Operations Manager

At IdeaTek we arent just an internet service provider; we are Freedom Fighters. We believe that high-speed reliable internet is a fundamental right not a luxury. Founded on the mission of Fighting for Internet Freedom we specialize in deploying innovative fiber-optic infrastructures to underserved areas. As we expand our movement into Tucson Arizona we are seeking an experienced strategic and highly driven Operations Manager to lead our fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure deployment and community build-out strategy across the greater Tucson this role you will hold full operational and strategic accountability for our Tucson expansion. You will oversee everything from high-level market planning and municipal permitting to localized engineering construction and last-mile installation. The ideal candidate has a deep background in telecom infrastructure a proven track record of scaling physical network.

What Youll Do

Key responsibilities include:

Fiber Deployment & Build-out Strategy

• Network Expansion Strategy: Design and execute the regional roadmap for fiber network deployment prioritizing high-yield community builds and optimizing Outside Plant (OSP) engineering timelines.
• Subcontractor Management: Source negotiate with and manage civil engineering and construction contractors to ensure mainline and drop installations meet strict quality timeline and budgetary standards.

Strategic Leadership

• Financial Accountability: Own the regional CapEx and OpEx budgets for the Tucson build-out. Drive cost-per-pass (CPP) efficiencies and ensure a strong ROI on infrastructure assets.
• Field Team Leadership: Deliver comprehensive oversight technical guidance and operational supervision for regional installation crews and fiber splicing specialists.
• Team Development: Facilitate technical training sessions and communicate critical operational updates to the regional workforce.
• KPI Architecture: Monitor critical metrics including homes passed (HP) cost per door knocked installation interval times and network provisioning health.
• Supply Chain & Inventory: Oversee local warehousing and materials management to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fiber optic cabling conduits MSTs and ONT equipment.

Community Engagement & Last-Mile Delivery

• Community Build Integration: Partner with Marketing and Sales teams to coordinate coming soon community campaigns aligning construction schedules with hyper-local subscriber acquisition efforts.
• Home Installation Excellence: Oversee the residential and commercial dispatch operations ensuring field technicians deliver top-tier customer service during the final drop and hardware hookup.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce rigorous safety cultures for both in-house crews and contractors strictly adhering to OSHA NESC and local traffic control regulations.

What Were Looking For

To be considered for this role youll need the following required qualifications:

• 7 years of leadership experience in telecommunications broadband infrastructure or utilities with at least 3 years specifically focused on OSP (Outside Plant) fiber construction and FTTH deployments.
• Proven experience managing large-scale cross-functional teams including construction crews field technicians and project managers.
• Deep understanding of fiber design principles (GPON/XGS-PON architecture) directional drilling aerial vs. underground construction and fiber splicing/testing methods.
• Advanced project management skills with proficiency in GIS mapping fiber inventory systems and project tracking software.
• Possess a valid drivers license with no restrictions
• Ability to travel up to 5% for training

What Will Help You Stand Out

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish) is highly valued for navigating Tucsons diverse community networks and workforce.
• Familiarity with local municipal permitting utility relations and Arizona ROW laws.

Desired Attributes

Beyond the qualifications these attributes are what make someone a great fit for our team:

• Motivational Leadership: A deep-seated commitment to mentoring inspiring and driving high-performance field teams.
• Mastery of Communication: Possesses outstanding written and oral communication skills including the ability to negotiate and effectively interact with stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Strategic Influence: Demonstrated capacity to guide critical decision-making processes through professional expertise and logic.
• Operational Agility: Superior organizational talent with the ability to swiftly re-prioritize in a fast-paced deployment environment.
• Problem Solving: A resourceful and creative approach to navigating complex infrastructure and logistical challenges.
• Process Innovation: A Big Thinker mindset focused on optimizing workflows and implementing non-traditional effective solutions.

Why Join IdeaTek

IdeaTek is a cutting-edge telecommunications company dedicated to bringing fast reliable internet to underserved communities. Were a passionate team of innovators and problem-solvers committed to making a difference in the lives of our customers. At IdeaTek we value our employees and foster a culture of collaboration growth and community involvement.

A few of the key ways we strive to make employees feel valued include:

• Competitive base salary with a performance bonus tied to build-out milestones and subscriber activation goals.
• Comprehensive benefits package (Medical Dental Vision 401k matching).
• Company-provided vehicle for regional site travel.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates looking to make Tucson their home.
• Free coaching/counseling for employees & families
• Free internet service (if available in your area) or internet reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for personal and professional growth
• Community engagement opportunities
• Culture that values results effort and integrity

Our Core Values

• We are Trustworthy We build confidence through transparency follow-through and dependability.
• We count on Big Thinkers We dont just imagine the futurewe create it with bold actionable ideas.
• We have a Resilient Spirit We embrace challenges bounce back from setbacks and keep striving for more.
• We stand on Belief We believe everyone deserves access to technology that helps them learn grow and thrive.
• We foster Connectedness Our work goes beyond broadbandwe build real connections within our team and our communities.
• We drive Innovation Were always looking for ways to improve and redefine whats possible.

This role is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

This employer uses E-Verify.