Manager Network Planning

Lumen Technologies•,

7d•$105,786 - $155,152•Remote

About The Position

The Manager, Network Planning is responsible for leading a team of planners focused on executing network capacity and infrastructure plans that support business demand, operational performance, and capital efficiency. This role translates defined planning strategies and demand inputs into executable work plans, ensuring alignment across Engineering, Operations, and Program Management. The Manager is accountable for team delivery, quality of outputs, and maintaining alignment with organizational priorities. In addition to execution leadership, this role leverages data, analytics, and AI-enabled tools to improve planning efficiency, generate insights, and translate complex network topics into clear, executive-level narratives that support decision-making. The ideal candidate is a strong people leader with experience in network planning or engineering who can drive execution, manage competing priorities, and deliver both operational results and business-facing insights.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Telecommunications, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of experience in network planning, engineering, or telecommunications operations
3+ years of people leadership or team management experience
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience working with capacity planning, network design, or infrastructure delivery
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Experience in a planning or operations environment supporting transport, IP, fiber, or access networks
Familiarity with planning systems, network inventory tools, and data visualization platforms
Experience leveraging AI tools (e.g., Copilot, automation platforms, advanced analytics) to improve workflows and reporting
Experience developing executive presentations, summaries, or business narratives
Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical content into business-focused messaging

Responsibilities

Lead and Manage Planning Execution: Manage a team of network planners responsible for day-to-day planning deliverables, Assign and prioritize workload to ensure timely and accurate execution of planning activities, Monitor team performance, output quality, and adherence to timelines and standards, Ensure team alignment to defined planning processes, guidelines, and priorities
Drive Capacity Planning and Network Execution: Oversee execution of network capacity plans, including augments, expansions, and optimization efforts, Ensure effective day-to-day management of capacity, headroom, and demand fulfillment, Support execution of adds, changes, disconnects, and network improvements
Translate Demand into Actionable Plans: Convert demand inputs (from sales, product, and strategic planning teams) into actionable work plans, Ensure accurate scoping, feasibility validation, and readiness for downstream execution, Provide input into capital planning processes through cost estimates and planning data
Leverage Data, Analytics, and AI: Utilize data analytics, forecasting models, and AI-enabled tools to improve planning accuracy and efficiency, Automate reporting, identify patterns, and surface insights to proactively manage capacity and demand, Drive adoption of AI tools to reduce manual effort, enhance decision-making, and improve visibility into network performance, Use data-driven insights to identify risks, constraints, and optimization opportunities
Develop Executive-Level Narratives and Communications: Translate complex network planning data into clear, concise executive-level narratives, Develop summaries, presentations, and talking points that communicate network health, risks, and investment needs, Support leadership reviews by synthesizing data into actionable insights and recommendations, Ensure messaging is tailored to different audiences (e.g., executive leadership, field operations, cross-functional partners)
Coordinate with Cross-Functional Teams: Partner with Engineering, Field Operations, and Program Management to ensure plans are executable, Track progress of planning-driven work and escalate issues as needed, Ensure alignment between planning outputs and downstream delivery expectations
Use Data to Drive Performance: Leverage reporting tools to track workload, capacity, and execution performance, Identify bottlenecks, risks, and inefficiencies within planning workflows, Provide regular updates and performance insights to leadership
Support Process Improvement Initiatives: Identify opportunities to improve planning efficiency, accuracy, and cycle time, Support implementation of standardized processes, tools, and reporting methods, Drive adoption of best practices and continuous improvement across the team
Develop Talent and Build Capability: Provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities to planners, Build both technical expertise and business acumen across the team, Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration