Telecom Project Manager

Gilder Search Group; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group seeks a Telecom Project Manager – Structured Cabling, Fiber & Security Systems in Garner, NC. This role oversees end-to-end delivery, coordinating between customers, internal installers, and vendors to keep projects on time, within scope, and on budget.

You will create and manage bids, build BOMs and POs, and ensure staffing and materials align with deliverables. Strong communication and hands-on planning are essential, with ~20% travel to client sites.

Qualifications

• PM experience in telecom or low-voltage fields, including structured cabling, fiber, and security systems.
• Experience managing multiple client-facing projects concurrently.
• Proficiency with Excel, Smartsheet, Bluebeam, and MS Planner.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to read construction drawings, floor plans, risers, and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage telecom, structured cabling, fiber, and security installations from kickoff through closeout.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, task lists, and timelines using Smartsheet and MS Planner.
• Define project scope, deliverables, milestones, and resource plans.
• Track progress, identify risks, and mitigate to maintain schedule and budget.
• Lead client meetings, site walks, and coordinate with vendors and internal teams.
• Prepare bids and proposals with labor, materials, and subcontractor estimates.
• Monitor budgets, POs, BOMs; ensure staffing aligns with deliverables.
• Ensure safety and compliance on site.

Skills

Project management

Client-facing communication

Reading construction docs

Budgeting & scheduling

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Smartsheet

Bluebeam

MS Planner

Job description

Job Title: Telecom Project Manager – Structured Cabling, Fiber & Security Systems

Location: Garner, NC

Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Work Environment: ~80% office / 20% on client sites

Position Overview

The Telecom Project Manager will oversee end-to-end delivery of structured cabling, fiber optic, and electronic security system projects. This role is highly client-facing and is responsible for coordinating between customers, internal install teams, and vendors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and under budget.

You will create and manage bids, build and maintain project spreadsheets and schedules, develop and track bill of materials (BOMs) and purchase orders (POs), and ensure that staffing and materials are aligned with project deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Management

• Plan, coordinate, and manage telecom, structured cabling, fiber, and security system installation projects from kickoff through closeout.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, task lists, and timelines using Smartsheet and MS Planner.
• Define project scope, deliverables, milestones, and resource plans.
• Track project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to maintain schedule and budget.

Client-Facing & Communication

• Serve as primary point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead client meetings, project updates, and site walks to confirm scope, progress, and changes.
• Translate technical requirements between clients and field installation teams.
• Manage expectations, resolve issues, and ensure client satisfaction.

Estimating, Bidding & Documentation

• Prepare detailed bids and proposals, including labor, materials, and subcontractor estimates for structured cabling, fiber, and security systems.
• Develop and maintain accurate BOMs, cost breakdowns, and pricing spreadsheets using Excel and Smartsheet.
• Review drawings, floor plans, and specifications using Bluebeam to validate scope and quantities.
• Assist with responses to RFPs/RFQs and support sales with technical input as needed.

Financial & Resource Management

• Create, track, and manage POs and material orders to support project schedules.
• Monitor budgets, job cost reports, and change orders; proactively identify cost overruns and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate labor planning and staffing with installation teams to meet deadlines and quality standards.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and under budget while maintaining required quality and safety standards.

Field / Site Activities (Approx. 20%)

• Perform site walks and surveys to verify conditions, confirm scope, and validate installer needs.
• Work directly with clients and field supervisors on-site to address issues, clarify drawings, and approve changes.
• Verify installation progress, quality, and compliance with drawings, specifications, and applicable codes.
• Document field conditions, changes, and site observations; update project files and as-built info accordingly.

Compliance, Quality & Safety

• Ensure adherence to company standards, industry best practices, and relevant codes for low-voltage, fiber, and security installations.
• Support safety initiatives and compliance with OSHA requirements; promote a strong safety culture with field teams.
• Maintain organized project records, including drawings, RFIs, submittals, change orders, and closeout documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated project management experience in telecom, low-voltage, or related fields, specifically including:
  • Structured cabling (Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6A or similar)
  • Fiber optic installation and terminations
  • Security systems (cameras/CCTV, access control, intrusion, or similar)
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously in a client-facing role.
• Proficiency with:
  • Microsoft Excel (formulas, filtering, basic pivot tables, managing large project spreadsheets)
  • Smartsheet (project plans, dashboards, resource tracking)
  • Bluebeam (reviewing/marking up drawings, takeoffs, measurements)
  • MS Planner (task management, tracking assignments and deadlines)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable leading calls and meetings with clients and field teams.
• Ability to read and interpret construction documents, floor plans, risers, and specifications.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and resources to hit deliverables.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally to client sites (~20% of the time).

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Prior experience in a low-voltage contractor, integrator, or telecom construction environment.
• Familiarity with change order processes, RFIs, and construction administration.
• Experience with other project management or collaboration tools a plus.

Core Competencies

• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Detail-oriented, especially with numbers, BOMs, and documentation.
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Customer-focused, professional, and comfortable in a client-facing role.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to sit at a computer for extended periods (office environment).
• Ability to walk job sites, climb stairs/ladders as needed for site walks, and wear appropriate PPE.
• Occasional lifting of drawings, small equipment, and materials as needed during site visits.