Manager Network Planning

Lumen Technologies

18h • Remote

About The Position

Lumen is the trusted network for AI. We’re transforming how businesses connect, secure, and scale in an AI-driven world. By connecting people, data, and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly, we help organizations move faster and unlock what’s next. At Lumen, people power progress. Our culture is built on teamwork, trust, and transparency, giving you the flexibility, support, and opportunity to make a lasting impact. We’re looking for top-tier talent ready to take on the challenge. Join us in building the future.

The Manager leads and develops a Strategic Planning team responsible for ensuring adequate fiber capacity across Lumen’s Long Haul and Metro networks (national and local assets). This role partners closely with Global Commercial Operations (GCO), Product, Finance, Sales, and other stakeholders to align network growth with demand. The manager monitors capacity trends across existing networks and fiber paths, identifies constraints and opportunities, and delivers clear, data-backed recommendations to leadership—translating analysis into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

This is a work from home position within the U.S.

Requirements

• Typically 6+ years related experience and a Bachelor's Degree or 4+ years related experience with Master’s degree.
• 2-3 years experience with cost savings initiatives and capital budgeting.
• Capability of understanding and communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical individuals.
• Understand how to drive decision making through data analytics.
• Create executive level content to communicate key strategies and business observations.
• Experience leading people in an individual or front-line leadership capacity.

Nice To Haves

• Masters in Business or in Computer Science or Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of networking technologies and architecture.
• Good knowledge of financial and accounting principles and processes.
• Ability to solve problems and work effectively in complex, ambiguous situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change.
• Operate consistently with a sense of urgency and a ‘can-do’ attitude.
• Demonstrate excellent problem solving, conflict management and decision-making skills.
• Proven track record of driving productivity while maintaining or increasing quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Network Planning team; set clear goals, build accountability, and drive a culture of continuous learning and high performance.
• Oversee long-haul and metro fiber capacity planning to ensure network growth aligns with customer demand, quality targets, and cost efficiency.
• Manage expense and capital planning for network augments, upgrades, and lifecycle changes; monitor spend vs. plan and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor capacity trends and operational constraints; translate technical findings into clear recommendations and actionable plans for leadership.
• Improve planning processes, tools, and systems; remove workflow friction and support teams in resolving recurring issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (e.g., Product, Finance, Engineering, Operations, Implementation, Sales, GCO) to align priorities, timing, and investment decisions.
• Stay current on industry and technology trends; assess impacts and incorporate insights into strategy and roadmaps.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing.
• Bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees