Permitting & Planning Manager

Ritter Communications is the largest privately held telecommunications provider serving exclusively the Mid-South, offering world-class broadband fiber, telecom, video, cloud and data center services. The company has grown rapidly over the years, investing millions recently in technology infrastructure and is now serving 155 communities and more than 57,000 customers in Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and Tennessee. Headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Ritter Communications invests heavily in the communities it serves by deploying proven, best-in-class infrastructure and technology, while coupling it with a world-class customer-focused experience.

General Summary: 

The Permitting & Planning Manager provides leadership to a team of OSP Planning Engineers and Permit Specialists by ensuring that efficient preparation and implementation occurs with forecasts, estimates, budgets, plans, and other related job duties.  This role is responsible for the optimization of permitting processes and that all permit entities comply with regulatory requirements, maintain efficient workflows, and meet business objectives.

The Permitting & Planning Manager serves as a leader by guiding and developing team members, while also maintaining close working relationship with all partners to support and oversee OSP planning and permitting activities within the network.

Essential Job Functions: 

Permitting:

• Manages and oversees all permitting activities, from submittal to close, required for OSP construction, including submissions to municipalities, DOTs, railroads, utilities, and other regulatory agencies;
• Develops and maintains relationships with permitting authorities to streamline approval processes;
• Develops and implements strategies to keep permitting authorities accountable to contract, FCC, or other governmental regulations including timelines;
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local permitting requirements, including environmental and right-of-way regulations;
• Coordinates with legal and regulatory teams to address permitting challenges and expedite approvals;
• Reviews existing structure access/pole attachment agreements and proactively seek amendments and/or renewals to move to more standardized and beneficial language;
• Responsible for review and negotiation of new structure access agreements;
• Tracks and reports permit application statuses, timelines, and approvals to ensure timely project execution;
• Manages, facilitates and approves incoming receipts to attach to Ritter-owned structures;
• Accountable for pole inspection audit projects initiated by external pole owners and for internal pole inspection audit projects;
• Travels to permitting entity in-person meetings, project areas, business related events, and other Ritter Communications as required;

Planning:

• Develops market entry plans, based on estimate of construction costs and timelines, along with installation cost estimates, and present to a steering committee for approval;
• Collaborates with OSP design to ensure adherence to plan concepts and estimates;
• Contributes to the design of OSP fiber-optic network expansions, including aerial and underground fiber routes;
• Analyzes network expansion needs and collaborate to develop cost-effective OSP deployment strategies;
• Works closely with engineering, construction, and GIS teams to ensure efficient design and implementation;
• Utilizes GIS and CAD tools to optimize OSP route selection, ensuring minimal environmental and regulatory impacts;
• Oversees feasibility studies, high-level plans and cost estimates for large and small network deployments;
• Identifies opportunities to enhance network efficiency and scalability through innovative OSP planning approaches;
• Participates in inter-departmental planning meetings to coordinate and communicate activities related to the successful completion of projects;
• Accountable for integrity of database of record;

Team Leadership & Project Management:

• Leads a team of OSP permitting specialists and OSP Planning Engineers, providing mentorship and technical guidance;
• Develops and maintains permitting and planning processes to improve efficiency and compliance;
• Collaborates with OSP Design department to manage, track and forecast project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation for OSP projects;
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, government agencies, and utility companies;
• Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) and report progress on permitting and planning activities to senior leadership;
• Attends various meetings with management, departments and vendors to ensure company objectives are met;
• Responsible for performance management and employee development activities including performance reviews and time approvals;
• Other related duties and projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:                                                            

• Expert knowledge of telecommunications construction and engineering practices and principles;
• Expert knowledge of permitting processes, right-of-way regulations, and government agency interactions;
• Knowledge of industry regulations affecting engineering projects;
• Knowledge of management principles and practices;
• Knowledge of NESC, NEC, and local construction codes;
• Knowledge of company products and services;
• Skill in digital OSP design software (e;g; M4, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, or equivalent);
• Strong skill in project management, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously;
• Skill in fiber-optic network planning, including aerial and underground construction methods;
• Skill in operating various office equipment such as personal computer, various software programs, and telephone systems;
• Skill in oral and written communication;
• Skill in reading and interpreting technical documents and forms including purchase orders, invoices, expense reports, time reports, material requisition forms, work orders, trouble tickets, and service orders;
• Ability to communicate with customers, employees, and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner;
• Ability to problem-solve and negotiate;
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple work assignments;
• Ability to pay close attention to detail;
• Ability to make sound decisions using information at hand;
• Ability to create a team environment and sustain employee morale;
• Ability to travel for business requirements; must possess a valid Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field, plus relevant telecommunications experience, or 5 years of experience in OSP engineering, permitting, and planning within the telecommunications or utility industry is required.

3 years in a leadership or management role overseeing OSP-related teams is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP or equivalent project management certification
• Proficiency in fiber network design software
• Experience working with state and municipal permitting agencies

Ritter Communications is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We strive to maintain a drug-free workplace.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefits package including health, dental, vision, cancer, accident and life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, free gym membership, company discounts, tuition reimbursement, paid training, paid leave, and much more!