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. 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 to include customer Service Address additions through capital project completion, capital project targets, overtime management, quality assurance program, inventory management, construction technician development, and 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.

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.).

The pay range listed for this position represents the low and high end of the base compensation range. The actual offer amount will carefully consider multiple factors, such as relevant skills, qualifications, work experience, location and/or competencies that align with the specified role. Certain positions are eligible for additional forms of compensation such as bonuses and equity awards.

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Metrocom/TDS) is a leading provider of fiber internet service. With more than 50 years of experience, the growing communications company is building and deploying new, fiber optic networks in neighborhoods across the country to deliver up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds to homes and up to 10 Gigabit internet speeds to businesses. In addition, TDS provides innovative TV entertainment and advanced phone services. Visit tdsfiber.com to learn more.

TDS provides communications services to a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the United States. The company employs more than 3,600 people nationwide and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS Inc.), a Fortune 1000 company [NYSE: TDS]. Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless, broadband, video, and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately 6 million connections nationwide through its businesses: UScellular, TDS Telecom, and OneNeck IT Solutions. Visit tdsinc.com for more information.

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 all of the Required Qualifications, but aren't sure if your experience meets the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that some candidates may not apply for jobs unless they feel they meet 100% of the qualifications, when, in fact, they have the skills and experience to be successful in the role! Experience and skills come in many different forms and may not always look identical to what we have on paper, but still lead to success in the role. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have what it takes to be successful in the position, 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

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off benefits such as vacation (15 days accrued per year for full-time; pro-rated for part-time associates working between 20-39 hours), sick leave (10 days accrued per year for full-time and pro-rated for all other associates), seven paid national holidays and one floating holiday, paid parental leave (2 weeks after 12 months of employment), among others. Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability coverage is also available for associates working 30 or more hours per week and Education Assistance is available to full-time associates. Associates scheduled to work under twenty hours per week or for a limited term (i.e. interns) are eligible for medical coverage, the 401(k) plan (if 18 or older), as well as sick leave (10 days accrued per year for full-time and pro-rated for all other associates). For more detail on the benefits we offer click here.

At TDS, we embrace Equal Employment Opportunity by valuing our differences and 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. To learn about our diversity & inclusion philosophy and culture, click here!