Strategic Programs Manager - Telecommunications Construction

If being a part of a tight-knit organization that operates in some of the most advanced technology environments around the world sounds like a dream job, NTI might be the right fit for you! With the perks of a large organization, NTI remains true to its roots as a home-grown company with an open-door culture that welcomes new ideas and encourages professional growth. We set you on the right path with careful onboarding and thorough training programs that prepare you for success in your role and beyond.

Job Summary:

The Manager of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for building, standardizing, and leading a scalable subcontractor management program across the organization. This role owns the full lifecycle of subcontractor engagement—from sourcing and qualification to performance management and continuous improvement—with a primary focus on ensuring subcontractor partners can safely, reliably, and efficiently support mission-critical data center and fiber construction projects.

Unlike traditional subcontractor management roles, this position is not responsible for day-to-day field oversight, but instead establishes the framework, governance, and infrastructure that enables operations teams to effectively deploy qualified subcontractor partners across all markets.

This leader will drive consistency in onboarding, contracting, compliance, and performance evaluation while ensuring subcontractors align with company standards, culture, and long-term growth objectives.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Subcontractor Program Development & Standardization

• Build and implement a company-wide subcontractor management program that standardizes:

• Onboarding and qualification processes
• Performance evaluation criteria
• Compliance and audit procedures
• Deployment andutilizationacross markets

• Develop a centralized subcontractor repository in partnership with PMO, including:

• Capabilities (conveyance, structured cabling, fiber splicing/testing)
• Geographic coverage
• Labor capacity and scalability
• Safety records and historical performance

• Establish tiering/classification system (preferred, approved, conditional, etc.)

2. Sourcing, RFI/RFP, and Market Expansion

• Lead formal RFI/RFP/RFQ processes toidentifyand onboard high-performing subcontractor partners
• Proactively source new subcontractors to support:

• Expansion into new markets
• Increased demandonexisting projects

• Build relationships with union labor networks (e.g., IBEW) and regional subcontractor ecosystems
• Ensure competitive pricing whilemaintainingquality and safety standards

3. Qualification, Compliance & Risk Management

• Establish and enforce subcontractor prequalification standards, including:

• Financial stability
• Workforce capability and training programs
• Relevant project experience (data center / mission-critical preferred)
• Safetyqualification, including EMR review, OSHA recordables, safetyprogram, anddemonstratedadherence to industry safety standards.

• Implement audit processes to verify:

• Pre-employment screenings
• Insurancecompliance (GL,WorkersComp,umbrella, etc.)
• Licensing requirements byjurisdiction

• Standardize andmaintainMaster Service Agreements (MSAs) and subcontract templates
• Partner with Legal and Risk to review contracts and mitigate exposure

4. Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Define and track subcontractor KPIs, including:

• Safety performance
• Quality of installation
• Schedule adherence
• Productivity and rework rates

• Conduct regular performance reviews and scorecards
• Implement corrective action plans or removal strategies for underperforming partners
• Drive training and development expectations for subcontractor workforce to align with company standards

5. Operational Alignment & Workforce Deployment

• Serve as thecentral pointof coordination between subcontractor partners and internal operations teams
• Communicate subcontractor availability and capabilities across all markets
• Support project teams in securing supplemental labor aligned to scope requirements:
• Ensure subcontractors deployed to projects have theappropriate skillsets, certifications, and capacity

6. Contract Administration & Financial Oversight

• Oversee subcontract lifecycle including:

• Contract execution
• Change order management
• Invoice review coordination

• Ensure alignment with project budgets and commercial terms
• Support cost benchmarking andidentifyopportunities for cost optimization without compromising quality

7. Team Building & Scalability

• Develop a scalable organizational plan for subcontractor services as the company grows
• Build and lead a small, high-impact team over time (e.g., regional coordinators, compliance specialists)
• Establish clear roles, processes, and accountability structures within the function

Education and Experience:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in:

• Construction Management, Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field

• PMP or similar certification preferred

Experience

• 7–12 years of experience in:

• Subcontractor/vendor management
• Construction procurement or contract management
• Data center, telecommunications, or mission-critical environments (strongly preferred)

• Proven experience building or scaling vendor/subcontractor programs across multiple regions

Technical & Industry Knowledge

• Strong understanding of:

• Data center construction scopes (conveyance, structuredcabling, fiber splicing/testing)
• Subcontractor contracting practices and risk management
• Union labor environments (IBEW preferred)

• Familiarity with:

• RFI/RFP processes
• Contractstructures (MSA, SOW, GMPenvironments)

Job Skills, Competencies, and Knowledge:

• Strategic thinker with ability to build programs from the ground up
• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen
• Exceptional stakeholder management across operations, legal, PMO, and executive leadership
• Analytical mindset with ability to develop performance metrics and reporting frameworks
• High levelof organization and process discipline

NTI provides a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance and retirement savings options. For Union employees, pay rates and benefit levels are determined by union classifications which are set by the union.

EEOC-Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran 

National Technologies (NTI) believes all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunities and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants because of race, color, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, domestic partnership status, ancestry, religion, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability, veteran status, age or any other protected group status. Upon acceptance of an offer, all candidates will be required to pass a background check and drug screening.