OSP Project Manager

Location: Plain City

Position Summary
The OSP Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of outside plant (OSP) fiber construction projects for Lightpath. This includes managing field operations, supervising contractors, maintaining project documentation, managing budgets, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of fiber network expansion projects.

The ideal candidate will have strong OSP construction experience, expertise in budgeting and cost control, and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams, municipalities, utilities, leadership, and customer-facing stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities
Project Planning & Execution

• Define and manage end-to-end project plans including evaluation, engineering, permitting, construction, installation, and splicing.
• Coordinate underground fiber construction and daily installation activities, ensuring quality and adherence to project timelines.
• Oversee fiber splicing and testing activities and ensure accurate turnover documentation.

Field & Contractor Management

• Manage OSP field teams, including inspectors and a construction manager.
• Ensure field staff log daily production and updates into the Lightpath GIS system.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure quality installations throughout the project lifecycle.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal leadership, engineering, sales teams, and construction leadership.
• Engage with municipal officials, utility companies, and local authorities to coordinate permitting, inspections, and construction windows.
• Communicate project updates, risks, and timelines clearly to all stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Develop, track, and manage project budgets including labor, materials, contractor costs, permits, and equipment.
• Review and approve contractor invoices ensuring alignment with actual field production.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities, forecast expenses, and proactively address financial risks.

Permitting & Compliance

• Attend pre-construction meetings and work with city inspectors to manage and close permits correctly.
• Ensure adherence to local right-of-way laws and construction regulations.

Reporting & Documentation

• Maintain daily/weekly project trackers, GIS updates, as-builts, records, and progress reports.
• Ensure all project documentation is completed and submitted in compliance with Lightpath standards.

Maintenance Support

• Support fiber plant maintenance and repair activities when needed.

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years of OSP, telecom, fiber construction, or utility infrastructure project management experience.
• Experience coordinating underground fiber builds, drilling, and utility locating.
• Ability to read fiber maps, engineering drawings, and GIS-based plant layouts.
• Strong communication skills for managing field teams and external authorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn Lightpath GIS/project tools.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass required background/drug screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience managing multimillion-dollar project budgets.
• Stakeholder or client-facing project management experience.
• Experience presenting project updates to leadership or external partners.
• Strong problem-solving and risk-mitigation skills.

Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Plain City, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $55.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Work…