Head of Programme Management

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. 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.
The OSP Program Manager is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale outside plant (OSP) fiber optic infrastructure programs. This role oversees multiple concurrent projects involving network expansion, fiber deployment, construction, maintenance, relocation, and capital improvement initiatives. The Program Manager provides leadership across engineering, construction, operations, permitting, and vendor teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
The ideal candidate combines strong telecommunications infrastructure expertise with program management, financial oversight, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional leadership skills.
Program Management
Manage a portfolio of OSP fiber engineering and construction projects across multiple markets and regions.
Develop and maintain program schedules, budgets, resource plans, and risk mitigation strategies.
Drive execution of strategic fiber deployment initiatives supporting network growth, customer demand, and operational objectives.
Establish program governance, performance metrics, and reporting mechanisms.
Monitor program milestones and proactively address schedule, budget, quality, and resource challenges.
Provide oversight of aerial, underground, and buried fiber infrastructure projects.
Ensure engineering designs meet company standards, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
Coordinate with OSP Engineering, Construction, Network Operations, and Planning teams throughout project lifecycles.
Review project scopes, estimates, engineering packages, and construction deliverables.
Financial Management
Manage capital and operational budgets across assigned programs.
Track project expenditures, forecasts, accruals, and financial performance.
Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement while maintaining quality and delivery commitments.
Ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with capital governance processes.
Vendor and Contractor Management
Lead relationships with engineering firms, construction contractors, and material suppliers.
Establish performance expectations and monitor contractor productivity, quality, and safety metrics.
Drive accountability for vendor performance and service-level agreements.
Partner with executive leadership, regional operations teams, municipalities, utility companies, and regulatory agencies.
Communicate program status, risks, financial performance, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to resolve issues and maintain project momentum.
Risk Management and Compliance
Identify and mitigate program risks affecting budget, schedule, quality, or customer commitments.
Ensure compliance with company policies, permitting requirements, environmental regulations, and safety standards.
Support audits, quality inspections, and regulatory reviews as required.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, Construction Management, Business, or related field; 7+ years of telecommunications, OSP engineering, fiber deployment, or infrastructure project management experience.
3+ years of program management experience leading complex, multi-project initiatives.
Strong knowledge of fiber optic network architecture and OSP construction practices.
Experience managing large capital infrastructure budgets.
Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving capabilities.
PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
Experience with FTTH, backbone, middle-mile, or enterprise fiber deployment programs.
Knowledge of GIS, AutoCAD, SpatialNet, Vetro, IQGeo, ArcGIS, or similar OSP platforms.
Experience managing union and non-union construction environments.
Lean, Six Sigma, or process improvement certification.
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.
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