Manager of Communications Services

McCall-Thomas Engineering•Orangeburg, SC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager of Communications Services provides overall leadership, strategic direction, operational oversight, financial management, and growth for McCall-Thomas Engineering’s Communications Services department. The role oversees fiber engineering, outside plant (OSP) design, permitting, construction, fiber splicing and testing, inspection, and project delivery. The manager leads communications engineering, design, construction, inspection, and field operations; establishes department goals, KPIs, budgets, and staffing plans; and promotes safety, accountability, productivity, and client service. The position develops strategic plans, supports proposals and client relationships, and ensures projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and according to client requirements. It oversees overhead and underground fiber construction, engineering and permitting standards, field quality assurance, consultant and inspection personnel, project finances, and client contract and scope matters. The role reports to the Vice President and Director of Engineering & Operations and has direct reports in construction management, communications design management, and communications field management. The position is based in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The incumbent must be available to travel as part of the company’s Storm Damage Assessment response team when called, either as a Driver or an Assessor.

Requirements

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in telecommunications, fiber optic engineering, FTTH deployment, OSP design, broadband infrastructure, or utility communications construction.
At least five years of management experience leading multiple functional groups and supervisory personnel.
Demonstrated experience managing engineering, permitting, construction, inspection, and project delivery functions.
Experience managing project budgets, schedules, client relationships, and operational performance.
Experience using project management and business management software platforms for operational oversight and financial reporting.
Knowledge of FTTH networks and broadband systems.
Knowledge of fiber optic design, construction, splicing, and testing.
Knowledge of OSP engineering and utility coordination.
Knowledge of overhead and underground construction practices.
Knowledge of telecommunications permitting and right-of-way processes.
Knowledge of contractor management and construction inspection.
Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and project financial management.
Knowledge of resource planning and workforce management.
Proficiency with BQE Core or similar project accounting and project management software.
Proficiency with Smartsheet or similar project scheduling and collaboration platforms.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, and advanced Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the department’s communications engineering, design, construction, inspection, and field operations.
Establish department goals, KPIs, budgets, and staffing plans, with emphasis on safety, accountability, productivity, and client service.
Develop strategic plans for communications infrastructure services and support proposal development and client relationship management.
Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with client requirements; use Smartsheet as the project management platform.
Oversee overhead and underground fiber construction operations and effectively utilize company crews, subcontractors, and equipment.
Support planning and coordination of fiber splicing, testing, acceptance, and turnover activities.
Oversee engineering, design, and permitting, ensuring engineering standards and client specifications are implemented.
Oversee construction inspection and resident engineering activities and ensure effective management of design consultants and inspection personnel.
Prepare and manage annual operating budgets; use BQE Core for project accounting; monitor project profitability, labor utilization, and operating expenses.
Promote and maintain a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, client, utility, and company safety requirements.
Serve as a primary client contact for communications projects and programs, and support contract negotiations, scope management, and change order administration.
Travel when called to support storm damage assessment response as a Driver or Assessor.