Field Operations Manager

Field Operations Manager (FOM) Location: Bellingham, WA (Hybrid Eligible) Company: DNG / StarTouch Communications Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (CTH) or Direct Hire $125k target base salary Reports To: VP of Network Engineering Position Overview DNG / StarTouch Communications is seeking a highly capable and results-driven Field Operations Manager (FOM) to lead a distributed team of Field Technicians supporting our wireless network infrastructure across Washington, Oregon, and Northern California . This role is accountable for both ongoing field operations of active (on-air) network assets as well as the deployment of new network builds, link construction, and circuit turn-ups . The ideal candidate is a strong leader of both people and projects , with a deep understanding of operational milestones, service delivery, and network performance accountability. Key Responsibilities Field Operations Leadership Lead and manage a geographically dispersed team of Field Technicians across WA, OR, and NorCal. Maintain a high-performance culture focused on network reliability, uptime, and rapid issue resolution . Oversee day-to-day field operations for existing network assets, ensuring high availability and SLA adherence . Project Delivery & Construction (CX) Drive execution of new network builds including microwave links, site integration, and circuit turn-ups . Own the construction (CX) lifecycle from planning through completion, ensuring milestone alignment and delivery commitments. Forecast, track, and actualize key project milestones, deliverables, and timelines . Ticketing & Operations Management Oversee field operations ticket management processes, ensuring efficient prioritization, dispatch, and resolution. Coordinate closely with the NOC for escalations, outages, and maintenance activities. Implement and optimize processes to improve operational efficiency and service quality. Vendor & Resource Management Manage construction vendors (CX) including selection, onboarding, performance evaluation, and accountability. Coordinate equipment procurement and Bill of Materials (BOM) planning to support both operations and project builds. Ensure alignment of vendor activities with project timelines and quality standards. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work collaboratively across all functional teams, including: Site Acquisition RF Engineering Finance Network Engineering NOC Field Operations Serve as a key liaison ensuring field execution aligns with design, financial, and operational goals. Executive Communication Provide clear, concise updates and reporting to executive leadership. Present on project status, operational performance, risks, and mitigation strategies. Required Qualifications 7 years of experience in wireless telecom field operations and/or network deployment . 3 years of experience leading distributed field teams . Strong experience in: o Field operations ticket management Network construction (CX) lifecycle Vendor management and coordination Proven ability to manage complex, multi-site deployments and operations simultaneously . Demonstrated success in meeting milestones, deadlines, and service-level commitments . Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Effective communicator with experience presenting to executive leadership . Preferred Qualifications Experience with Site Tracker project management platform strongly preferred. Familiarity with Tier 1 telecom project management and operational systems. Background in microwave networks, fixed wireless, or similar infrastructure environments . Knowledge of network performance metrics, uptime standards, and field operations best practices . Key Attributes for Success Strong leadership mindset with the ability to motivate and manage distributed teams Ownership mentality with a focus on execution and results Deep understanding of milestones, deliverables, and operational commitments Ability to balance urgent operations issues with long-term project delivery Collaborative, proactive, and detail-oriented Why Join DNG / StarTouch? Take a leadership role in shaping and scaling a growing wireless network footprint Work directly with executive leadership and influence key operational outcomes Opportunity to transition from contract to long-term leadership role (if CTH) Flexible hybrid work environment #J-18808-Ljbffr