Right-of-Way Project Manager

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 for 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 to make life better by connecting people through innovative communication systems.

We are seeking a Right-of-Way Project Manager who is responsible for the strategic oversight and execution of all research, negotiation, and acquisition of easements and right-of-way activities for both wireless and wireline infrastructure projects. This role involves leading a team of specialists, negotiating complex legal agreements, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, and acting as the primary liaison with municipalities and property owners. The Project Manager drives project schedules, mitigates risks related to land access and ensures a seamless transition to the construction phase, playing a critical role in the company's operational success by proactively addressing Real Estate access requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Right-of-Way Supervisors, Specialists, and Technicians providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide strategic oversight for the entire easement and right-of-way program lifecycles for all assigned projects.
• Delegate project tasks and manage workloads to ensure project milestones are met on time and within scope.
• Identify and proactively resolve project obstacles to mitigate project delays and ensure a smooth handoff to construction.
• Execute the acquisition of easements and rights-of-way including negotiation of terms and management of legal documentation.
• Negotiate lease agreements and permits with property owners and municipalities.
• Perform due diligence to verify property ownership and existing encumbrances that may impact new easement acquisition.
• Order title reports, as required, to confirm ownership and encumbrance.   
• Review and understand easements, deeds, and other real estate documents. 
• Research and interpret local, state, and federal zoning, permitting, and land use regulations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for municipalities and jurisdictional authorities to secure approvals and address questions.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure all designs and plans are compliant with jurisdictional requirements before submission.
• Maintain meticulous and organized project documentation, including all submitted applications, permits, easements, legal agreements, and communication records.
• Manage purchase orders and invoices for assigned subcontractors.
• Manage purchase order requests, purchase orders, and invoicing for the program and client.
• Provide regular status updates to clients and internal leadership on all projects ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Input all information and documentation into the relevant database or tracking system.
• Assist in the preparation of project related forms, templates and reports.
• Ensure confidentiality of company information.  
• Individuals in this role receive privileged access and are assigned specialized training at least once a year.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.  

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of progressive experience in permitting, right of way, land use, real estate acquisition, with a strong focus on wireless or wireline infrastructure projects.
• 5+ years of experience in a specialized easement-focused role within the telecommunications, wireline, utility or construction industry preferred.
• 1+ years of experience in leadership, supervisory or project management roles. 
• Experience with permitting portals and government agency databases preferred.
• Previous experience with both wireless (macro, small cell) and Utility (Communication, Power, or Gas) projects preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in interpreting legal documents, municipal zoning ordinances, permitting processes, and land use regulations.
• Fam