Role Overview for VP of Fiber Operations – Telecommunications – Atlanta, GA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a leading, forward-thinking telecommunications provider in their search for an exceptional Vice President of Fiber Operations. Based in the vibrant tech hub of Atlanta, GA, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to spearhead the strategic expansion and operational management of a multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art fiber optic network. The ideal candidate is a seasoned, results-driven leader with a profound understanding of fiber network architecture, construction, and maintenance, capable of driving large-scale initiatives from conception to completion.
As the VP of Fiber Operations, you will be the principal architect of our client’s operational strategy, responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of their fiber infrastructure. This includes network planning, engineering, construction, service delivery, and ongoing maintenance. You will command a substantial budget and lead a diverse, multi-disciplinary team of engineers, project managers, field technicians, and support staff. Your leadership will be pivotal in ensuring the network’s scalability, reliability, and performance, directly impacting customer satisfaction and the company’s market position. You will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of rapid growth, technological evolution, and a competitive landscape, ensuring our client remains at the forefront of the digital revolution. This role demands a unique blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, financial acumen, and inspirational leadership to build the next generation of connectivity for communities and businesses across the region.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Fiber Operations – Telecommunications – Atlanta, GA
The Vice President of Fiber Operations will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic direction, operational execution, financial stewardship, and team leadership.
Strategic & Executive Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term strategic plan for the fiber operations division, aligning with the company’s overall business objectives and growth targets.
- Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, providing expert counsel on all matters related to fiber infrastructure, technology trends, and operational capabilities.
- Champion a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across the organization, fostering an environment that encourages proactive problem-solving.
- Conduct market analysis and competitive intelligence to identify opportunities for network expansion, service enhancement, and technological advancement.
- Represent the company in industry forums, regulatory discussions, and with key community stakeholders to promote the organization’s mission and strategic interests.
Operational Management & Execution
- Oversee the entire lifecycle of fiber network deployment, including route planning, network design, engineering, permitting, construction (both aerial and underground), and splicing.
- Establish and enforce rigorous standards for quality, safety, and efficiency across all field operations and construction projects.
- Implement and manage robust network monitoring, maintenance, and emergency restoration protocols to ensure industry-leading network uptime, reliability, and performance, meeting or exceeding all Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
- Direct the service fulfillment and installation processes, ensuring a seamless and positive customer onboarding experience.
- Develop and refine scalable processes and systems to support rapid network growth and an expanding customer base, leveraging automation and best-in-class software tools.
- Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations, including permitting, environmental compliance, and safety standards (e.g., OSHA). We expect a commitment to the best practices in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) deployment.
Financial & Vendor Management
- Develop and manage the annual operating (OpEx) and capital (CapEx) budgets for the fiber operations division, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
- Provide detailed financial forecasting, performance analysis, and regular reporting to the executive team and board of directors.
- Lead contract negotiations and manage relationships with key vendors, construction contractors, engineering firms, and equipment suppliers to ensure favorable terms and high-quality performance.
- Drive cost-optimization initiatives through strategic sourcing, process efficiencies, and effective resource allocation without compromising quality or safety.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of directors, managers, engineers, and technicians.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and safety-conscious culture that attracts and retains top talent in the industry.
- Establish clear performance metrics (KPIs) and objectives for the team, conducting regular performance reviews and providing constructive feedback and professional development opportunities.
- Champion talent development and succession planning to build a robust leadership pipeline within the operations division.
Requirements for the VP of Fiber Operations – Telecommunications – Atlanta, GA
Required Qualifications:
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the telecommunications industry, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role (Director level or above) overseeing large-scale fiber optic network operations.
Technical Expertise
Deep, hands-on knowledge of fiber optic network architecture, including GPON, XGS-PON, and other FTTx technologies. Proven experience managing all facets of outside plant (OSP) and inside plant (ISP) engineering, construction, and maintenance.
Leadership
Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and scaling large, geographically dispersed teams of 100+ employees and contractors.
Financial Acumen
Extensive experience developing and managing large, complex CapEx and OpEx budgets in excess of $50M annually. Strong proficiency in financial modeling, ROI analysis, and P&L responsibility.
Strategic Vision
Proven ability to develop and implement successful long-term strategic plans that drive business growth and operational efficiency.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) or an advanced degree in a relevant technical field.
- Experience in a hyper-growth environment, such as a rapidly expanding private-equity-backed or publicly-traded telecom provider.
- Strong background in contract negotiation and managing large-scale vendor and contractor relationships.
- Familiarity with the regulatory and permitting environment in the Southeastern United States, particularly Georgia.
- Professional certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer) are highly desirable.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present complex information to a variety of audiences, including C-level executives, investors, and technical teams.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain the best talent in the industry. The package includes:
Competitive Executive Salary
A highly attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Program
A significant annual performance-based bonus plan tied to individual and company performance metrics.
Long-Term Incentives
Meaningful equity or long-term incentive plan (LTIP) participation, providing a stake in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate moving to the Atlanta area.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and further certifications.
Additional Perks
Company-provided vehicle or allowance, wellness programs, and other executive-level perquisites.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative leader with the experience and drive to build and operate a world-class fiber network, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications for this role. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a JRG Partners executive recruiter for a confidential discussion. To learn more about our expertise in this space, we invite you to explore our telecommunications executive search practice and see how we connect top talent with industry leaders.
