The posting
Job Summary:
As a Carrier Relations Manager, you will lead the development and execution of carrier relationship strategies that support Midco's growth objectives, customer commitments, and internal network operations. In partnership with cross-functional teams and carrier partners, you will oversee carrier procurement, contract negotiations, cost optimization, performance management, and service delivery to ensure off-net and internet solutions are delivered efficiently, meet technical requirements, and align with Midco's operational and financial objectives.
Responsibilities:
- Maintain relationships with partner carriers providing services to support Midco customer contracts and the internal Midco network.
- Negotiate pricing and contract terms with partner carriers for off‑net circuits, internet, long‑haul, and dark fiber to support sales proposals and internal network needs.
- Continually monitor the base of contracted services to identify opportunities for optimization and cost reduction.
- Maintain contracting activities with partner carriers, including new contracts, timely renewals, and maintaining centralized, accessible contract records.
- Maintain vendor escalation and contact records to support provisioning, maintenance, billing, and issue resolution.
- Develop preferred carrier partnerships aligned with company strategy, while maintaining existing relationships through regular communication and industry engagement.
- Evaluate partner carrier performance using defined criteria related to service quality, performance, and pricing.
- Maintain the accuracy of Midco’s off‑net circuit ID database.
- Ensure ENNIs are established for all off‑net circuits and that documentation is accurate and maintained within the ENNI database.
- Order and appropriately document cross connects from carrier hotels to support customer contracts and the internal Midco network.
- Manage service disconnection requests with partner carriers.
- Communicate disconnect activity to appropriate internal and external stakeholders, update databases, and coordinate logistics with cross‑functional teams.
- Collaborate with internal network teams to plan and support existing and future capacity needs.
- Review, and resolve billing issues related to carrier invoices, ensuring alignment with contract terms.
- Assist in research and resolution efforts for carrier‑related issues.
- Work with Partner Carriers to request service level credits as need based on missed service level commitments.
- Model Midco’s mission, vision, values, ethos, and Leadership Success Drivers, and inspire others to do the same.
- Ensure customer privacy by adhering to Midco’s privacy guidelines while actively following Midco policies and procedures.
- Maintain reliable and predictable attendance as required by the position.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Note: Management reserves the right to assign or reassign functions and responsibilities to this job description at any time.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Telecommunications, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline, or an equivalent work experience.
- 5 years of demonstrated experience in telecommunications, carrier relations, vendor management, network procurement, or a related field.
- Experience leading carrier, vendor, or strategic supplier relationships.
- Experience negotiating pricing, contracts, service agreements, and vendor service level expectations.
- Advanced knowledge of telecommunications network services and components, including off-net circuits, internet services, transport solutions, fiber networks, EVCs, DIAs, cross connects, ENNIs, and related technologies.
- Experience managing the full lifecycle of carrier services, including procurement, provisioning, maintenance, billing, renewals, and disconnects.
- Experience developing and implementing processes, procedures, or programs that improve operational efficiency, service delivery, or cost management.
- Strong communication (written, verbal, and listening), organizational, business, and computer skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working for or directly supporting regional or national telecommunications carriers.
- Experience managing carrier performance programs, vendor scorecards, or service-level agreement initiatives.
Work Environment:
- The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
- Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment and/or remote work setting, depending on business needs.
- Travel may be required for vendor meetings, industry conferences, and business events.
- May be required to work in excess of 40 hours per week and outside normal business hours, such as holidays, evenings, and weekends, as business demands.
Physical Demands:
- May occasionally be required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
- May be required to remain in a seated position for extended periods.
- May occasionally lift or move items such as materials, equipment, or supplies.
- Heavy keyboard/mouse usage required with repetitive movements.
Mental Demands:
- Maintain attention to detail while reviewing information, making decisions, and completing work assignments.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced and changing environment.
- Exercise sound judgment and problem-solving skills when evaluating situations and determining appropriate actions.
- Adapt to changing business needs, priorities, and operational requirements.
- Work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.
- Apply discretion and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
- Remain focused and professional when responding to challenges, escalations, and competing demands.
- Consistently apply policies, procedures, and guidelines while exercising discretion and judgment in negotiations, escalations, and problem resolution.
