Manager - EACAM Route Acquisition

TDS Telecom

8d•Remote

About The Position

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? The Manager – EACAM Route Acquisition leads and oversees teams of TDS associates and consultants responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Colocation and Joint Use activities across multiple states. This role partners closely with Field Services, associate managers, Outside Plant Engineers, colocation (COLO) / right of way (ROW) team members, third‑party consultants, and construction and engineering contractors to support both TDS competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) and incumbent local exchange carrirer (ILEC) operations. The position requires frequent direct communication and negotiation with senior‑level external stakeholders, including director‑level vendor leadership, city managers, mayors, directors of public works, and other key decision‑makers to ensure successful outcomes aligned with company objectives. This role is a strategic leader who drives program‑level change by building strong internal and external partnerships to exceed business goals. The manager brings advanced analytical and negotiation skills, along with a proven ability to influence diverse stakeholders, to advance TDS’s priorities and long‑term strategy. The position is accountable for all Colocation and Joint Use activities supporting TDS Telecom fiber networks, ensuring compliance with RUS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and established TDS OSP standards. The Manager – EACAM Route Acquisition typically oversees TDS’s largest and most visible programs and initiatives, managing complex projects. Responsibilities include leading colocation teams supporting OOT and CLEC/ILEC projects across the full TDS footprint, closely monitoring costs and schedules, developing and maintaining reports, ensuring adherence to TDS standards and best practices, and establishing workflows or protocols as needed to support on‑time, on‑budget project delivery. This leader is also responsible for driving organizational initiatives, setting clear expectations and performance goals, and fostering a positive, collaborative team environment. The role emphasizes coaching and mentoring team members while proactively identifying opportunities to enhance skills, elevate performance, and continuously strengthen the overall capabilities of the team. This position has the ability to work remotely in any of the 40+ States in which TDS Telecom operates.

Requirements

Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
5+ years' experience in telephony or related fields.
3+ years' supervisory experience
Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Responsible for the management of TDS associates and/or consultants who are responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising colocation/joint use activities in multiple locations and states. The incumbent is expected to work closely with representatives from Field Services, associate managers, Outside Plant Engineers, ROW team members, 3rd party consultants, and construction/engineering contractors for both TDS OOT & CLEC/ILEC operations to ensure that the needs of the company are being met. 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 on a daily basis.
Responsible for the Colocation/Joint use activities of TDS Telecom fiber networks while conforming to existing RUS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and TDS OSP. They will be responsible for continually working with various power company/3rd party pole owners (Telephone/CATV) entities when/where applicable. Negotiation, coordination, and cooperation skills to expedite permitting/workflow with pole owner are crucial to this role. This position must effectively manage a diverse set of factors (see above) while also operating on the highest priority program level tasks at TDS.
Verify all permitting documentation to gain access to aerial plant (Power & 3rd party poles) is accurate, complete, and clear. They will seek to drive consistency and clarity of all protocols to expedite permit approval process.
Verify that all documentation required to complete projects successfully, including bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, and close-out documentation, is complete.
Review all required reports from Colocation/Joint use team and contractor invoicing for accuracy. Role will track and process PO’s, check requests, etc. to drive accuracy for reporting internally to TDS Finance Department
Use strong OSP background to assist in troubleshooting escalated issues when necessary to achieve expedited results with pole owners or internal teams.
Provide human resource management necessary for completion of network projects. This includes managing in-house deployment staff as well as engaging and managing professional consultant engineers during peak periods. Focus is on personnel development through performance assessments, coaching, recognition, and process improvement.
Conduct periodic quality assurance inspection of OSP projects performed by local operations.
Manage specific OSP projects if schedule permits.