Network Operations Project Manager Jobs in Montana

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 Associate Manager - Field Services Outside Plant Construction, with a primary focus on leading fiber splicing operations across the Montana markets. You will bring substantial hands-on experience in fiber splicing, along with a strong understanding of fiber testing, validation, and quality control standards-critical to ensuring the integrity, performance, and reliability of our expanding fiber network.

In this role, you will be 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.

In this position, you will emphasize a 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. You will be responsible for achieving all key operating metrics, including:

• Customer Service Address additions through capital project completion
• Capital project targets
• Overtime management
• Quality assurance program
• Inventory management
• Construction technician development
• 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.

Furthermore, 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.)

This position must reside within 50 miles of one of the Montana markets (Billings, Butte, Great Falls, Helena, Missoula) and involves frequent travel within the markets for coverage. Additionally, this role reports to the office daily and is not a work-from-home (WFH) position.

• 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).

The functions listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by associates assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.
• 3+ years' experience in the telecommunications 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.

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!

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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.

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.

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. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more! 

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

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.