Overview

The Associate Manager for Fiber Construction is responsible for providing functional leadership and direction to non-exempt Field Service construction roles and external contractors (where applicable) in the assigned geographic areas directly supporting capital projects and inside and outside plant maintenance. Strong focus on the team's ability to provide premier customer service and technical expertise while exhibiting a high level of professionalism in all internal and external interactions. The position is responsible for achieving all key operating metrics to include customer Service Address additions through capital project completion, capital project targets, overtime management, quality assurance program, inventory management, construction technician development, and operating budget adherence.

This position requires 24/7 availability and in some markets leads a team scheduled to work 7 days per week. This position is responsible for the management of front-line escalations from teams across TDS (e.g., Sales, Customer Repair, Network Engineering, Network OSP Construction, Service Activation, and other internal teams). This includes managing customer and community escalations in a professional manner.

Responsibilities also include local vendor selection and management of network construction and maintenance vendors and, at times, facilities management (i.e., janitorial, snow clearing, lawn mowing, HVAC, generators, electrical, etc.).

Responsibilities

Directs activities and personnel necessary for the construction of installation and repair of TDS OSP fiber networks to ensure Network Operations project timelines are met on time and within project capital budget requirements. Facilitates meetings with Network Services to depict project timelines, ensures project closing information is submitted in a timely manner, and materials and associate time are properly allocated to projects.

Provides leadership to the direct team and all other teams involved in OSP construction that creates and maintains a challenging and rewarding environment. Ensures team maintains proper understanding of TDS' goals and is coached through process improvements as those needs arise.

Assists Network Services in the planning and execution of all capital projects to ensure are completed in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

Ensures compliance with all TDS policies, processes, and procedures.

Maintains good working relationships with all adjacent teams.

Serves as the management point of contact for all TDS network projects and customer related construction issues in specific market(s).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
• 3+ years in the telecom industry.
• 2+ years' experience in a supervisory role or equivalent leadership experience.

Other Qualifications

• Strong overhead and underground fiber construction background a plus with a focus on supervision of construction crews delivering outside plant fiber projects with superior quality and within expected timelines and budget.
• Upon hire, must successfully complete customer-specific requirements, which may include a background check administered by the customer.
• Demonstrated focus on associate safety.
• Must be able to coach a team of direct reports and team of contractors during emergency conditions such as network outages and cable breaks.
• Must be available to work off-hours when situations dictate.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining a positive attitude is a must.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, strong leadership ability, and interpersonal skills are a must.
• Must possess a sense of urgency and a "can-do" attitude.
• Customer Focus Management and/or Total Quality Management training will be considered a plus.
• Must enjoy working with people and team building (i.e., teaching, coaching).
• Computer proficiency required.
• Must be able to multi-task and maintain a sense of urgency related to each separate issue.
• Must be able to handle stressful network outages, and/or customer impacting situations in a calm manner.

While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to sit, stand, write, and operate a computer keyboard, standard office equipment and telephone. The associate regularly communicates with customers. The associate is frequently required to move about and reach for items. The associate may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what's listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Pay Transparency

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.

Pay Range (Hr./Yr.)

$75,300.00/Yr. - $122,300.00/Yr.