OSP Engineering Manager

Ritter Communications is the largest privately held telecommunications provider serving exclusively the Mid-South, offering world-class broadband fiber, telecom, video, and data center services. The company has grown rapidly over the years, investing millions recently in technology infrastructure and is now serving 197 communities and more than 60,000 customers in Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky and Louisiana. Headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Ritter Communications invests heavily in the communities it serves by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology, while coupling it with a world-class customer-focused experience.

General Summary:

The Outside Plant Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the Outside Plant Engineers in the daily execution of projects and deliverables, such as the operations of OSP engineering design, mapping, and management of contract OSP engineering resources.  The OSP Manager provides leadership to the OSP team by ensuring that efficient preparation and implementation occurs with forecasts, estimates, budgets, plans, and other related job duties.  Serves as a leader by guiding and developing OSP team members and maintains close working relationship with all partners to support and oversee design activities within the network.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develops market entry plans, based on estimate of construction costs and timelines, along with installation cost estimates, and present to a steering committee for approval; 
• Directs and coordinates the work of Outside Plant Engineering staff;
• Assists team with planning and preparing detailed drawings and staking sheets for new construction, removal or rearrangement of existing aerial or underground lines, cable and conduits;
• Ensures that OSP team manages compliance with RUS and industry specifications by staking all lines to be built and organization necessary paperwork and staking sheets;
• Monitors the designed routing of lines, equipment requirements, installation drawings, cost estimates, and other project specifics;
• Advises and researches new technologies and identifies areas of the plant that need to be upgraded;
• Attends various meetings with management, departments and vendors to ensure company objectives are met;
• Analyzes network expansion needs and collaborate to develop cost-effective OSP deployment strategies; 
• Works closely with engineering, construction, and GIS teams to ensure efficient design and implementation; 
• Participates in inter-departmental planning meetings to coordinate and communicate activities related to the successful completion of projects;
• Responsible for performance management and employee development activities including performance reviews and time approvals;
• Accountable for contract OSP engineering negotiations and onboarding
• Accountable for integrity of database of record;
• Makes job safety a primary objective in all duties;
• Travels to customer sites, project areas, business related events, and other Ritter Communications locations as required;
• Other related duties and projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of telecommunications construction and engineering practices and principals;
• Knowledge of industry regulations affecting engineering projects;
• Knowledge of management principles and practices;
• Knowledge of company products and services;
• Skill in operating various office equipment such as personal computer, various software programs, and telephone systems;
• Skill in oral and written communication;
• Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents and forms including purchase orders, invoices, expense reports, time reports, material requisition forms, work orders, trouble tickets, and service orders;
• Ability to communicate with customers, employees, and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner;
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple work assignments;
• Ability to pay close attention to detail;
• Ability to make sound decisions using information at hand;
• Ability to create a team environment and sustain employee morale;
• Ability to travel for business requirements; must possess a valid Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in engineering and/or equivalent 3-5 years of telecommunication engineering experience. 1-3 years of supervisory experience is preferred.

Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more