Director of OSP

Job Title:               Director of OSP

Classification:       Full-Time, Exempt, At-Will

Reports to:            VP of Outside Plant (OSP)

Location:               Remote: California

Location Status:   Work will be primarily performed remotely from home office. Employee will be required to utilize personal phone and internet services to perform telecommuting with reimbursement per Race’s current flex agreement. Occasional travel to and work from other Race offices or off-site locations may be required.

Race Communications is only accepting remote candidates who reside in the following states: California. If you do not reside in one of these states, you are not eligible for remote employment.

Beware of recruiting scams posing as Race Communications. You can get more information about Race Communications at Race.com or contact our recruiting team directly.

About Us: 

As the leading provider of 10G fiber internet in California, Race Communications is a company built by the needs of the communities that we serve. Working for Race means being dedicated to bringing cutting-edge fiber internet to rural and urban communities, providing opportunities, enhancing technology, and enabling access for generations to come.

Summary:

The Director of Outside Plant (OSP) oversees the strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement of the OSP and construction operations. This role combines leadership and hands-on operational oversight, supporting a team of managers, coordinating field activities, and aligning departmental efforts with broader company goals. As a key leader in a 24/7 utility environment, the Director must be prepared to respond to emergencies, outages, and critical field issues at any time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The position requires regular collaboration across departments and consistent engagement with field teams, vendors, and external partners to ensure successful project outcomes and ongoing network reliability.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Eligibility for US Employment without sponsorship
• Minimum of 18 years of age
• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent education in a related field of study is preferred
• A valid driver's license, subject to successful verification through a DMV check, is mandatory
• Proven track record of managing large-scale OSP projects, leading a team of OSP professionals, and driving efficiencies in OSP operations required
• 5+ years of experience in OSP management, with a track record of successfully delivering large-scale OSP projects required
• Ability to work outside standard hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed to meet project deadlines or address critical issues
• Proven experience managing OSP operations in a 24/7 utility environment, including emergency response after-hours maintenance required
• Knowledge of OSP technologies and best practices, including fiber optic cable installation and maintenance required
• Experience working with vendors, contractors, and other third-party providers required
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards related to OSP operations required
• Experience with GIS software and other OSP-related tools and software required
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex construction challenges and implement effective solutions under tight deadlines
• Experience working with clients, government agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure project alignment and satisfaction
• Skilled in identifying potential risks and implementing measures to minimize project delays and cost overruns
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and presenting project updates to senior leadership
• Capability to perform site visits and inspections, ensuring compliance with project plans and safety standards
• The ability to effectively communicate in English, including speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension, as necessary for effective job performance and workplace communication
• Proficiency in Spanish Language desirable

Skills:

• Proficient use of MS Office applications including Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; teleconferencing applications
• Functional use of common office equipment, computers, and office software
• Ability to distinguish colors and audible tones

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership

• Develops and executes strategic plans for the OSP department in alignment with organizational goals and industry trends
• Provides visionary leadership to drive innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement within OSP and construction operations
• Collaborates with engineering, sales, customer service, IT, and community development to align OSP initiatives with company-wide priorities

Emergency Response and Operational Flexibility:

• Serves as a point of escalation for critical OSP issues requiring immediate attention, including emergencies, network outages, or high-priority field incidents
• Demonstrates flexibility to work outside of standard business hours-including evenings, weekends, and holidays to support project timelines, resolve urgent issues, and ensure continuous service 

Team Leadership

• Leads and supports a team of OSP managers and their respective staff across multiple markets and field locations
• Mentors and empowers teams to deliver on departmental goals while fostering a high-performing and accountable culture
• Supports recruitment and hiring efforts to build and sustain a strong OSP organization

Project Planning and Execution

• Oversee planning and implementation of OSP projects, including fiber optic installations, upgrades, and maintenance
• Coordinates daily and weekly operational tasks including splicer assignments, outage response, and scheduled maintenance
• Communicates regularly with project managers, coordinators, and splicers to address issues related to permits, cities, contracts, and field execution
• Leads collaboration with construction teams and contractors to streamline execution and ensure timely project delivery
• Oversees emergency response and after-hours field operations to address unplanned outages or time-sensitive construction issues, ensuring minimal service disruption and adherence to safety protocols

Network Expansion and Upgrades

• Directs the expansion, modernization, and upgrade of outside plant infrastructure, ensuring scalability, reliability, and long-term performance
• Monitors network capacity to anticipate and meet future service demands

Budget and Resource Management

• Oversee financial operations including approvals in systems such as Yooz and Salesforce (invoices, purchase requests, and POs)
• Manages ordering and inventory of materials, delegating routine needs to designated staff while retaining oversight of larger or strategic purchases
• Reviews and approves per diem allocations for OSP field personnel
• Manages departmental budgets and ensures efficient resource utilization across all projects

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Ensures compliance with industry standards, local and federal regulations, and internal company policies
• Leads quality control efforts, continuously improving construction standards and operational procedures
• Coordinates with utility locators and manages responses to field damage and escalations
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures to promote consistency and safety across all OSP activities

Stakeholder Engagement and Meeting Cadence

• Participates in and contributes to the following recurring meetings to support alignment and decision-making:
  • Community Development 
  • Bi-weekly Field Operations calls
  • Weekly Business call 
  • Inventory/Warehouse coordination calls
  • Monthly Safety and IT/Facilities meetings
  • Regular meetings with reporting managers
• Maintains communication with internal stakeholders and external partners, including city agencies, contractors, and vendors

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs), contractor productivity, splicer activity, and project milestones
• Prepares and delivers reports on progress, risks, and results to senior management
• Evaluates priorities for field teams, adjusting strategies based on real-time feedback and market conditions

Technology and Industry Trends

• Monitors emerging technologies and industry best practices to identify tools and methods that improve efficiency and service quality
• Evaluates and adopts new platforms or innovations to enhance OSP operations

Vehicle Maintenance and Travel:

• Maintains vehicle/equipment pre-op/post-op to be prepared to perform required duties
• Maintains a clean driving record as defined by the current fleet insurance underwriter
• Spends a significant portion of the workday traveling in a vehicle visiting various locations and spending time both indoors and outdoors, including businesses and/or residents depending on the nature of the job 
• May be required to work overtime, after hours, on weekends, for emergencies, or be on-call as needed to ensure work is completed

Safety Awareness and Compliance:

• Observes hazards and reports any concerns or accidents to a supervisor or safety professional; participates in the investigation process as needed
• Understands, completes, and signs off all pre-job safety planning tools at the start and end of the shift; completes all required safety-related paperwork
• Understands and responds appropriately to all safety hazards and warning devices (e.g., back-up alarms, smell of smoke, fumes, odors, different colored warning tags, warning sirens)
• Upholds a secure work environment by adhering to regulations, procedures, and company policies, ensuring safety standards are consistently maintained

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Policy and Procedure Adherence: Ensures departmental alignment with organizational policies, guidelines, and procedures outlined in the Race Communications Employee Handbook, serving as a key driver of compliance and best practices.
• Strategic Leadership: Develops and oversees strategies for team performance, identifying key initiatives to enhance safety, efficiency, and effectiveness across multiple practices within the department.
• Team Development and Mentorship: Leads efforts to train, mentor, and develop team leaders and managers, ensuring robust succession planning and the cultivation of future organizational leaders.
• Organizational Support: Acts as a resource for team leaders and employees on complex issues, resolving matters in alignment with organizational policies, applicable laws, and company values.
• Performance Management: Establishes and communicates clear performance goals and standards for the team. Provides strategic feedback through regular evaluations, aligning individual and team objectives with the organization’s vision.
• Resource Management: Oversees resource allocation, ensuring all teams within the department have access to the tools and support needed to achieve success.
• Training and Development Programs: Identifies training gaps and oversees the development of comprehensive programs to enhance skills, promote innovation, and improve team performance.
• Conflict Resolution and Team Dynamics: Proactively addresses conflicts or interpersonal challenges at a strategic level, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
• Operational Oversight: Ensures accurate timekeeping and compliance with payroll processes by implementing systems for accountability and addressing discrepancies efficiently.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serves as a liaison between the department and upper management, providing regular updates on progress, performance, and key initiatives.
• Strategic Reporting: Reports departmental outcomes to senior leadership, analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) and adjusting strategies as needed to achieve company objectives.
• Supervisory Oversight: Oversees direct supervision of subordinates, including senior managers and team leaders, ensuring consistent application of performance reviews, training programs, and disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensures all departmental activities comply with corporate policies and regulatory standards, implementing processes for transparency and accountability at all levels.

As Part of Our Team, You Will Enjoy:

• 100% Employer-paid medical, dental, vision, and life for all our employees
• 401 (k) with 100% Employer-matched up to 4% of your annual income
• Generous paid time off including sick, vacation, holiday and birthday pay
• Free Race highspeed internet and phone service where available

All offers of employment are contingent until all pre-employment requirements are met. These requirements may include drug and background screenings as well as Motor Vehicle and DOT related screening and reporting requirements. Race will consider qualified job applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment. 

Background Check: Race Communications is a Fair Chance employer abiding by Federal and applicable state Fair Chance Act (s) for all applicants and additionally abides by the LA County Fair Chance Ordinance if you are applying for a position (is) associated with our Lancaster or Palmdale offices.  Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment.  Race will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct or adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job, and will also consider potential mitigating factors, including, but not limited to, evidence and extent of rehabilitation, recency of the offense(s), and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about a conviction history, any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed.

Incoming employees will participate in our Speedway to Success onboarding and orientation program and may be required to travel to an onboarding location other than their designated worksite for the first day. Remote employees may be required to attend in-person orientation and collect their assigned equipment on their first day. Further information will be provided closer to the hire date. 

Race Communications is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes applications from individuals (with or without reasonable accommodation), with the skills, experience, and dedication to excel in their roles without regard to race, religion, color, sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sex stereotype, gender identity/gender expression and sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information/characteristics, marital status/registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation. 

To arrange reasonable accommodation(s) for qualified individuals with disabilities, please contact Recruiting (recruiting at race dot com) to initiate the interactive process. 

Updated: 06/2025