At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

The Manager – EACAM Route Acquisition leads and oversees teams of TDS associates and consultants responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing Colocation and Joint Use activities across multiple states. This role partners closely with Field Services, associate managers, Outside Plant Engineers, colocation (COLO) / right of way (ROW) team members, third‑party consultants, and construction and engineering contractors to support both TDS competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) and incumbent local exchange carrirer (ILEC) operations. The position requires frequent direct communication and negotiation with senior‑level external stakeholders, including director‑level vendor leadership, city managers, mayors, directors of public works, and other key decision‑makers to ensure successful outcomes aligned with company objectives.

This role is a strategic leader who drives program‑level change by building strong internal and external partnerships to exceed business goals. The manager brings advanced analytical and negotiation skills, along with a proven ability to influence diverse stakeholders, to advance TDS’s priorities and long‑term strategy. The position is accountable for all Colocation and Joint Use activities supporting TDS Telecom fiber networks, ensuring compliance with RUS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and established TDS OSP standards.

The Manager – EACAM Route Acquisition typically oversees TDS’s largest and most visible programs and initiatives, managing complex projects. Responsibilities include leading colocation teams supporting OOT and CLEC/ILEC projects across the full TDS footprint, closely monitoring costs and schedules, developing and maintaining reports, ensuring adherence to TDS standards and best practices, and establishing workflows or protocols as needed to support on‑time, on‑budget project delivery.

This leader is also responsible for driving organizational initiatives, setting clear expectations and performance goals, and fostering a positive, collaborative team environment. The role emphasizes coaching and mentoring team members while proactively identifying opportunities to enhance skills, elevate performance, and continuously strengthen the overall capabilities of the team.

This position has the ability to work remotely in any of the 40+ States in which TDS Telecom operates. 

• Responsible for the management of TDS associates and/or consultants who are responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising colocation/joint use activities in multiple locations and states. The incumbent is expected to work closely with representatives from Field Services, associate managers, Outside Plant Engineers, ROW team members, 3rd party consultants, and construction/engineering contractors for both TDS OOT & CLEC/ILEC operations to ensure that the needs of the company are being met. This position sets strategic agenda for program with little to no initial input to derive effective strategic plans. This position interfaces with multiple senior manager, director, and VP resources on a daily basis.
• Responsible for the Colocation/Joint use activities of TDS Telecom fiber networks while conforming to existing RUS Outside Plant (OSP) guidelines and TDS OSP. They will be responsible for continually working with various power company/3^rd party pole owners (Telephone/CATV) entities when/where applicable. Negotiation, coordination, and cooperation skills to expedite permitting/workflow with pole owner are crucial to this role. This position must effectively manage a diverse set of factors (see above) while also operating on the highest priority program level tasks at TDS.
• Verify all permitting documentation to gain access to aerial plant (Power & 3rd party poles) is accurate, complete, and clear. They will seek to drive consistency and clarity of all protocols to expedite permit approval process.
• Verify that all documentation required to complete projects successfully, including bid jobs, build orders, job start agreements, and close-out documentation, is complete.
• Review all required reports from Colocation/Joint use team and contractor invoicing for accuracy. Role will track and process PO’s, check requests, etc. to drive accuracy for reporting internally to TDS Finance Department
• Use strong OSP background to assist in troubleshooting escalated issues when necessary to achieve expedited results with pole owners or internal teams.
• Provide human resource management necessary for completion of network projects.  This includes managing in-house deployment staff as well as engaging and managing professional consultant engineers during peak periods. Focus is on personnel development through performance assessments, coaching, recognition, and process improvement.
• Conduct periodic quality assurance inspection of OSP projects performed by local operations.
• Manage specific OSP projects if schedule permits.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
• 5+ years' experience in telephony or related fields.
• 3+ years' supervisory experience

• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.

Other Qualifications

• Excellent leadership, project management, customer relations and communications skills
• Thorough Understanding of Telecommunications industry and principals.
• Deep understanding of CLARITY/PM style programs and creating analytic reports
• Thorough understanding of financial tracking and budgetary reporting
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Understanding of Colocation/Joint use process
• Excellent written and oral communications skills
• Outlook, Excel and Office suite as well as GIS and ESRi
• Working knowledge of RUS construction practices and engineering standards.
• Ability to work in a cooperative and courteous manner with diverse work groups.
• Must be self-motivated and self-reliant.
• May be required to regular travel on an "as-needed" basis

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what’s listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more! 

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.