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# Chief Operating Officer with a Telecom Infrastructure Co. – Atlanta, GA



JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, private-equity-backed telecommunications infrastructure company at the forefront of America’s digital transformation. Our client is a market leader in developing, owning, and operating critical infrastructure that powers our connected world, from 5G networks and fiber optics to IoT solutions. As they embark on an aggressive growth trajectory, we are seeking a transformative and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join their executive team in Atlanta, GA. This is a rare opportunity to steer the operational engine of a high-growth company and make a lasting impact on the future of telecommunications.
This executive leadership role is not merely about managing processes; it’s about architecting the operational backbone that will support exponential growth, pioneering new efficiencies, and leading a world-class team dedicated to connecting communities. You will be at the heart of the action, shaping the physical layer of our digital future and ensuring our client remains the provider of choice for major wireless carriers, enterprises, and municipalities.
Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer with a Telecom Infrastructure Co. – Atlanta, GA
The Chief Operating Officer will serve as a key partner to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), acting as the strategic implementer of the company’s vision. This executive will have full ownership of the company’s day-to-day operational performance, ensuring the seamless, efficient, and scalable delivery of all services and projects. The ideal candidate is a seasoned operational leader with deep expertise in the telecom infrastructure space, capable of navigating complex technical challenges, managing large-scale capital projects, and leading a diverse, high-performing organization.
You will be responsible for translating strategic plans into tangible results, driving operational excellence, and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across the entire enterprise. This role is pivotal in ensuring the company not only meets but exceeds its financial and operational goals while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. You will be the force that transforms strategic blueprints into operational reality, ensuring robust execution, financial discipline, and market leadership.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer with a Telecom Infrastructure Co. – Atlanta, GA
Strategic Execution and Leadership
Collaborate with the CEO and executive leadership team to develop and implement the company’s strategic plan, ensuring operational activities align with long-term objectives. Translate high-level strategy into detailed operational plans, setting clear goals, KPIs, and milestones for all departments. Drive the company to achieve and surpass sales, profitability, cash flow, and business goals and objectives. Serve as a key spokesperson for operational matters with the board of directors, investors, and other key stakeholders.
Operational Excellence and Process Optimization
Direct and oversee all operational functions, including network deployment, engineering, project management, field operations, supply chain, logistics, and customer support. Champion a culture of continuous improvement by implementing best practices, Lean methodologies, and Six Sigma principles to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality. Develop and monitor sophisticated operational metrics and dashboards to track performance against targets, identify bottlenecks, and drive data-informed decision-making. Ensure rigorous management of large-scale infrastructure projects, from site acquisition and permitting to construction and commissioning, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Guarantee the reliability, scalability, and security of the company’s network infrastructure, meeting and exceeding all Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Financial and P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the company’s operations, developing and managing annual budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans. Oversee capital expenditure (CapEx) planning and allocation, ensuring investments generate strong returns and support strategic growth initiatives. Implement robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms to monitor operational costs, drive profitability, and optimize resource allocation. Work closely with the CFO to analyze financial performance and identify opportunities for margin improvement and operational leverage.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, geographically dispersed team of operational professionals, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Establish clear organizational structures, roles, and responsibilities within the operations division. Oversee talent management strategies, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and leadership development, to build a world-class operations team. Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all OSHA and industry-specific safety regulations and procedures.
Technology, Innovation, and Industry Trends
Stay at the forefront of technological advancements and industry trends, including the rapid expansion of 5G wireless technology, IoT, edge computing, and next-generation fiber networks. Drive the evaluation and adoption of new technologies, software, and automation tools to enhance operational capabilities, improve data analytics, and create a competitive advantage. Lead digital transformation initiatives within the operations function to streamline workflows and improve the customer experience.
Stakeholder and Customer Relationship Management
Cultivate and maintain strong, strategic relationships with major customers, including wireless carriers, enterprises, and government entities. Act as a senior point of escalation for critical customer issues, ensuring swift and effective resolution. Represent the company with key partners, suppliers, and regulatory agencies to ensure smooth operational execution and compliance.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer with a Telecom Infrastructure Co. – Atlanta, GA
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior executive role (e.g., COO, SVP/VP of Operations, General Manager) with significant P&L responsibility.
Industry Expertise
Deep and demonstrable experience within the telecommunications infrastructure sector is mandatory. This includes direct experience with tower companies, fiber optic network providers, wireless carriers, or data center infrastructure firms.
Proven Operational Acumen
A track record of successfully scaling operations in a high-growth environment. Expertise in managing complex, large-scale capital projects, network rollouts, and field service organizations.
Financial Acumen
Sophisticated financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, P&L management, and capital allocation. Experience working within a private equity-backed environment is a significant advantage.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop large, diverse teams. A proven ability to build a positive and productive work culture.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and long-term, while also being highly skilled in tactical execution and detail-oriented management.
Communication Skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision to employees, customers, investors, and the board of directors.
Technical Proficiency
Strong understanding of the technologies, standards, and regulatory landscape governing the telecom industry. Comfortable leveraging data and analytics to drive decisions.
Location
Ability to work from the corporate headquarters in Atlanta, GA, with a willingness to travel as needed to meet business objectives.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in rewarding leadership and performance with a compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the very best talent in the industry. The successful candidate will receive:

A highly competitive executive compensation package, including a substantial base salary, performance-based annual bonus, and a significant long-term equity incentive plan.
Comprehensive benefits package including premium medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
Generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company matching contribution.
Substantial paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and flexible scheduling policies to support work-life balance.
Executive-level benefits such as a car allowance, and access to professional coaching and development programs.
Full relocation assistance package available for the successful candidate and their family.
The unparalleled opportunity to join the C-suite of a dynamic, industry-leading company and directly influence the future of digital infrastructure in the United States.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this pivotal role. If you are a visionary operations leader with the experience and passion to drive excellence in the telecommunications infrastructure space, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our telecommunications executive search practice page. JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.