Project Manager I

Location: Flexible / Regional Travel Required

Industry: Telecommunications / Utility Construction / Fiber Optics

 

Job Summary:

Build the Infrastructure That Connects Communities

 

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Outside Plant (OSP) Project Manager to lead the successful execution of complex fiber optic and utility construction projects. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for managing multiple underground and aerial OSP construction projects from planning through closeout while ensuring safety, quality, profitability, and client satisfaction.

 

The ideal candidate combines strong construction management expertise with extensive knowledge of underground utility installations, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), aerial cable construction, fiber optic infrastructure, and field operations. We are looking for a proven leader who can effectively manage people, schedules, budgets, subcontractors, clients, and production across multiple active projects.

 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Characteristics

• A strategic thinker who can balance operational execution with business objectives.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• A decisive leader who thrives in fast-paced, production-driven environments.
• Skilled at building customer trust and long-term relationships.
• Comfortable managing large teams and significant project portfolios.
• Driven by accountability, safety, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Capable of leading both field and office personnel while maintaining a strong customer-focused mindset.

Project Leadership

• Manage the full lifecycle of HDD and aerial OSP construction projects from award through final completion.
• Develop project execution plans, schedules, budgets, staffing plans, and production forecasts.
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to customer specifications.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify and mitigate risks.
• Lead regular project review meetings with internal teams and stakeholders.

HDD & Aerial Operations Management

• Oversee all directional drilling operations including bore planning, utility crossings, pullback activities, and restoration.
• Manage aerial construction activities including strand placement, fiber installation, make-ready coordination, pole transfers, and system upgrades.
• Ensure compliance with engineering designs, permits, utility owner requirements, and customer specifications.
• Coordinate HDD crews, aerial crews, subcontractors, equipment resources, and material deliveries.
• Provide technical guidance on challenging bore paths, utility conflicts, aerial attachment requirements, and field conditions.
• Drive production efficiency while maintaining industry-leading safety and quality standards.

Financial Management

• Manage project budgets, cost controls, forecasting, and profitability.
• Review labor, equipment, subcontractor, and material expenditures.
• Approve purchase orders, invoices, and change orders.
• Identify opportunities to improve margins and operational efficiency.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and executive project updates.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary contact for customers, municipalities, utility owners, engineering firms, and permitting agencies.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Lead project status meetings and communicate progress, risks, and solutions.
• Negotiate project changes and resolve issues professionally and effectively.

Safety & Quality Excellence

• Promote a culture of safety and accountability throughout all operations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, company safety policies, NESC requirements, and industry regulations.
• Conduct project audits and field reviews to verify quality expectations are met.
• Support incident investigations and corrective action initiatives.

Team Development