Network Operations & Maintenance Manager

Quanta Telecom Solutions, LLC•Houston, TX

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Quanta Telecommunications Solutions, LLC (QTS) safely provides comprehensive infrastructure services to fiber, wireline, and wireless carrier customers, building an intelligent, connected world through unparalleled execution and delivery of solutions within the telecommunications industry. QTS is seeking a highly skilled Network Operations & Maintenance Manager to build and lead the operational framework for a growing long-haul fiber network serving hyperscale customers. This role is embedded during the construction phase to ensure seamless transition from build to operate. The O&M Manager will develop the restoration program, SLA workflows, maintenance procedures, spare inventory strategy, NOC integration, and emergency response coordination that will define the operational identity of the network for the next 20 years.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Engineering, Business, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and 12+ years of progressive fiber operations experience.
Minimum 8 years of experience in fiber optic network operations, maintenance, or restoration, with at least 4 years in a management or supervisory capacity.
Direct experience managing fiber restoration events, SLA-driven operations, and field technician teams.
Working knowledge of 811 / One-Call locate processes, damage prevention programs, and regulatory requirements.
Experience developing O&M procedures, maintenance programs, and operational budgets.
Deep operational knowledge of OSP fiber networks including splice restoration, cable replacement, and route maintenance.
Proven ability to build operational programs from the ground up, not just manage existing ones.
Strong leadership skills with experience recruiting, developing, and managing distributed field teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to manage customer escalations professionally.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn and leverage operational management platforms.
Must be able to pass a drug screen and background check.
A valid, unrestricted driver’s license.
Work flexible hours and be available for 24/7 emergency escalation.
Willingness to travel to route locations and field sites as needed (estimated up to 50%).

Nice To Haves

Experience with long-haul or middle-mile fiber operations (not solely last-mile/FTTH)
OSHA 30 certification
Experience with NOC operations, alarm monitoring platforms, and OTDR-based fault location
Experience with hyperscale or large carrier customer operations and SLA management
Familiarity with GIS platforms and asset management systems

Responsibilities

Design and implement the complete O&M operational framework including restoration procedures, preventive maintenance programs, patrol schedules, and spare materials strategy.
Develop SLA management workflows and monitoring dashboards to ensure compliance with hyperscale customer uptime and restoration time commitments.
Establish the restoration program including emergency response procedures, escalation protocols, vendor dispatch workflows, and customer communication templates.
Define and implement spare material inventory strategy including cable, splice enclosures, vaults, hardware, and consumables at strategic locations along routes.
Lead the development of call center and negotiation of NOC integration requirements where required; manage NOC provider relationship during the startup phase and plan for eventual in-house transition.
Establish maintenance procedures for vault inspections, route patrols, slack inspections, ROW condition monitoring, and equipment checks.
Develop and implement the 811 / One-Call locate management program including GIS screening, escalation review, high-risk ticket management, and locator contractor coordination.
Create the operational transition plan for each route segment, defining acceptance criteria, documentation requirements, and readiness checklists for moving from construction to operations.
Manage and develop a team of Field Operations Technicians, restoration contractors, and locate service providers across the network footprint.
Own 24/7 operational accountability for the network including outage management, restoration coordination, customer communication, and post-event analysis.
Establish and track operational KPIs including mean time to repair (MTTR), locate ticket response times, preventive maintenance completion rates, damage events, and SLA compliance.
Coordinate with the GIS / Asset Data Manager to ensure field conditions, repairs, and modifications are accurately reflected in the network asset record.
Manage maintenance windows, planned outages, and customer notifications in coordination with the NOC and customer operations teams.
Identify recurring failure modes, high-risk areas, and third-party damage trends; recommend and justify capital projects for route hardening or relocation.
Develop and manage the O&M operating budget including labor, materials, equipment, and contractor costs.
Serve as the primary operations escalation point for hyperscale customers; participate in customer operations reviews and joint operational planning.
Ensure all operations work considers safety of the public, crews, and customer facilities, and complies with all governmental orders and permit requirements.
Follow all safety rules at all times; maintain a working knowledge of applicable safety regulations.
Attend and participate in all safety meetings and required training.
Report all injuries, accidents, and unsafe acts or conditions to immediate supervisor or safety personnel.
Communicate clearly and professionally with field teams, customer representatives, NOC providers, and external stakeholders.
Maintain accurate operational records, incident reports, and performance documentation.