Associate Manager-FS Outside Plant Construction

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 Associate Manager‑Field Services Outside Plant Construction
, 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 role, 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 Appleton, WI and involves frequent travel within the market 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 they 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.

• 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.

• 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…