Role Overview for VP of Network Operations – Telecommunications – Dallas, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a leading force in the telecommunications industry, a company renowned for its innovation, reliability, and customer-centric approach. We are seeking a visionary and transformative leader to join their executive team as the Vice President of Network Operations, based in the dynamic tech hub of Dallas, TX. This is not merely a leadership role; it is a career-defining opportunity to architect the future of a critical network infrastructure that connects communities and powers businesses nationwide. The ideal candidate is a strategic mastermind with a deep technical foundation and a passion for operational excellence. You will be at the helm of a large, talented organization, responsible for the stability, performance, and evolution of a multi-billion dollar network asset.
As the VP of Network Operations, you will hold the ultimate responsibility for the end-to-end performance of the company’s vast network. This includes the strategic direction and tactical execution of the Network Operations Center (NOC), field operations, network engineering, and infrastructure management teams. You will be challenged to drive efficiency, implement cutting-edge automation, enhance network security, and ensure the infrastructure is scalable to meet the explosive demand for data and connectivity. This executive position requires a leader who can seamlessly bridge the gap between deep technical details and high-level business strategy, effectively communicating with stakeholders from the front-line technicians to the Board of Directors. If you are driven to lead at the highest level and make a tangible impact on a national scale, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Network Operations – Telecommunications – Dallas, TX
The VP of Network Operations will be a pivotal member of the senior leadership team, tasked with ensuring the network is a competitive differentiator. Your responsibilities will be broad and impactful, including:
Strategic Network Vision and Execution
Develop and champion a comprehensive, forward-looking 3-5 year strategy for network operations. This includes creating a technology roadmap, defining key performance indicators (KPIs), and aligning network initiatives with the company’s overall business objectives. You will oversee capital (CapEx) and operational (OpEx) planning to support strategic growth and technology lifecycle management.
Unwavering Operational Excellence
Uphold and exceed the highest standards of network availability, performance, and reliability. You will be accountable for maintaining industry-leading uptime (e.g., 99.999%), managing Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and minimizing Mean Time to Repair (MTTR). This involves implementing advanced monitoring tools, proactive maintenance schedules, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Inspirational Team Leadership and Development
Lead, mentor, and empower a large, geographically dispersed organization. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation. You will be responsible for organizational design, talent acquisition and retention, performance management, and creating clear career paths and succession plans for key roles within the network operations team.
Prudent Financial and Budgetary Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the Network Operations department. Develop, manage, and report on multi-million dollar budgets, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost-effectiveness. Drive initiatives to reduce operational costs through automation, process optimization, and strategic vendor negotiations.
Driving Technological Innovation
Act as the primary driver for technological evolution within the network. Continuously evaluate and integrate emerging technologies such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), 5G infrastructure, automation platforms (e.g., Ansible, Python scripting), and AI/ML for predictive network analytics to enhance efficiency and capability.
Robust Vendor and Partner Ecosystem Management
Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key technology vendors, service providers, and contractors. Lead contract negotiations, establish performance metrics, and conduct regular business reviews to ensure vendors meet their commitments and provide maximum value.
Seamless Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to the executive leadership team. Work in close collaboration with Engineering on network architecture, Product Development on service delivery, Sales on network capabilities, and Customer Service to ensure a superior customer experience.
Masterful Incident and Crisis Management
Own and lead the organization’s response to major network incidents, security threats, and outages. Develop and refine incident response protocols, ensure clear and timely communication to all stakeholders during a crisis, and lead comprehensive post-mortem analyses to prevent future occurrences.
Requirements for the VP of Network Operations – Telecommunications – Dallas, TX
We are seeking a seasoned executive with a proven track record of success in managing complex, large-scale telecommunications networks. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and inspirational leadership.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field is required. A Master’s degree in a technical discipline or an MBA is highly preferred and will be a strong differentiator.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience within the telecommunications, ISP, or managed services industry. This must include at least 8-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, or VP) managing large-scale network operations with a team of 100+ personnel.
Deep Technical Acumen
Expert-level understanding of telecommunications network architecture, including transport and IP networks. This includes proficiency in routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), switching, MPLS, DWDM, SONET/SDH, cellular technologies (4G/LTE, 5G), VoIP, and data center networking. Proven experience with network hardware from leading vendors like Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and Ciena is essential. A thorough understanding of industry best practices and standards, including the recommendations set forth by bodies like the ITU-T standards organization, is critical.
Proven Leadership and Management Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and manage a large, diverse team of technical professionals. A history of building high-performance teams, mentoring future leaders, and driving cultural change is required.
Strong Business and Financial Acumen
Extensive experience with budget management, financial forecasting, and P&L responsibility for a significant operational department. Must be adept at building business cases for major technology investments and demonstrating ROI.
Exceptional Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Superior ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, including C-suite executives, the Board of Directors, investors, and customers. Must possess excellent presentation, negotiation, and influencing skills.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and long-term, anticipating future industry trends and technological shifts. Experience developing and executing multi-year strategic plans is mandatory.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client provides an environment where top talent can thrive and is committed to rewarding its leaders generously. The comprehensive compensation and benefits package for this executive role includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary and a significant performance-based annual bonus plan designed to reward strategic success and operational excellence.
Long-Term Incentives
A meaningful equity package, such as stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), to ensure you share in the long-term success of the company.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits, including top-tier medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you build a secure future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Professional Development
A commitment to your continued growth with support for executive coaching, industry conferences, and continuing education.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this critical Vice President of Network Operations role. If you are a transformative leader with the experience and passion to drive the future of telecommunications, we encourage you to apply. All applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications.
For more executive opportunities in the technology sector, please visit our Telecommunications Executive Search Firm practice area.
