Outside Plant Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Outside Plant (OSP) Project Manager

Build the Networks That Connect Communities

Are you a driven project manager with telecommunications or utility construction experience who thrives on turning complex projects into successful outcomes? Cannon Companies is seeking an Outside Plant (OSP) Project Manager with expertise in Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) to lead OSP telecommunications infrastructure projects from planning through completion.

In this role, you'll oversee project execution, financial performance, customer relationships, and field operations while delivering high-quality fiber and utility infrastructure projects safely, on time, and within budget. You'll play a key role in helping communities stay connected by managing projects that make a lasting impact.

What You'll Do

As an OSP Project manager, you'll oversee every phase of OSP and horizontal directional drilling projects while supporting field personnel and ensuring operations excellence.

Project Management

• Manage OSP & HDD projects from estimating and planning through construction and project closeout.
• Develop project execution plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Confirm required permits are in place, and review engineering drawings, utility locates, bore profiles, and project specifications.
• Coordinate drilling crews, supervisors, subcontractors, vendors, inspectors, and customers.
• Monitor project schedules and proactively resolve issues affecting production.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, reports, and production records.

Operational Leadership

• Provide leadership and support to OSP & HDD Superintendents, Foremen, and field crews.
• Ensure crews have the equipment, tooling, materials, and resources necessary for project success.
• Assist in developing drilling plans, bore paths, contingency plans, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate mobilization, equipment utilization, and subcontractor scheduling.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress, productivity, and quality.

What We're Looking For

• 3+ years of project management experience in telecommunications, fiber optic infrastructure, utility construction, or related industries.
• Experience managing OSP projects that include Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) projects, crews, subcontractors, and associated construction activities.
• Strong understanding of outside plant (OSP) construction, HDD operations, permitting processes, utility coordination, and construction scheduling.
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasting, cost controls, and financial reporting.
• Strong leadership, communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Project, and reporting tools.
• Willingness to travel as needed to project sites and customer meetings.

Financial Management

• Maintain ownership of project budgets, forecasts, and profitability.
• Track labor, equipment, subcontractor, and material costs.
• Review invoices, purchase orders, and change orders.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiencies and reduce project costs.
• Prepare financial reports and provide regular project updates to leadership.

Customer & Client Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead project meetings and communicate schedules, risks, and progress updates.
• Coordinate with municipalities, utility owners, inspectors, and permitting agencies.
• Build strong customer relationships through responsive communication and exceptional service.

Safety & Quality

• Promote Cannon Companies' commitment to Safety, Quality, Integrity, and Teamwork.
• Ensure all work complies with OSHA requirements, company policies, customer specifications, and industry standards.
• Participate in safety meetings, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.
• Verify quality standards are maintained throughout each project.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of experience managing utility construction or Horizontal Directional Drilling projects.
• Strong understanding of HDD construction methods, drill rig operations, tooling, drilling-fluid/slurry management, locating systems, and bore planning.
• Strong grasp of HDD risk and contingency management - inadvertent returns (frac-out), lost circulation, refusals and obstructions, stuck pipe, borehole instability, and pullback issues - including prevention, monitoring, and field response.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated success managing project budgets, schedules, and profitability.
• Knowledge of utility construction, telecommunications, electrical, gas, water, or civil infrastructure.
• Experience coordinating subcontractors and multiple field crews.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and project tracking software.
• Ability to travel extensively and mobilize to active project sites across multiple states, including out-of-state and Alaska assignments, for the duration of the work.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent field experience).
• HDD industry certifications or manufacturer training.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• Experience with high-capacity drill rigs and complex crossing installations.
• Knowledge of underground utility locating technologies.

Why Cannon Companies?

At Cannon Companies, we don't just build infrastructure-we build careers. Since 1985, we've been a nationwide leader in utility contracting, delivering telecommunications, electrical, and civil infrastructure projects across the country. We invest in our employees through professional development, leadership opportunities, and a culture built around safety, quality, integrity, and teamwork.

Our Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package begins the first of the month after 60 days of employment and includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Company-Paid Long-Term Disability
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities

Join Our Team

If you're ready to lead challenging HDD projects while working with one of the nation's premier utility contractors, we'd love to hear from you.

Cannon Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal, state, and local employment laws. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening. This is a Safety Sensitive position. As a federal contractor, Cannon Companies participates in the E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility.