Project Manager, Fiber Operations

Project Manager, Fiber Operations

Location: Hybrid in Mission, Kansas preferred

Reports To: Senior Manager, Project Management & Compliance

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Competitive

Organization: Mercury is a leading provider of high-speed internet and digital phone service. The Company was founded in Topeka, KS, after recognizing a need for Broadband Internet access in rural America. A hybrid approach to serving these "last-mile" customers was developed by extending high-capacity fiber optic networks with the range, reliability, and flexibility of carrier-class wireless technologies. Today Mercury's rapidly expanding network is headquartered in Kansas City and provides Internet access to communities throughout five states across the Midwest.

Position Summary:

The Project Manager oversees all phases of fiber construction and network expansion projects from planning through completion. This role manages vendors, schedules, budgets, and communication to ensure successful, high-quality fiber deployments. The ideal candidate has experience managing outside plant (OSP) fiber builds, is highly organized, and holds a PMP certification.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, organize, manage and communicate progress of fiber construction projects through all phases (design, permitting, construction, closeout).
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, including engineering, permitting, procurement, finance, and field operations.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and performance to ensure quality, safety, and on-time delivery.
• Monitor budgets, schedules, and project scopes; identify risks and implement corrective actions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively among cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration.
• Coordinate with permitting team to ensure compliance with permitting, right-of-way, and utility coordination requirements.
• Oversee field progress, review as-builts, testing, and final project documentation.
• Provide regular project status updates and financial reports to leadership.
• Ensure utilization of Project Management software and proper workflows.
• Perform project closeout review with contractors.

Qualifications:

• Certification: PMP (or equivalent certification) required.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience accepted.
• Experience:
• 5 years managing fiber or telecom infrastructure projects (OSP/ISP).
• Strong vendor management, budgeting, and scheduling skills.
• Familiarity with permitting, pole attachments, and fiber construction methods.
• Skills:
• Proficiency in MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar project management tools.
• Strong Excel and reporting abilities.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Comfortable managing multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Other: Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to job sites as required.

Preferred:

• Experience with GIS or network design software.
• Knowledge of federal/state broadband programs or utility coordination processes.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Light to moderate lifting may be required.
• Regular, predictable attendance is required; including quarter-driven hours as business demands dictate.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.

Mercury is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Mercury is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.