Telecom Engineering Network Core Manager

Telecommunications Manager

The Telecommunications Manager is responsible for directly managing and developing telecommunications technical staff, building and sustaining collaborative relationships with Operating Company and Business Unit management, and with external partners, suppliers and vendors, and managing annual O&M and capital budgets. The Manager is expected to gain acceptance as a peer and equal partner when working directly with Operating Company and Business Unit management. The Manager will supervise and develop high performance teams of competent employees to effectively support our customers; operate, maintain and repair a reliable telecommunications infrastructure and efficient Telecommunications systems; and produce high value results through continuous improvement and exceptional performance. The Manager will promote and apply Telecommunications solutions to meet the needs and align with the strategies of our Operating Company and Business Unit customers. He / she will lead the team to complete projects and perform all Telecommunications work activities via efficient processes and effective use of resources. The Manager will establish and maintain an open and collaborative environment that promotes safety, accountability, engagement and continuous improvement within and throughout the Telecommunications organization.

We are seeking a skilled leader to manage our Telecom Engineering Network Core team. This team is responsible for the engineering of AEP's multiservice backbone and network service aggregation points supporting Distribution, Generation, and Transmission System Networks and Generation RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) communications. The network infrastructure this team supports is critical to AEP's ability to maintain visibility into operational systems. These systems enable us to operate the electric grid safely, effectively, and efficiently ensuring our customers receive the highest quality service possible. This role is central to the reliability and performance of our core network, which underpins the secure operation of our electric system. The Manager will lead a geographically distributed team of engineers located between Tulsa, OK and Columbus, OH. This role requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to collaborate across the organization.

Essential Functions :

• Build and foster strategic business relationships and represent the Telecommunications organization when collaborating with Operating Company and Business Unit leaders.
• Provide safety leadership and compliance without exception; enhance a strong safety culture.
• Provide corporate compliance leadership and accountability for NERC CIP, Physical and Cyber Security, Ethics, Corporate Policies, etc., without exception.
• Ensure ongoing reliability of the Telecommunications infrastructure.
• Provide financial leadership, including strategic forecasting and planning; establish and manage departmental O&M and capital budgets in coordination with the Operating Company / BU.
• Direct activities of the field workforce according to Operating Company and Corporate strategies and goals and aligned with the needs of our customers.
• Develop competent teams and future AEP leaders; coach and guide employees and provide opportunities for career growth.
• Provide training opportunities for employees to learn and share knowledge, strengthen skills, and deepen and broaden technical and professional capabilities; ensure that all employees are well-trained, knowledgeable, enabled and focused on the success of the company.
• Prioritize and direct area work activities and optimize utilization of resources.
• Manage resources to provide safe and timely service restoration during storms and other outages.
• Lead and / or direct Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery for Telecommunications Services as needed.

What We're Looking For :

Telecom Manager (Grade 10) (132,000-170,000) :

Education : Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related field, or an Associate degree in these fields combined with a minimum of 4 years of applicable technical experience, or a HS diploma / GED combined with a minimum of 8 years of applicable technical experience.

Experience (in addition to any experience accepted as Education) : 8 years of Telecommunications / IT experience, demonstrating steady progression in responsibilities. Direct supervisory experience preferred.

Licenses / Certifications : Applicable technical certifications preferred.

Other Requirements : Travel required. Overtime required on occasion.

Where You'll Work : On-Site in our Gahanna, OH or Tulsa, OK location.

What You'll Get : $132k- $170K In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.