Manager - Route Acquisition

Overview

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

As the Manager - Out of Territory (OOT) Route Acquisition , you will be responsible for managing TDS associates and consultants who plan, coordinate, and supervise Colocation and Joint Use activities across multiple locations and states. The role requires close collaboration with representatives from field services, associate managers, consultants, Outside Plant engineers, COLO/ROW team members, third-party consultants, and construction/engineering contractors supporting both TDS CLEC and ILEC operations to ensure company needs are effectively met.

In this role you will oversee Colocation and Joint Use activities for TDS Telecom fiber networks, ensuring compliance with existing RUS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and TDS OSP standards. This position supervises colocation team members managing OOT and CLEC/ILEC projects throughout the entire TDS footprint.

Key responsibilities include monitoring costs, maintaining and generating reports, enforcing adherence to TDS standards and practices, developing workflows and protocols as needed, and tracking overall job progress to ensure construction projects are completed on time and within budget. You will actively drive TDS initiatives at both the team and organizational levels.

Additionally, you will set goals and expectations while fostering a positive work environment that supports coaching and mentoring team members to achieve those goals. In this role you will also proactively identify opportunities to enhance the skills of each team member, contributing to the ongoing development and elevated performance of the entire team.

• Responsible for the management of TDS associates and/or consultants who are responsible for planning, coordinating and supervising Out of Territory Route Acquisition activities in multiple locations and states. The person filling this position is expected to work closely with representatives from field services, associate managers, Outside Plant Engineers, OSPC team members, 3rd party consultants and construction/engineering contractors for TDS Out of Territory (OOT) operations to ensure that the needs of the company are being met.
• The incumbent will be responsible for the OOT Route Acquisition activities of TDS Telecom fiber networks while conforming to existing RUS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and TDS OSP. The incumbent will be responsible for continually working with various permitting entities, contractors, and agencies when/where applicable. Negotiation, coordination, and cooperation skills to expedite permitting/workflow crucial to this role.
• Verify all permitting documentation to gain approved access for OSP construction activities (R/W, Easements, PUE, etc) is accurate, complete and clear. The incumbent will seek to drive consistency and clarity of all protocols to expedite permit approval process.
• Verify that all documentation required to complete projects successfully, including Bid Jobs, build orders, Job Start Agreements, RFP, legal agreements, permitting agreements and close-out documentation is complete.
• Review all required reports from OOT Route Acquisition team and contractor invoicing for accuracy. Role will track and process PO’s, Check Requests, CLARITY, etc to drive accuracy for reporting internally to TDS finance department.
• The incumbent will use strong OSP & Route acquisition background to assist in troubleshooting escalated issues when necessary to achieve expedited results with permitting entities or internal teams.
• Provides human resource management and manpower apportionment necessary for completion of network projects. This includes managing in-house deployment staff as well as engaging and managing professional consultant engineers during peak periods. Focus is on personnel development through performance assessments, coaching, recognition, and process improvement.
• Conduct periodic quality assurance inspection of OSP projects performed by Local Operations personnel.
• Manage specific projects OSP projects directly if schedule permits
• Design projects and prepare OSP workplans for construction or modification of network facilities if schedule permits. Including confirm and analyze OTDR trace results to verify contractor splicing quality.
• Assist in the training of field personnel on standards, RUS and TDS practices, time reporting codes and report/form preparation.
• Provide recommendations to management for improving standards and practices resulting in higher quality and lower cost projects.
• Assist Network Operations staff in developing Capital Additions, Budget assumptions and long-range planning.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
• 5+ years\' experience in telephony or related fields.
• 3+ years\' supervisory experience
• Must have and maintain a valid driver\'s license.

Other Qualifications:

• Excellent leadership, project management, customer relations and communications skills
• Thorough Understanding of Telecommunications industry and principals.
• Deep understanding of CLARITY/PM style programs and creating analytic reports.
• Thorough understanding of financial tracking and budgetary reporting.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Understanding of Colocation/Joint use process.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Outlook, Excel and Office suite as well as GIS and ESRi.
• Working knowledge of RUS construction practices and engineering standards.
• Ability to work in a cooperative and courteous manner with diverse work groups.
• Must be self-motivated and self-reliant.
• May be required to regular travel on an "as-needed" basis.

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

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.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visittdstelecom.com to learn more

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.)$91,300.00/Yr. - $148,300.00/Yr.