[Hiring] Director of Network Construction @TDS

Role Description

As the Director of Network Construction, you'll play a pivotal role in building and expanding the cutting-edge infrastructure that powers TDS Telecom. You’ll oversee all aspects of outside plant (OSP) construction, right-of-way management, and capacity optimization—ensuring our network continues to deliver exceptional performance and reliability.

In this role, you’ll be the strategic link between Field Services, Marketing, Sales & Customer Operations (MSCO), and other Network Services teams. Together, you’ll:

• Plan and prioritize network deployments
• Align infrastructure builds with capital budgets
• Optimize rollout timing to meet business and customer needs

Your leadership will guide the deployment of outside plant infrastructure and other critical assets, while managing contractors and right-of-way processes to keep projects on track and on budget. You’ll also ensure our network data is accurately captured and maintained across Metasolv, GIS, and project management systems, supporting transparency and sales readiness as new builds go live. This involves working with major switching, transmission equipment, and next-generation technologies including PON, VOIP, IPTV, and wireless.

This position may be performed remotely from any of the 40+ states in which TDS operates, with a preference for candidates located in the Western U.S. (including WA, MT, and ID). The role requires regular travel for in-market support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience
• 8+ years of experience in the telecommunications industry as it relates to planning, operations, engineering, supervision, or project management functions
• 8+ years’ experience in management or a supervisory role
• Master's in Business Administration degree highly desirable
• Proven ability to communicate complex issues effectively to varied audiences, among them senior executives
• Product Development and Management experience considered a plus
• Proven experience developing initiatives with concrete results
• Proven leadership ability, demonstrating coaching of network and contact center professionals
• Proven ability to assess risks, develop risk management plans, and drive toward execution in the presence of imperfect information
• Superior ability to analyze and forecast resource needs and to optimize those needs across many projects
• Proven ability to provide excellent judgment and leadership in crisis management situations
• Proven ability to effectively interact with peers to develop near-term and long-term strategies

Requirements

• Provides leadership for all “construction” personnel including ISP construction, OSP construction, critical infrastructure, right of way, contractors, developing people, budgeting, process improvements, training, resource allocation, and cost control
• Primary interfaces with the Field Services, Network Operations, Government & Regulatory Affairs, and MSCO teams to ensure successful implementation of the Voice, Video, and Data network within the financial (OPex and Capex) targets established
• Meets with and actively manages various vendors, from equipment vendors to data circuit providers to deliver what they promise on time and within the expected cost structure
• Oversees and coordinates the preparation and management of the Telecom Network Services capital and expense budget, including assigned program level capital responsibilities
• Control related activities including the applicable Network Services Sox controls related to fixed assets, capital spending, call detail billing, and network security
• Work with the Supply Chain Services team on development of RFP’s, bids, system development, and process improvement to reduce costs paid to external companies and internal expenses
• Finding new construction contractors and contract negotiations with the existing contractors to meet build commitments, reduce costs, and add construction capacity and capability
• As a key Network Services Leader, contributes to the Network Services leadership team in assuring a cohesive body of processes for network planning, engineering, and construction as well as assuring we have a culture that focuses on operational excellence, consistent with overall TDS Telecom mission and values
• Serves on internal and external industry committees and work groups

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability (for associates working 30 or more hours per week)
• TDS Service Discounts (for associates working 30 or more hours per week)
• Education Assistance (for associates working 30 or more hours per week)
• Paid Volunteer Time (for associates working 30 or more hours per week)