Least Cost Routing Manager

Job Purpose:

The Least Cost Routing (LCR) Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing call routing strategies to optimize telecommunications costs while maintaining service quality and network performance. This role oversees carrier relationships, routing configurations, traffic analysis, vendor performance, capacity planning, and cost-saving initiatives across Voice, Toll-Free, Local, and Long-Distance services.

The ideal candidate possesses strong telecom industry expertise, analytical skills, and experience managing carrier networks, routing tables, and traffic engineering programs.

Essential Functions:

• Routing Management

• Develop and maintain Least Cost Routing strategies for domestic and international voice traffic

• Manage routing tables to ensure calls are delivered using the most cost-effective carrier while meeting quality standards

• Monitor routing performance and implement adjustments based on traffic patterns, pricing changes, and network conditions

• Coordinate routing changes with network engineering and carrier partners.

• Carrier and Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with telecommunications carriers and vendors

• Review carrier contracts, rates, and service agreements

• Conduct periodic pricing reviews and carrier benchmarking exercises

• Negotiate carrier rates and identify cost reduction opportunities

• Track and manage carrier performance metrics and service levels

• Traffic Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze Call Detail Records (CDRs) and traffic reports

• Monitor call completion rates, ASR, ACD, PDD, and other key performance indicators

• Identify traffic anomalies, quality concerns, and routing inefficiencies

• Generate reporting on traffic trends, carrier utilization, and cost savings initiatives

• Cost Optimization

• Identify opportunities to reduce telecom expenses through routing optimization

• Evaluate carrier rate decks and implement routing changes to maximize savings

• Forecast monthly telecom expenses and monitor budget performance

• Support financial analysis related to voice and Toll-Free services

• Capacity Planning

• Analyze traffic volumes and busy hour data

• Ensure sufficient carrier capacity exists to support customer demand

• Coordinate with carriers to increase or rebalance capacity when needed

• Support disaster recovery and route diversity planning

• Network Performance & Quality Assurance

• Monitor network quality and reliability metrics

• Investigate service disruptions and call quality issues

• Work closely with engineering teams to address network performance concerns

• Ensure routing decisions balance cost, quality, and redundancy requirements

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales, Engineering, Product Management, Finance, and Project Management teams

• Support customer implementations involving voice, SIP trunking, Toll-Free, and long-distance services

• Assist in evaluating new carrier products and network technologies

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications, Information Technology, Business, or related field, or equivalent work experience

Relevant Work Experience:

• 5+ years of telecommunications experience
• 3+ years of experience managing Least Cost Routing programs or carrier operations

Special Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience working with:

• Call Detail Records (CDRs)

• Toll-Free routing

• Long Distance services

• SIP trunking

• Voice network operationsStrong understanding of telecom billing and carrier pricing structures.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and data analysis

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Experience with telecom traffic engineering

• Knowledge of Erlang calculations and trunk capacity planning

• Experience using routing platforms, SBCs, or telecom switching environments

• Background in carrier expense management

• Knowledge of FCC regulations and industry best practices

• Project management experience

Supervisory Responsibility:

• No Supervisory Responsibilities