Operations Manager

At IdeaTek, we aren't just an internet service provider; we are Freedom Fighters. We believe that high-speed, reliable internet is a fundamental right, not a luxury. Founded on the mission of "Fighting for Internet Freedom," we specialize in deploying innovative fiber-optic infrastructures to underserved areas. As we expand our movement into Tucson, Arizona, we are seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly driven Operations Manager to lead our fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure deployment and community build-out strategy across the greater Tucson region. In this role, you will hold full operational and strategic accountability for our Tucson expansion. You will oversee everything from high-level market planning and municipal permitting to localized engineering, construction, and last-mile installation. The ideal candidate has a deep background in telecom infrastructure, a proven track record of scaling physical network.

What You'll Do

Key responsibilities include:

Fiber Deployment & Build-out Strategy

• Network Expansion Strategy: Design and execute the regional roadmap for fiber network deployment, prioritizing high-yield community builds and optimizing Outside Plant (OSP) engineering timelines.
• Subcontractor Management: Source, negotiate with, and manage civil engineering and construction contractors to ensure mainline and drop installations meet strict quality, timeline, and budgetary standards.

• Financial Accountability: Own the regional CapEx and OpEx budgets for the Tucson build-out. Drive cost-per-pass (CPP) efficiencies and ensure a strong ROI on infrastructure assets.
• Field Team Leadership: Deliver comprehensive oversight, technical guidance, and operational supervision for regional installation crews and fiber splicing specialists.
• Team Development: Facilitate technical training sessions and communicate critical operational updates to the regional workforce.
• KPI Architecture: Monitor critical metrics, including homes passed (HP), cost per door knocked, installation interval times, and network provisioning health.
• Supply Chain & Inventory: Oversee local warehousing and materials management to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fiber optic cabling, conduits, MSTs, and ONT equipment.

• Community Build Integration: Partner with Marketing and Sales teams to coordinate "coming soon" community campaigns, aligning construction schedules with hyper-local subscriber acquisition efforts.
• Home Installation Excellence: Oversee the residential and commercial dispatch operations, ensuring field technicians deliver top-tier customer service during the final drop and hardware hookup.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce rigorous safety cultures for both in-house crews and contractors, strictly adhering to OSHA, NESC, and local traffic control regulations.

• 7+ years of leadership experience in telecommunications, broadband infrastructure, or utilities, with at least 3+ years specifically focused on OSP (Outside Plant) fiber construction and FTTH deployments.
• Proven experience managing large-scale cross-functional teams, including construction crews, field technicians, and project managers.
• Deep understanding of fiber design principles (GPON/XGS-PON architecture), directional drilling, aerial vs. underground construction, and fiber splicing/testing methods.
• Advanced project management skills, with proficiency in GIS mapping, fiber inventory systems, and project tracking software.
• Possess a valid driver's license with no restrictions
• Ability to travel up to 5% for training

• Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish) is highly valued for navigating Tucson's diverse community networks and workforce.
• Familiarity with local municipal permitting, utility relations, and Arizona ROW laws.

• Motivational Leadership: A deep-seated commitment to mentoring, inspiring, and driving high-performance field teams.
• Mastery of Communication: Possesses outstanding written and oral communication skills, including the ability to negotiate and effectively interact with stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Strategic Influence: Demonstrated capacity to guide critical decision-making processes through professional expertise and logic.
• Operational Agility: Superior organizational talent with the ability to swiftly re-prioritize in a fast-paced deployment environment.
• Problem Solving: A resourceful and creative approach to navigating complex infrastructure and logistical challenges.
• Process Innovation: A "Big Thinker" mindset focused on optimizing workflows and implementing non-traditional, effective solutions.

• Competitive base salary with a performance bonus tied to build-out milestones and subscriber activation goals.
• Comprehensive benefits package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k matching).
• Company-provided vehicle for regional site travel.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates looking to make Tucson their home.
• Free coaching/counseling for employees & families
• Free internet service (if available in your area) or internet reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for personal and professional growth
• Community engagement opportunities
• Culture that values results, effort, and integrity

• We are Trustworthy - We build confidence through transparency, follow-through, and dependability.
• We count on Big Thinkers - We don't just imagine the future-we create it with bold, actionable ideas.
• We have a Resilient Spirit - We embrace challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and keep striving for more.
• We stand on Belief - We believe everyone deserves access to technology that helps them learn, grow, and thrive.
• We foster Connectedness - Our work goes beyond broadband-we build real connections within our team and our communities.
• We drive Innovation - We're always looking for ways to improve and redefine what's possible.