Project Manager

At TDS Telecom, connecting people is at the heart of everything we do. We are forward thinkers who leverage cutting-edge fiber internet technology to strengthen communities. We are dedicated to excellence, which drives us to succeed together, creating a better world through meaningful connections. Ready to make an impact?

The Project Manager performs advanced professional project, process and change management work supporting the development, installation, and improvement of major products. The position is the mid-level point for the project management job progression. This position applies project management skills on moderately complex projects in the organization.

The primary role of this position is to serve as the project manager on strategic initiatives impacting the ILEC, CLEC and cable markets with the primary focus on new product development projects. The position manages the projects through the gated approval process and provides management and senior leadership with appropriate information and assurances required to accomplish projects of this significance. This position directly manages the progress of these initiatives to ensure the VP sponsor,  leadership team and project owner/team are satisfied with the quality of the delivered business functionality as well as time tables and cost to deliver.

TDS operates in a functional model and thereby relies heavily on the ability of capable project managers to facilitate change across a multi-disciplinary organization. A project manager must be able to lead team members from various other groups to participate in change management and balance that against the press of their day-to-day activities.

This position has the ability to work out of a home office but preference will be given to candidates in the Madison market.

• Manage project deliverables
  • Ensure that project activities and work products are in compliance with company development policies, procedures, and standards. Prepare work plans for product deliverables, manage human and fiscal resources, effectively negotiate timelines, scope, and cost constraints with project sponsors to attain project goals, oversee completion of tasks.
  • Understand and facilitate complex process and system changes that are required for project completion.
• Development process
  • Identify, capture, and monitor key project metrics that are appropriate for the chosen project path. Proactively utilize development measurement systems and metrics to manage attainment of project sponsor’s expectations and deliverables. Present revised plans and actions consistent with meeting these expectations founded in measurable facts and indices.
  • Engage with cross-functional business units to ensure the appropriate level of skills and staffing for the project (i.e., ensuring that the project team members have appropriate skills to complete the designated tasks). Revise the project timeline and cost estimates whenever a discrepancy between required and available skillset is noted.
  • Ensure that an appropriate project quality plan is created and manage to that plan.
  • Ensure an appropriate level of system, operational and decision documentation is created as defined by the applicable process model.
• Accountable for risk and issue management
  • Accountable for project risk management. Assess risks to project and take corrective action as needed to mitigate risks and implement contingency plans for triggered risk events.
  • Accountable for issue management.
• Relationship Development
  • Establish, grow, and maintain professional business relationships with internal sponsors and project stakeholders, other support teams within the company, and external product and service vendors.
• Communication & Documentation
  • Lead project communication (e.g., written, verbal, social media, etc.) to appropriately engage and inform project sponsors and stakeholders on project performance and progress.
• Post project reviews
  • Participate in and where appropriate, facilitate post project/phase reviews to cultivate a “learning organization” in accordance with the relevant process model.
• Product development
  • Perform role of product development as needed for certain projects. Will vary based on project load and priorities.
• Assist in the growth and development of project team members via orientation, training, coaching, counseling, and team building.
• Provide assistance in the performance evaluation of project team members.
• Perform other responsibilities as conditions warrant, and may include reassignment to another function as dictated by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree (or higher) -OR- 4+ years professional work experience.
• 5+ years continuous and progressive experience in marketing, finance, technical, product development, product management, or project management
• 2+ years practical experience in a project leader or project manager role with direct project accountability.

Other Qualifications

• Ability to rapidly and thoroughly assess, understand and assimilate key business objectives of the business unit and project sponsor.
• Willingness to accept responsibility for a project and commitment to meeting milestones, timelines and budgets. This includes managing the project scope. Able to take corrective action as needed to mitigate risks and implement contingency plans for triggered risk events. This includes escalating matters as needed in a constructive manner.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and control multiple tasks and projects. Attention to detail and ability to resource, organize and deploy an effective team.
• Strong interpersonal skills including: team building, conflict resolution and motivation. Ability to foster a spirit of team play.
• Solid project leadership skills including an ability to accomplish objectives by working cooperatively with other resources who have daily responsibilities and for whom you have no direct control.
• Effective oral and written communication skills as evidenced by ability to deliver effective messages at all levels including development and delivery of presentations to senior leadership.
• Understanding of the gated product development process within MSCO and other TDS departments.
• Understanding of process for vendor solicitation, evaluation and selection including legal and finance review requirements.
• Working knowledge of appropriate project management tools and systems required, which may include: Clarity, Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint.

Do you meet the Required Qualifications but are unsure if your experience aligns with the Other Qualifications? We encourage you to apply! Research shows that many candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the qualifications, even when they possess the skills and experience needed to succeed in the role. Experience and skills come in many forms, and they may not always match exactly what’s listed on paper, but they can still lead to success. If you meet the Required Qualifications and believe you have the potential to thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply today!

Benefits

We believe in taking care of our team, which is why we offer comprehensive benefits to support your health, financial well-being, and overall happiness. Join us and experience a work environment where your well-being is a top priority!

Associates scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week have access to:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Generous Vacation & Paid Sick Leave
• Seven Paid National Holidays & One Floating Holiday
• Paid Parental Leave (6 weeks after 12 months of employment)
• Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Programs

Associates working 30 or more hours per week additionally have access to:

• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• TDS Service Discounts
• Education Assistance
• Paid Volunteer Time

In addition to these benefits, all associates will have the opportunity to participate in our Associate Resource Groups, which are designed to encourage community and facilitate professional development. To learn more, click here.

Who is TDS Telecom?

TDS Telecom provides high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a diverse range of communities, including small to mid-sized urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. With over 50 years of experience, TDS is committed to building and expanding fiber optic networks that bring cutting-edge connectivity to neighborhoods nationwide. Serving over 1 million connections, our mission is to create a better world by delivering innovative communication solutions that enhance the way people live, work, and connect. Visit tdstelecom.com to learn more! 

At TDS, we are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and value the difference of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives in our workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.

Pay Transparency

The listed pay range reflects the minimum and maximum base salary. Actual offers will be based on factors such as skills, qualifications, experience, location, and role-specific competencies. Some positions may also offer additional compensation, such as bonuses or equity awards.