Hiawatha Broadband Communications
Sr. Manager, Outside Plant (OSP) Engineering & Construction
Hiawatha Broadband Communications, Winona, Minnesota, United States, 55987
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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.
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.