VP of Outside Plant Construction and Engineering

VP of Outside Plant Construction and Engineering 

Jonesboro, AR

$180/200K  | Direct Hire 

Role Focus:
Requires VP-level expertise in network construction, with a strong emphasis on physically building advanced fiber optic networks. Candidates must have hands-on experience with RDOF initiatives, “homes passed/passings,” and FTTX, and demonstrate a robust track record in network buildouts.

Position Summary:
 As VP of Outside Plant Construction & Engineering, you will serve as a strategic partner to the CTO and a driving force behind the company’s network expansion. This critical leadership role combines exceptional people management with deep technical credibility and hands-on involvement in planning, design, and execution of new fiber optic networks, as well as upgrades to HFC and copper infrastructure. The ideal candidate will bring comprehensive experience in the entire network build-out lifecycle—including municipal relations, franchise agreements, pole permitting, and engineering/design coordination.
You will oversee large-scale construction budgets of $20M+, manage a department of 60–70 staff (including 4–5 direct reports), and report directly to the CTO.

Essential Responsibilities:

Lead and Manage Teams & Projects

• Provide strategic leadership for construction and engineering departments to plan and deliver network projects aligned with company goals.
• Lead, mentor, and develop construction and engineering managers, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture.
• Oversee project execution to ensure completion on time, within scope and budget, adhering to quality and safety standards.
• Define infrastructure goals in collaboration with the CTO and senior executives.

Financial Oversight and Reporting

• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets; implement spending controls and deliver financial performance reports.
• Ensure financial targets are achieved for all projects and departmental initiatives.

Risk, Quality, and Safety Management

• Identify and mitigate risks such as budget overruns, project delays, and safety incidents.
• Promote a safety-first culture while meeting regulatory and quality benchmarks.

Stakeholder and Vendor Relations

• Serve as the primary contact for all construction-related matters with internal and external stakeholders, such as executive leadership, engineering, operations, regulatory agencies, government officials, and community leaders.
• Negotiate and manage contractor, subcontractor, and vendor relationships to secure high-quality, cost-effective outcomes, ensuring contract compliance.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Implement innovative tools, processes, and strategies for enhanced efficiency, quality, and safety in construction management.
• Stay current on industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices within telecommunications construction and engineering.

Travel and Representation - Travel to project sites, customer locations, company meetings, and business events as required.

Other Duties as Assigned - Perform additional tasks and projects as directed by the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) 

 Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum 15 years’ progressive experience in telecommunications.
• Must have at least 5 years in VP or senior-level leadership overseeing network construction.
• Demonstrated success in large-scale fiber buildouts, especially FTTX and RDOF, meeting homes passed/passings targets.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, business administration, or related field; master’s preferred.
• Proven record of successfully delivering large, complex fiber deployment projects
• Deep expertise in telecommunications construction standards, particularly fiber network deployment.
• Strong foundation in outside plant engineering principles and construction safety regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multi-million-dollar, multi-phase projects successfully.
• Advanced leadership, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills for budgeting and reporting.
• Proficient in contract negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
• Ability to interpret technical documents and provide strategic information.
• Skilled in using Microsoft Office, project management software, and standard office equipment.
• Capacity to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Ability to cultivate a positive team environment and maintain employee morale.
• Willingness and ability to travel as business needs require, valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory record.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S without sponsorship now and in the future.

Sirius Staffing is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by law.