Description

Position Summary

The Director of OSP Construction is responsible for leading all aspects of outside plant (OSP) construction operations throughout Arizona and surrounding markets, including underground, aerial, and fiber optic infrastructure deployment. This role oversees field execution, contractor performance, quality control, safety compliance, budget management, and schedule adherence across multiple active projects.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive field construction experience and a proven track record of delivering large-scale fiber network deployments. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic oversight and active field engagement to support teams, resolve issues, and drive operational excellence.

Preferred Location: Candidates must reside in the Phoenix metropolitan area or within a reasonable commuting distance. Regular travel throughout Arizona and neighboring markets is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all OSP construction operations across assigned markets.
• Manage underground, aerial, and directional boring construction programs from project kickoff through completion.
• Develop and execute construction strategies to achieve aggressive deployment schedules and customer commitments.
• Direct construction managers, project managers, field inspectors, and contractors to ensure productivity, quality, and safety standards are consistently met.
• Conduct regular field visits to inspect workmanship, identify risks, troubleshooting issues, and support construction teams.
• Review and manage project budgets, production goals, forecasting, and contractor invoicing.
• Ensure compliance with engineering designs, permits, utility requirements, municipal regulations, and Arizona right-of-way requirements.
• Oversee quality assurance for conduit installation, handholes, vaults, restoration activities, fiber placement, and splicing readiness.
• Drive accountability across vendors and subcontractors for performance, safety, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Coordinate with utilities, municipalities, customers, tribal entities (where applicable), and internal stakeholders to resolve escalated issues.
• Monitor production reporting, identify project risks, and implement recovery plans when necessary.
• Lead damage prevention initiatives and ensure all utility strikes, incidents, and safety events are properly documented, investigated, and resolved.
• Establish and maintain construction metrics, reporting standards, and operational best practices.
• Mentor and develop construction managers, field inspectors, and support staff to build a high-performing organization.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of OSP construction experience within telecommunications, fiber optics, broadband, or utility infrastructure.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing OSP construction teams, contractors, and large-scale deployment programs.
• Strong hands-on experience with:

• • Underground conduit systems
  • Directional drilling and boring operations
  • Aerial fiber deployment
  • Utility coordination
  • Pavement and landscape restoration
  • Fiber placement and splicing support

• Proven success building and scaling large fiber networks, including metro, long-haul, enterprise, and data center connectivity projects.
• Deep understanding of construction permitting Arizona municipal requirements, utility coordination, and right-of-way regulations.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, construction safety practices, and damage prevention programs.
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasting, vendor contracts, and production targets.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, GIS mapping systems, and as-built documentation.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in fast-paced, high-growth environments.

Requirements

• Must reside in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area or be willing to relocate.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to travel frequently between construction sites, customer locations, and active markets.
• Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and emergency response situations when required.
• Ability to navigate active construction sites and perform field inspections in varying weather and terrain conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification.
• Experience with ESRI ArcGIS, Oracle, Netcracker, SmartSheet, Tableau, or similar construction and project management platforms.
• Experience supporting hyperscale, data center, carrier, enterprise, or broadband fiber deployments.
• Strong background in contractor management, performance optimization, and supplier accountability.
• Knowledge of Arizona utility permitting agencies, municipalities, and major electric utility coordination processes.
• PMP, NESC, or other construction and telecommunications-related certifications are a plus.

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate is a builder, operator, and servant leader who understands both executive-level strategy and field-level execution. This individual has earned credibility through hands-on experience, leads by example, and possesses the ability to drive accountability while fostering a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Success in this role requires a highly accountable leader who can balance long-term network deployment strategy with day-to-day construction execution, develop high-performing teams, and consistently deliver projects on time and within budget.