External Operations Manager Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Why CCI? CCI Systems, Inc. is an Employee-Owned Telecommunications Company based in Iron Mountain, MI with 60+ years of industry knowledge and experience. Our outstanding team-based work culture and environment has allowed us to grow, develop, and retain long-term employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, competitive pay, flexibility, paid on the job training, overtime, professional development, and inspire you to be bold, yet accountable. We value our employees’ hard work and determination and REWARD results all while having fun!

Our mission is making life better through devotion to our world class employees and delivering innovative solutions for our customers.

We are seeking a Director of Engineering Operations to lead Program and Project Management teams, driving the development and implementation of standardized processes across the department. This role is responsible for fostering full departmental engagement in Continuous Improvement initiatives and cultivating a continuous improvement culture aimed at enhancing key performance indicators (KPIs). As a senior leadership position, it requires regular, high-level collaboration with both internal CCI stakeholders and external customer leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Engineering team by driving its vision and mission, while consistently modeling and promoting the company’s core values.
• Provide strategic leadership for project management activities, including project assignments, process optimization, internal and external reporting, and change management. Ensure alignment with organizational goals and promote consistency and efficiency across all project initiatives.
• Oversee the financial and operational performance of all programs and projects by managing P&L responsibilities, collaborating with direct reports to analyze financial data and address underperformance, supporting cost, schedule, and financial targets through continuous improvement efforts, and mentoring project managers in developing and maintaining accurate, milestone-driven schedules.
• Actively participate in key departmental planning activities, including budgeting, strategic planning, and resource allocation.
• Analyze and evaluate performance of departmental objectives to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, policy change, or improvements through the use of AI.
• Collaborate with program managers, administrative teams, and finance to develop and standardize guidelines for project setup, ERP configuration, task definitions, and related processes.
• Establish, improve, and maintain Engineering KPI’s, while ensuring these KPI’s are being met, offer suggestions and improvement ideas for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure that all projects are supported by regular, effective meetings, that project managers maintain clear and consistent communication with customers, and project schedules and milestones are consistently met.
• Work consistently with the sales team to understand new projects, timelines, etc. and assign project managers to said projects as they begin and end. Ensure proper resources to meet and/or exceed departmental growth forecasts.
• Coach and mentor operations leaders to enhance their expertise in leadership, coaching, and change management. Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth across the team.
• Represent the company at community functions, trade shows, speaking engagements, professional societies, etc.
• Lead performance management activities, including preparing performance reviews, recommending salary adjustments, and supporting employee development. Ensure appropriate staffing levels and collaborate with colleagues to provide effective training and growth opportunities for team members.
• Ensure clear and consistent communication of company and departmental policies throughout all levels of the organization. Foster a culture of accountability and alignment by supporting adherence to established guidelines and best practices.
• Assist program managers in developing staffing plans to facilitate customer growth.
• Maintain confidentiality on all data and information relative to customer and sensitive internal reports.
• Perform other related duties assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business management, or related field required; master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in engineering management is required.
• 5+ years of experience in an engineering production environment within the Cable industry, with expanding responsibility across telecommunications infrastructure is required.
• Proven ability to lead Telco infrastructure initiatives through effective technical oversight and financial discipline, ensuring alignment with engineering standards, cost controls, performance metrics, schedules, and quality expectations.
• Experience with engineering and design software, including but not limited to: Lode Data, ArcFM, ArcGIS, Vetro, Magellan, IRIS, Smallworld, PNI, Netwin, CrescentLink, AutoCAD, FOCUS, Bentley Comms, GE Smallworld, or SpatialNET required.
• Knowledge of Rural Utilities Service (RUS) standards and other applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements governing telecommunications infrastructure preferred.
• Proficiency in developing staking sheets and construction plan sets to support the placement of telecommunications and fiber infrastructure preferred.
• Working knowledge of fiber‑optic cable splicing techniques, methods, and associated equipment preferred.
• Experience in the design and construction of fiber‑optic networks, including backbone, distribution, and access networks preferred.
• Proven tactical and strategic problem-solving abilities, with strong analytical skills and a track record‑ of driving effective solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and execute tasks in fast paced, ‑high-pressure‑ environments while consistently meeting deadlines and performance expectations.
• Experience implementing and supporting Continuous Improvement initiatives and operational efficiency programs.
• Familiarity with contract language, vendor management, and contract administration best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and people leadership skills.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills, with a willingness to represent the company internally and externally at industry events, conferences, and client engagements.
• Ability to embrace corporate values, understand the company's vision, and exemplify CCI leadership behaviors.

Shift is full-time Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm CST. Must be flexible and willing to work outside normal business hours as necessary.

Additional Information

• Approximately 25% travel may be required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

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