Network Construction Manager

The Associate Network Construction Manager supports the planning, coordination, and execution of fiber network construction projects, both above and below ground. This role requires foundational experience with outside plant (OSP) and inside plant (ISP) cable installation, utility pole infrastructure, permitting processes, and construction project workflows. The Associate NCM will assist in managing multiple projects concurrently, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with standards and objectives.

This position works closely with Construction Managers, Project Managers, Fiber Engineers, utility companies, vendors, contractors, and municipal partners. The Associate NCM serves as a knowledgeable representative of regarding construction requirements, permitting, pole transfers, utility coordination, and relocation activities within the existing fiber network.

Essential Responsibilities

Project Coordination & Support

• Participate in project Kick-Off meetings to assist Construction Managers and Project Managers across all fiber construction efforts.
• Support site-related activities including site surveys, Contractor Site Safety Inspections, and construction closeout walks.
• Maintain accurate project data within internal tracking systems, ensuring all project milestones and documentation are up to date.
• Serve as an escalation point during internal closeout reviews and coordinate corrective actions with General Contractors.

Data & Reporting

• Use PowerBI and other business intelligence tools to analyze construction performance metrics, assignment dashboards, OTP (on-time performance) indicators, and predictive visualizations.
• Review As-Built drawings to validate construction quantities and ensure accuracy of final documentation.

Utility, Municipality & Permitting Coordination

• Develop strong working knowledge of permitting and licensing processes across public and private right-of-way, and understand variations by municipality and utility owner.
• Support conflict resolution for PADOT, DELDOT, and NJDOT, including responding through each jurisdiction’s operating system.
• Process Change Management tickets, create pole maps, and generate work orders for relocation projects.
• Assist with overlash applications submitted to power companies.

Pole Transfer & Utility Coordination

• Coordinate all pole transfer activities, including vendor scheduling and tracking progress through NJUNS, SPANS, and other utility coordination platforms.
• Create purchase orders (POs), reconcile vendor invoices, and maintain communication with vendor partners.
• Manage deadlines and alignment between utilities and construction vendors to keep projects on schedule.

Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Attend transportation authority meetings and customer meetings as a construction subject matter resource.
• Build customer relationships that may lead to expanded service opportunities.
• Ensure internal stakeholders and customers are promptly informed of any issues impacting scope, timeline, or budget.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work alongside Network Construction Managers, Project Managers, Fiber Engineers, NOC, Field Operations, and Customers to ensure smooth project execution.
• Observe and learn from senior NCMs to develop advanced skills in fiber construction management, utility coordination, and permitting.

Required Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required; equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience

• 0–2 years of telecommunications or wireless industry experience, preferably involving:
• Outside Plant (OSP) fiber construction
• Inside Plant (ISP) fiber construction
• Utility pole or conduit permitting/licensing
• Construction or field operations environments

Technical Skills

• Strong Excel skills (including VLOOKUP, filters, pivot tables preferred).
• Familiarity with PowerBI or similar BI/reporting tools.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings (experience with As-Builts preferred).

Professional Skills

• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and communication abilities.
• Ability to rapidly adjust to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills and proactive follow-through.