Sr. Manager, Outside Plant (OSP) Engineering & Construction bei Hiawatha Broadband Communications

Hiawatha Broadband Communications (HBC) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Sr. Manager – Outside Plant (OSP) Engineering & Construction to lead all aspects of fiber-based Outside Plant (OSP) design, construction, and maintenance for a growing, mid-sized broadband ISP provider.

Job Title: Sr. Manager – Outside Plant (OSP) Engineering & Construction

Location: Office in Winona, MN

Rate: $104,000-$118,000/year

Job Type: Full-time

Reporting to: President & General Manager

This role requires expertise in fiber network planning, engineering and construction, budgeting, and sub-contractor management. The position is also responsible for enhancements, maintenance, and repair of HBC’s legacy RF/HFC plant in Winona, MN and St. Charles, MN.  The position ensures a safe work environment, high-quality engineering & construction, and cost-effective deployment of fiber infrastructure that meets all regulatory requirements (city, county, state, federal), HBC company standards, and ensures future network enhancements and scalability.

Responsibilities Include:

• Oversee planning, design, permitting, and construction of fiber optic OSP projects including FTTH, backbone, and business services builds
• Develop and enforce company standards for engineering design, equipment, materials, and construction practices
• Lead project scheduling, prioritization, and coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Develop annual and project-specific budgets for OSP engineering and construction activities
• Track and manage project expenditures, ensuring cost control and return on capital investments
• Provide regular financial reporting and variance analysis to executive leadership
• Implement and enforce quality assurance and inspection processes for OSP construction
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, state, and local safety standards across all projects
• Develop and maintain documentation of construction practices, inspections, and as-built records.
• Identify, pre-qualify, and build long-term relationships with reliable sub-contractors
• Negotiate and manage contracts (RFP, RFI, Direct Award, Fixed Price Quote, other), ensuring adherence to timelines, budget, safety, and quality standards.
• Provide leadership and accountability in contractor performance management
• Oversee fiber locating and protection programs in compliance with MN state locating requirements.
• Develop proactive plant protection strategies to reduce risk of fiber cuts and outages
• Lead rapid response and restoration efforts for all OSP-related damages and service interruptions.
• Serve as the company’s primary liaison with municipalities, utilities, and state agencies on public works projects (e.g., road widening, underground utility districts, pole replacement projects)
• Review and respond to municipal requirements, ensuring compliance and cost recovery where possible.
• Advocate for company interests in utility coordination, permitting, and right-of-way issues.
• Performs all other duties as assigned

You will need to have:

• BA/BS in Engineering, Construction Management, Telecommunications, or related field (preferred)
• OSHA 30 certification (preferred)
• Direct industry experience (OSP Fiber, Field Operations, Capital Budget Management) with 5+ years of management/leadership experience and 10+ years communications services industry work experience (required)
• 10+ years of experience in OSP fiber operations, and/or, engineering and construction, with at least 5 years in a leadership/management or role
• Proven experience managing OSP fiber deployment projects in rural, suburban, and municipal environments
• 5+ years of experience in budget development, cost management, and financial accountability
• Demonstrated experience working with subcontractors and vendors to achieve quality and schedule goals.
• Knowledge of permitting, right-of-way regulations, and municipal/public works requirements
• Knowledge of joint infrastructure use agreements and requirements for conduit and poles
• In-depth knowledge of OSP design principles, fiber construction methods (aerial and underground), and fiber splicing/testing standards
• Familiarity with GIS, CAD, and OSP engineering software platforms
• Understanding of industry standards (RUS, NESC, NEC)
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growing organization
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to create a proactive team environment and sustain employee morale
• Strong, team oriented interpersonal skills
• Strong business acumen with ability to develop and justify budgets
• Ability to make data driven decisions in a timely manner while managing projects
• Knowledge of staff development techniques and willingness to transparently share knowledge
• Proficient with common Microsoft Office products: Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Knowledge of modern communications, internet and video/cable television technologies
• Must be able to work independently and as part of larger team in a fast-paced, complex, detail-oriented office environment towards common goals
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license required

Working Conditions:

• Compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards
• Adherence to project budgets and timelines
• Proactive and positive team environment
• Ensure successful delivery of fiber expansion and overbuild projects that are designed to meet company growth and retention objectives
• Ensure sub-contractor performance and partnership development
• Available to periodically work weekends and nights, as needed
• Minor field work, in all weather conditions, is required to support certain work activities

Why Join HBC?

When you join HBC, you’ll be part of an award-winning company and team. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Group health & dental insurance
• 401(k) program with company match
• Generous PTO program
• Company wellness program
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
• And much more!

We are committed to providing an environment that gives each employee the opportunity to nurture their gifts and achieve their potential. Our mission is to pass on to future generations—customers, employees, communities, and owners—an organization that is even stronger and better than it is today.

Schurz Communications and its subsidiaries’ strategic objectives:

• We will attract, invest in, communicate with, and retain top talent. 
• We will innovate, partner, experiment and create a better future together. 
• We strive to continuously improve operating performance to ensure sustained growth. 
• We will dynamically grow revenues by building and nurturing mutually beneficial and profitable customer relationships.