Director, Network Strategy

We are looking for a Director Network Strategy to join our growing team! In this role you will be responsible for the strategic governance financial oversight and optimization of network maintenance and infrastructure-related costs across the organization. You will oversee contracted maintenance for Outside Plant (OSP) telecommunications infrastructure and Central Office (CO) power systems utility locate services and damage cost recovery for OSP assets. You will lead the rationalization of legacy copper network investments versus network discontinuance strategies and evaluates insourcing opportunities to reduce third-party spend while maintaining network reliability safety and regulatory compliance.

As Director Network Strategy your duties and responsibilities will include:

Network Cost Strategy & Financial Governance

• Develop and execute enterprise-wide strategies to control optimize and forecast network maintenance and infrastructure costs.
• Own expense budgets related to contracted network maintenance utility locates damage recovery and power infrastructure support.
• Analyze cost drivers trends and variances; identify and implement cost-reduction initiatives aligned with operational and reliability goals.
• Establish financial controls governance models and approval frameworks for network-related expenditures.

Contracted Maintenance Oversight

• Oversee all contracted maintenance activities for Outside Plant infrastructure including fiber and copper networks both aerial and underground plant.
• Oversee contracted maintenance for Central Office power infrastructure including DC power plants batteries generators UPS systems and associated failover systems.
• Ensure maintenance programs meet defined SLAs safety standards regulatory requirements and network availability objectives.

Utility Locates & Damage Cost Recovery

• Provide strategic oversight of utility locate programs ensuring compliance with call-before-you-dig regulations and cost-effective service delivery.
• Lead damage cost recovery efforts for OSP assets including claims management cost tracking and recovery from responsible third parties.
• Establish processes metrics and reporting to reduce repeat damages and improve recovery rates.

Legacy Copper Network Rationalization

• Lead evaluation and rationalization of legacy copper network investments balancing maintenance costs customer impact and regulatory obligations.
• Partner with Engineering Network Planning and Regulatory teams to develop strategies for copper retirement network discontinuance or transition to alternative technologies.
• Provide financial and operational analysis to support executive decision-making on legacy network investments.

Insourcing & Cost Optimization Initiatives

• Evaluate opportunities to insource network maintenance utility locate or support functions to reduce third-party spend and improve cost control.
• Develop business cases financial models and implementation plans for approved insourcing initiatives.
• Collaborate with HR Operations and Labor Relations teams to support workforce planning and transition strategies.

Vendor & Contract Management

• Lead vendor strategy RFP/RFQ processes contract negotiations renewals and performance management for network maintenance and related services.
• Define and enforce SLAs KPIs and performance metrics; conduct regular vendor performance reviews.
• Partner with Procurement Legal Finance and Risk teams to ensure favorable contract terms and compliance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Reporting

• Collaborate with Network Operations Engineering Construction Power Regulatory and Finance teams to align cost strategies with operational priorities.
• Support emergency restoration disaster recovery and major outage response by ensuring vendor readiness and cost controls.
• Develop executive-level dashboards and reporting on costs vendor performance damage recovery and network investment effectiveness.

Qualifications :

WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE:

• Bachelors degree in Business Finance Engineering Telecommunications or a related field.
• 10 years of experience in telecom or network infrastructure operations cost management or financial governance with 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience managing contracted maintenance for Outside Plant networks and/or Central Office power infrastructure.
• Strong background in vendor management contract negotiation and cost optimization.
• Experience with utility locate programs and damage cost recovery processes.

BONUS POINTS FOR:

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience in large regulated telecom or utility environments.
• Knowledge of copper retirement network discontinuance and regulatory considerations.
• Proven experience evaluating and implementing insourcing initiatives.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic financial leadership
• Network infrastructure cost management
• Vendor and contract governance
• Data-driven analysis and decision-making
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Risk compliance and regulatory awareness

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Additional Information :

WHY JOIN US

We aspire to contemporary ways of working.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Charlotte Observer Brightspeed HQ is located on the 7th floor of the new Vantage South End - East Tower in Charlotte NC. We prioritize hiring talent in the Charlotte area whenever possible to make it a truly vibrant destination for our hybrid workforce. At Brightspeed we have roles that are designated as remote hybrid office or field-based depending on the position business needs and individual circumstances. We also invest in technology that enables our entire team to stay connected. Why Because Brightspeed recognizes the value of finding the best talent for the job wherever they may be.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.

Our benefits and paid time off programs reflect our underlying belief in promoting overall wellness through physical emotional and financial health. Brightspeed offers a comprehensive benefit program including competitive medical dental vision and life insurance; an employee assistance program; a 401K plan with company match and a host of voluntary benefits. 

Inclusion and belonging are at the center of our grounding belief in Being Real. 

When we bring our authentic selves to work everyone is better as a result. A diverse team helps us be fierce advocates for more accessible inclusive and high-quality internet because we believe doing so promotes equity in the communities we serve.

Brightspeed is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion of all qualified individuals including individuals with a disability/veterans. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application or to otherwise participate in the hiring process please contact to initiate the accommodations process. 

For all applicants please take a moment to review our Privacy Notices:  

• Brightspeeds Privacy Notice for California Residents
• Brightspeeds Privacy Notice

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time