new geographies, including contractor crews and internal field teams, to deliver homes-passed targets safely, on schedule, and within budget. This is a hands-on field leadership role requiring deep Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) construction expertise, strong production discipline, and the ability to drive quality and performance at the crew level.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Project Oversight & Execution
• Affiliate with stand-up new market operations including contractor onboarding and build readiness.
• Accountable for the staffing, budgets (capital/expense), schedules and compliance associated with OSP construction projects, along with the safety and quality of work performed.
• Oversee the development, coordination, and execution of project schedules with contractors, property management, customers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with municipalities and pole owners in new markets.
• Oversee all phases in the bidding, negotiation, and approval of construction contracts.
• Cook with engineering teams to maintain uninterrupted construction flow across active zones.
• Strategic Alignment & Standardization
• Translating expansion strategy into field execution across multiple markets.
• Track and report daily/weekly production metrics; identify variances and implement real-time corrective actions.
• Standardize construction practices/approaches across the company and across all build types/programs.
• Size the contractor workforce for the future to support the build types/programs.
• Align the internal and external construction teams with the Engineering Teams to drive more efficiencies, shorten project durations and reduce change request.
• Leadership & Team Development
• Provide leadership and mentorship to OSP Construction Managers and Contract Administrators through coaching, feedback, development goals and performance management.
• Communication & Collaboration
• Own end-to-end construction delivery (design validation through activation).
• Coordinate and participate in various internal meetings to ensure communication and alignment of initiatives, information sharing and implementation of best practices.
• Identify risks and ensure proactive mitigation.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of OSP experience, including splicing and construction.
• Minimum of five (5) years leadership/people management experience.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Proven ability to manage multiple contractor crews simultaneously in a high-production environment.
• Experience managing multi-market or multi-state construction programs.
• Willingness to travel across active and emerging markets.
• Advanced understanding of fiber splicing and installation practices, proper safety construction practices and network topology.
• Advanced understanding of the permitting process for railroad, DOT, cities, counties, and pole owners.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and satisfactory driving record.
• Must complete a pre-employment drug screening.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Developed leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and lead others.
• Ability to work independently and apply sound judgment and reasoning skills to a variety of situations.
• Knowledge and experience in outside plant engineering and installation/construction.
• Ability to multi-task and collaborate effectively with other personnel to meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work within critical deadlines.
• Ability to adjust to rapidly changing priorities and schedules.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Proven ability to lead, facilitate, develop, and motivate a cross-functional team in a competitive environment.
• Possess a general understanding of utility accounting practices.
• Experience with bargained for contracts and employees.
• Must be knowledgeable in all aspects of R.U.S (515) contract policies and procedures.
• Intermediate knowledge/experience of engineering support systems and highly skilled in Microsoft PC applications such as Word, Excel.

Physical Requirements

• Maintain physical condition necessary for bending, stooping, sitting, walking, or standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Frequent opportunity to move about.
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• Modern office setting.
• Extensive use of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and multi-line telephone system.

Other Duties

Performs other duties as required to support the business and evolving organization.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of OSP experience, including splicing and construction.
• Minimum of five (5) years leadership/people management experience.
• Experience managing budgets.
• Proven ability to manage multiple contractor crews simultaneously in a high-production environment.
• Experience managing multi-market or multi-state construction programs.
• Willingness to travel across active and emerging markets.
• Advanced understanding of fiber splicing and installation practices, proper safety construction practices and network topology.
• Advanced understanding of the permitting process for railroad, DOT, cities, counties, and pole owners.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and satisfactory driving record.
• Must complete a pre-employment drug screening.