OSP Project Manager

About Lightpath

Lightpath is building the fiber infrastructure the digital economy depends on - owning, operating, and expanding dense, high-performance networks for enterprises, public institutions, carriers, and cloud innovators. Our all-fiber network supports mission-critical environments, from financial markets and healthcare systems to AI platforms and next-generation cloud architectures. As we expand across the Northeast and into high-growth markets nationwide, we invest ahead of demand - building infrastructure with precision, resilience, and accountability.

To support that growth, we're building a team of people who take ownership, think long-term, and take pride in tackling complex work with care and integrity. At Lightpath, every role contributes to infrastructure that powers critical systems and real-world outcomes. We look for individuals who value precision, accountability, and collaboration and who want to help build networks, processes, and partnerships that are engineered to last.

Position Summary

The Project Manager - OSP Construction is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and successful delivery of outside plant (OSP) fiber construction projects throughout the United States. This individual will oversee multiple projects simultaneously while partnering with Engineering, Permitting, Field Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and external contractors to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all customer and regulatory requirements.

This is a remote position with approximately 15% travel required to project sites, customer meetings, and corporate events.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of OSP fiber construction projects from pre-construction through final acceptance.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, budgets, forecasts, and resource plans.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Design, Permitting, and Construction teams to ensure project readiness.
• Manage contractor onboarding, performance, and quality to ensure work is completed safely and in accordance with company standards.
• Monitor project financials, including budgets, forecasts, purchase orders, invoicing, and change orders.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies to minimize schedule and cost impacts.
• Ensure compliance with company standards, customer requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Conduct routine project status meetings with internal stakeholders, customers, and contractors.
• Prepare and present executive-level reports on project status, milestones, financial performance, risks, and key performance indicators.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance project execution, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience supporting telecommunications, utility, or infrastructure construction projects.
• Experience managing outside plant (OSP) fiber construction projects, including underground and aerial deployments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities.
• Experience managing contractors, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of project budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
• Excellent organizational, communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience with Oracle, NetCracker, ESRI, Tableau, or similar project management and reporting platforms.
• Knowledge of permitting processes, DOT requirements, utility coordination, and right-of-way regulations.
• Experience supporting long-haul fiber, metro fiber, or data center infrastructure projects.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.

Core Competencies

• Project Management
• Financial Management
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Contractor Management
• Customer Focus
• Communication and Relationship Building
• Planning and Organization
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Team Collaboration
• Safety Leadership
• Operational Excellence

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel approximately 15% as business needs require.
• Ability to visit active construction sites and safely navigate varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and annual incentive opportunity
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Career growth and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to help build next-generation fiber infrastructure supporting enterprise, carrier, and data center customers

Lightpath is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Lightpath collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law. This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRA-compliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.