Telecom Ops - Sr. Project Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Sr. Telecom Ops Project Manager to lead and oversee underground and aerial cable installation projects within telecommunication and IT infrastructure environments. In this role, you will coordinate and manage office and field crews, ensure safety compliance, and maintain high quality standards for fiber infrastructure. Your expertise will drive successful project execution and reliable connectivity for our customers. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge telecommunication projects, contribute to infrastructure development, and lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong client relationships, understand their pain points and business development opportunities, and work with the larger Cognizant team to develop solution proposals.

• Coordinate with vendor managers, clients, and team members to ensure project timelines, safety protocols, and quality standards are met.

• Apply a working understanding of fiber installation field operations, including photo codes and identifying flags, and report findings to the acceptance team.

• Ensure thorough documentation of work progress, including detailed reports on installation procedures, test results, and incident reports.

• Maintain a safe work environment by enforcing safety protocols, conducting site inspections, and addressing hazards promptly.

• Support team training on equipment operation, schematics reading, safety procedures, and technical best practices.

• Evaluate the quality of fiber connections, including splicing, termination, and enclosure practices, to ensure low-loss, high-reliability performance.

• Communicate audit findings to required POCs, GVMs, and project managers, offering guidance and training to address deficiencies and improve future performance.

• Assist in developing and revising quality assurance checklists, installation guidelines, and training materials.

• Stay current with industry best practices, technologies, and regulatory changes affecting fiber optic deployment.

• Track and report on recurring issues, and contribute to root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Align on sample sites to be visited and the route plan and sequence, per agreed criteria.

Qualifications

Required

• Understanding of the telecom and fiber domain, with excellent project, team, and client management skills.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Strong working knowledge of fiber optic cables, splicing, connectors, OTDR operation, and related test equipment.

• Familiarity with construction practices for aerial, buried, and underground installations, including National Electrical Code (NEC) and OSHA safety standards.

• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to recognize non-conformities and propose practical solutions.

• Competence in reading and interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and work orders.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including preparing clear reports and interacting with diverse field teams and customers.

• Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions and traveling frequently to job sites.

• Proficiency with computers and mobile devices, including basic use of surveying, mapping, and reporting software.

Preferred

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, electronics, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in fiber optic installation/auditing and telecommunications quality assurance.

• Industry certifications such as FOA CFOT (Certified Fiber Optic Technician), ETA Fiber Optics Installer, or equivalent.

Core Competencies

• Client & Stakeholder Management: Experience managing complex clients and developing business opportunities.

• Analytical Skills: Ability to critically evaluate complex installations and diagnose issues efficiently.

• Technical Expertise: Solid understanding of fiber optic technology, installation methods, and testing procedures.

• Communication: Clear, respectful communication with project managers, installation teams, management, and customers (as needed).

• Problem-Solving: Resourcefulness in identifying solutions and supporting continuous improvement in installation quality.

• Adaptability: Comfort navigating changing priorities and field conditions.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary for this position is $114,500 – $123,000, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of applicable plans.

Cognizant offers the following benefits, subject to eligibility requirements:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

• Paid holidays plus paid time off

• 401(k) plan and contributions

• Long-term and short-term disability

• Paid parental leave

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

The Cognizant Community

We are a high-caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative, and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.

• Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world.

• We don’t just dream of a better way. We make it happen.

• We take care of our people, clients, company, communities, and climate by doing what’s right.

• We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you.

About Cognizant

Cognizant is one of the world’s leading professional services companies, transforming clients’ business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2024) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Learn more at www.cognizant.com .

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.