United States onlyOverview
At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?
As the Manager-Centralized Drop Coordination, you’ll lead the end‑to‑end installation of service drops for residential, commercial, and multi‑dwelling properties. You’ll partner closely with internal teams, contractors, and vendors to ensure fiber, copper, and coax solutions are installed efficiently and right the first time. Your success will hinge on strong vendor management, smart prioritization, and a passion for enabling customers quickly and seamlessly. Along the way, you’ll ensure every project meets OSP guidelines, local codes, and TDS standards—balancing speed, quality, and compliance while keeping customers connected and satisfied.Responsibilities
Team Operations Leadership
- Provide leadership and development to Centralized Drop Coordination supervisors, including overall process architecture and handoffs, resolving escalated issues, and developing and monitoring team metrics and goals.
- Manages adherence to the drop budget as it relates to vendor and team expenses.
Partner Coordination
- Coach Field Service associates, internal engineers, and vendors to ensure process, performance, and reporting accuracy and consistency.
- Interface with and address escalations regarding customer satisfaction and drop vendor performance.
- Oversee the permitting process for each municipality. Develop and maintain strong relationships with public works and city engineer leaders.
- Work cross-functionally between internal teams and vendors to develop and implement residential and MXU solutions, such as implementation technology and process improvements.
Vendor Management
- Manage vendor relationships with locate contractors, including enforcing service level agreements and timelines.
- Maintain professional relationships with all drop vendors, including drop vendor performance metrics and trouble ticket trends related to drops.
- Regularly analyze and prepare reporting for senior department leaders on vendor performance and market progress.
- Develop and recommend improvements and solutions to senior department leaders.
Reporting and Auditing
- Audit field personnel reports and contractor invoicing for accuracy.
- Provide prompt and accurate reporting of utility strikes to upper leadership.
- Prepare readouts for Public Relations usage if necessary.
- Provide standards and practices recommendations for senior leaders to increase quality and lower cost projects.
Project Management
- Manage drop construction projects by reviewing quality of work, clean up resolution, proper maintenance of project documentation, and continual review of project progress.
- Guide audits of construction projects.
- Utilize metrics to measure the costs of the projects and analyze the data for cost overruns.
- Assist with new market launch preparations.
- Implement process improvements for customer communication ahead of drop installation.
Qualifications
Required Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
- 5+ years' experience in telecommunications or related fields.
- 3+ year's experience in a supervisory role or equivalent leadership experience.
Other Qualifications
- Advanced working knowledge of RUS (Rural Utilities Services) construction practices and engineering standards helpful.
- GIS and ESRi experience preferred.
- Thorough understanding of the telecommunications industry and principals.
- Excellent leadership, customer relations, and communications skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Must be willing to travel based on business need.
Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what’s listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!
Benefits
We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!
Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Plan
- Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
- Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
- Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
- Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
- Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs
Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- TDS Service Discounts
- Education Assistance
- Paid Volunteer Time
In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.
Who is TDS Telecom?
TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more!
At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.
Pay Transparency:The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.
