Manager - Route Acquisition

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

As the Manager - Out of Territory (OOT) Route Acquisition, you will manage TDS associates and/or consultants that are responsible for planning, coordinating and supervising colocations/joint use activities across multiple locations and states. You will work closely with cross-functional teams-including field services, engineering, construction contractors, and 3rd-party consultants-to ensure projects meet company standards, timelines, and budgets. You will also regularly engage with high-level external stakeholders such as director-level contractors, city officials, and public works directors.

As the Manager - OOT Route Acquisition, you will oversee colocation efforts for out-of-territory and CLEC/ILEC projects throughout the TDS footprint while ensuring compliance with RUS Outside Plant guidelines and TDS standards. Key responsibilities include monitoring costs, maintaining reports, enforcing adherence to standards and practices, and developing workflows or protocols to improve processes. This role is strategic and influential, driving collaboration and change across internal and external teams to achieve company goals. Additionally, you will set clear expectations, foster a positive work environment, and coach team members to enhance their skills and overall team performance.

This position has the ability to work remotely in any of the 40+ States in which TDS Telecom operates.

Overall management, handling, control, direction, and supervision of right of way operations and performance (budgets, accounting, issues, internal/external resources, contracts, risks, compliance, methods, standards, personnel matters, strategy, and planning) ensuring the best interests of TDS are met or exceeded daily. This position must effectively manage a diverse set of factors (see above) while also operating on the highest priority program-level tasks at TDS.
• Manages specific programs and project expectations, budgets/costs, scope, quality, deliverables, closeouts, and records. Selects/hires, assigns, delegates, and schedules internal and external resources to work on projects and complete tasks. This position sets strategic agenda for program with little to no initial input to derive effective strategic plans. This position interfaces with multiple senior manager, director, and VP resources daily.
• Develops, creates, refines, and implements methods, standards, expectations, controls, reports, processes, tools, checklists, guides, forms, databases, and procedures related to improving the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of daily right of way operations and communications.
• Establishes and communicates performance expectations nationally; monitors and reports on performance of consultants and staff, challenging them to exceed expectations; coaches and trains staff and provides a variety of opportunities for staff to increase capabilities and improve performance. Effectively builds, sets agenda/path, and manages a high functioning team of individuals to drive TDS program level goals.
• Provides human resource management and associate apportionment necessary for completion of network projects, including managing in-house deployment staff, engaging, and managing professional consultant engineers during peak periods. Focus is on personnel development through performance assessments, coaching, recognition, and process improvement.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
• 7+ years of land surveying, right of way, and/or route acquisition experience.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.

Other Qualifications:

• Excellent leadership, project management, customer relations and communications skills
• Thorough Understanding of Telecommunications industry and principals.
• Deep understanding of CLARITY/PM style programs and creating analytic reports
• Thorough understanding of financial tracking and budgetary reporting
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Understanding of Colocation/Joint use process
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Outlook, Excel and Office suite as well as GIS and ESRi
• Working knowledge of RUS construction practices and engineering standards.
• Ability to work in a cooperative and courteous manner with diverse work groups.
• Must be self-motivated and self-reliant.
• May be required to regular travel on an "as-needed" basis.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what's listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• 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

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more!

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We 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.

Pay Transparency

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.