Manager – Construction Relations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee contractor orientation and training across Lumos' expanding fiber network.

• Offer technical expertise regarding state 811 regulations, excavation safety, utility locating, damage prevention, and underground construction methods.

• Execute both scheduled and surprise field audits, evaluations, and observations to ensure contractor compliance.

• Mentor contractors with a progressive methodology while upholding accountability.

• Examine damages, audits, quality findings, incidents, complaints, and operational feedback to pinpoint risks and develop enhancement strategies.

• Act as the subject-matter expert in contractor damage prevention, excavation techniques, underground utility protection, and 811 regulations.

• Collaborate with Construction, Engineering, Safety, Quality, Operations, leadership, and other departments.

• Engage in major damage, near-miss, and incident reviews, converting lessons learned into training, procedures, audit criteria, and preventive measures.

• Foster relationships with contractors, locators, telecommunications companies, utilities, municipalities, the Department of Transportation, engineering firms, 811 centers, Damage Prevention Councils, Utility Coordinating Committees, Common Ground Alliance organizations, safety organizations, and other stakeholders.

• Represent Lumos at relevant meetings and events.

• Create field-reference materials and tailored training programs.

• Review contractor performance metrics and trends, suggesting improvements in programs, standards, processes, and training.

• Keep records and generate reports on damages, contractor performance, and other pertinent measures.

• Assist the Construction Relations Director team and undertake additional responsibilities as needed.

⛳️ Requirements

• Extensive knowledge of underground construction, damage prevention, excavation safety, and contractor field operations.

• Familiarity with state 811/One Call laws and processes, including ticket management, Positive Response, locate verification, tolerance zones, white lining, and safe excavation protocols.

• Experience with GIS, 811/One Call ticketing systems, construction documentation, or similar platforms used for tracking underground facilities and field activities.

• Capability to train, coach, and influence contractors and field teams while maintaining accountability and fostering productive working relationships.

• Understanding of utility locating, potholing, utility crossings, HDD/trenchless construction, and underground facility protection.

• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, with the capacity to engage effectively with field crews, contractor leadership, municipalities, utilities, and internal teams.

• Skill in analyzing contractor performance, damage trends, ticketing data, audit results, and other field information to identify risks and drive enhancements.

• A collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset with sound judgment and the ability to operate independently in dynamic field settings.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; a Bachelor's degree is preferred.

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in telecommunications, underground utility construction, damage prevention, contractor management, construction safety, quality assurance, inspection, utility locating, training, or a related field.

• Direct experience working alongside contractors and field construction teams; experience with orientations, field training, audits, inspections, damage investigations, or contractor performance improvement is highly desirable.

• Direct familiarity with 811/One Call processes, ticketing requirements, utility locating, GIS systems, and damage-prevention practices is strongly preferred.

• Practical insight into how underground construction is planned and executed, with the ability to communicate credibly from field crews to contractor and company leadership.

• Proficiency in both Spanish and English is highly preferred.

• A valid, unrestricted driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

• Willingness to travel 80%+ and work across various environments including office, classroom, vehicle, and active construction sites.

• Applicants must be at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of application.

• Ability to safely stand, walk, and traverse uneven terrain and work zones; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and maneuver around construction equipment.

• Capacity to work outdoors in diverse weather and construction-site conditions while wearing necessary PPE.

• Ability to transport training materials, field equipment, PPE, laptops, and presentation materials.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Competitive salary packages, including bonus opportunities for eligible roles.

• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

• 100% employer-funded life and disability insurance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing access to professional support for life’s challenges.

• 401K plan with up to 5% employer contribution and a self-directed brokerage option.

• Wellness program offering education and cash incentives for gym attendance and nutrition programs.

• Employee referral bonuses.

• Discounts on Lumos Fiber Internet for employees residing in our service areas.

• Discounts on T-Mobile wireless services and select features for lines.