Dir, Outside Plant (OSP)

GCI Communication Corp.; Alaska; On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

GCI Communication Corp. is seeking a Dir, Outside Plant (OSP) to lead all OSP operations, maintenance, and planning. The role emphasizes building a high‑performing team, driving cost controls, and aligning OSP initiatives with corporate goals.

The position demands strategic thinking, executive communication, and hands‑on experience overseeing fiber and copper networks, with emphasis on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Network Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of progressive experience in outside plant engineering/construction and network infrastructure.
• Five (5) years of supervisor/manager experience leading cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Own the mission, goals, operations, and results of the team and areas of responsibility.
• Provide leadership across direct and indirect reports; hire, train, and develop staff; set goals and expectations.
• Design, optimize, and scale OSP structures, workflows, and processes for efficiency and service delivery.
• Establish performance metrics, KPIs, and reporting to track health and progress.
• Coordinate budget management, forecasting, and vendor/contractor oversight.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Cross‑functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Network Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

GIS

Asset management tools

Job description

Job Description

GCI's Dir, Outside Plant (OSP) will lead all aspects of the organization’s Outside Plant (OSP), maintenance, and operational functions, ensuring the OSP network remains reliable, scalable, and high performing. Drive organizational effectiveness, long term strategic planning, and disciplined budget management, providing strong, accountable leadership and ensuring all OSP initiatives align with corporate goals and industry best practices. Set the tone for continuous improvement by establishing measurable standards and fostering a culture of ownership and operational excellence.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities At All Levels

• Fully own the mission, goals, operations, and results of the team and areas of responsibility.
• Provide strong leadership to span of control (direct and indirect reports); demonstrate effective leadership in all interactions companywide. This leadership includes generating enthusiasm and shared commitment; identifying and setting direction; teaching, growing, and empowering; owning outcomes; and leading by example. Specific leadership duties include:
• Establishing the vision and tone for the department, consistent with company culture and mission.
• Establishing clear, measurable, and achievable goals and performance expectations that align with organizational objectives and following up appropriately.
• Hiring individuals who can accomplish those goals and meet those expectations; providing them the open communication, training, tools, and mentoring needed to be successful and develop professionally; establishing a development path commensurate with capabilities and potential.
• Providing clear and accurate feedback to individuals and teams on a timely and consistent basis. Identifying and addressing performance problems early and effectively before they damage GCI’s interests and demoralize other employees.
• Effectively managing processes including annual performance reviews, compensation adjustments, promotions, demotions, transfers, and disciplinary actions up to and including termination in an unbiased and consistent manner.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide clear, accountable leadership to OSP and support teams.
• Build a high‑performance culture focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Develop talent through coaching, succession planning, and professional development.
• Foster collaboration across peer groups.
• Model and reinforce GCI’s culture by demonstrating ownership, transparency, and a commitment to developing high‑performing, engaged teams.

Organizational Effectiveness

• Design, optimize & scale organizational structures, workflows, and processes to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Establish & Implement performance metrics, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms to track operational health and project progress.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce cycle times, improve quality, and enhance customer experience.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and safety standards.
• Coordinate crisis response & operational readiness efforts in support incident management.
• Accountability for performance of the HFC and long‑haul fiber networks network.

Strategic Initiatives & Planning

• Support long‑range OSP network planning, including fiber expansion, capacity upgrades, and modernization initiatives.
• Partner with leadership to align OSP strategy with corporate growth objectives.
• Translate strategic initiatives into executable project plans with clear milestones and deliverables.

Budget Management

• Own the OSP operating budgets, maintain rigorous forecasting discipline through monthly budget reviews, variance analysis, and proactive course‑correction.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and manage external partners to ensure cost‑effective operations and maintenance.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising quality or reliability.
• Ensuring all spending aligns with strategic priorities, operational needs, and long‑term financial plans.

Competencies

• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective cross functional influence and collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Regulatory and Legal teams.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and advise with sound judgment and strategic thinking, building trust and driving alignment toward shared goals.
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
• Excellent communication with the ability to accurately articulate information to internal and external audiences, handle inquiries and complaints, and communicate effectively at all levels of the company.
• Skilled at providing clear, impactful communication and technical presentations that align stakeholders and drives accountability.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
• RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
• Proven capability leading multi-disciplinary teams, Construction Managers, and Field Technicians.
• Proven ability to translate business objectives into scalable infrastructure solutions.
• Proven data driven decision making using performance metrics, insights, and frontline feedback.
• Expert knowledge of OSP design, construction, and maintenance for fiber optic networks, copper/coaxial infrastructure, and aerial, underground, undersea, and buried plant.
• Advanced competency in overseeing large-scale OSP construction projects and managing contractor performance, schedules, and quality.
• Demonstrated skill managing multi-million-dollar capital and operating budgets.
• Demonstrated skill managing external vendors and contractors, including RFP development and bid evaluation, contract negotiation, and SLA and KPI enforcement.
• Demonstrated skill working with municipalities and utilities, property owners, regulatory agencies, and joint-use partners.
• Strong understanding of splicing, testing, and acceptance standards.
• Familiarity with make-ready processes, joint-use coordination, and right-of-way access.
• Working knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including pole attachment requirements, environmental and permitting rules, and DOT and municipal standards.
• Knowledge of GIS-based network records, mapping systems, and asset management tools.
• Knowledge of long-range network planning, capacity forecasting, and expansion strategies.
• Ability to build business cases, ROI analysis, and cost-control strategies.
• Ability to review and approve engineering drawings, prints, and as-builts.
• CHANGE MANAGEMENT: champions and supports department and company change.
• Demonstrated ability to act as a catalyst for transformation, driving adoption of new processes, technologies, and ways of working.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, secure buy‑in, and lead teams through change with confidence and resilience.
• DECISION MAKING: uses sound, logical judgment based on data, research, and experience to choose an appropriate course of action.
• PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION: analyzes workload and establishes appropriate priorities; sets measurable and achievable goals and objectives for the team.
• MENTORING & DEVELOPMENT: utilizes interpersonal skills to guide, direct, and influence others to achieve results.
• Ability to build high performing teams through coaching, feedback, and capability enablement.
• Ability to develop leaders, instill analytical rigor, and strengthen functional excellence across the organization.
• PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: sets clear performance expectations for team.
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
• Commitment to OSHA safety standards and company safety programs.
• Ability to identify and mitigate construction, environmental, and operational risks.
• TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively.

Minimum Qualifications

Required: A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Network Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of progressive experience in outside plant engineering, construction, and/or network infrastructure in a telecommunications, broadband, fiber, cable, or utility environment, to include:
• At least five (5) years of experience overseeing large-scale OSP programs.
• At least five (5) years of experience delivering complex, capital-intensive infrastructure projects from design through deployment.
• At least five (5) years of supervisor/manager experience leading cross‑functional teams.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Professional certifications, such as Professional Engineer (PE), PMP (Project Management Professional), Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT), or other equivalent industry credentials.

Driving Requirements

• This position requires driving a company-owned vehicle, company provided vehicle, or a personal vehicle on behalf of the company. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, a satisfactory driving record, and successfully complete Defensive Driving course.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS And WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work may occur in office, remotely, or at client sites depending on business needs.
• Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
• Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.
• Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.
• Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
• Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services.

Culture, Engagement, and Connection:

At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer.

EEO:

GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.

DISCLAIMER:

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.