Lead Project Manager (Remote, US)

Lumen is the trusted network for AI. We’re transforming how businesses connect, secure, and scale in an AI-driven world. By connecting people, data, and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly, we help organizations move faster and unlock what’s next. At Lumen, people power progress. Our culture is built on teamwork, trust, and transparency, giving you the flexibility, support, and opportunity to make a lasting impact. We’re looking for top-tier talent ready to take on the challenge. Join us in building the future. The Role The Lead Project Manager is the primary single point of contact for large-scale Dark Fiber and Colocation deployments with significant complexity and unique requirements. This role is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing customer implementations to meet scope, schedule, budget, and overall delivery outcomes. This position leads the execution of complex, infrastructure-focused solutions, ensuring alignment across engineering, construction, operations, vendors, and customers. Engagement is based on PMO criteria and standards. The Main Responsibilities Develop, plan, and manage end-to-end implementation activities for Dark Fiber and Colocation programs throughout the project lifecycle Own accountability for on-time project completion and successful delivery Analyze work plans and schedules and produce detailed project progress, risk, and executive-level status reporting Manage resource requirements and allocation across internal teams and third-party vendors Coordinate and facilitate project meetings with customers and internal stakeholders Develop and distribute timely meeting minutes, track and manage action items, and ensure deliverables are met according to schedule Identify, assess, and manage risks, dependencies, and impacts; develop mitigation plans and escalate as required Establish clear program objectives, success criteria, and delivery milestones; utilize formal change control processes to manage scope and schedule changes Act as project team leader and maintain accountability for overall program success Partner with cross-functional organizations to define KPIs, process standards, policies, and procedures associated with complex infrastructure projects Ensure adherence to all project governance, safety, and compliance requirements Reiterate scope, roles, responsibilities, and timelines regularly to ensure alignment and clarity across all parties Exercise sound judgment to make business decisions impacting the project, customer, or company, including the authority to pause activities when risks or impacts warrant Identify and ensure participation of all required internal teams and external vendors necessary for on-time delivery within budgetary constraints Negotiate milestone dates based on fiber availability, construction readiness, and colocation capacity to balance customer commitments and company objectives Serve as the customer-facing single point of contact throughout the lifecycle of the project, often supporting strategic and global customers Identify opportunities to expand scope or future infrastructure needs and engage the Sales organization as appropriate Understand customer business drivers, long-term capacity needs, and network strategies to ensure solutions align with future growth Deliverables include project assessments, team formation, schedules, executive status and jeopardy reporting, risk analysis, and post-implementation reviews Act as a mentor and leader to other project management teammates What We Look For in a Candidate Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree and/or 5+ years of related experience Demonstrated experience delivering Dark Fiber, Colocation, and large-scale physical network infrastructure projects Preferred Qualifications Experience with multiple of the following: Dark Fiber Colocation Outside Plant (OSP) construction and splicing Inside Plant (ISP) and rack, power, and cross-connect installations OTDR Fiber Analysis Optical transport readiness (customer-lit environments) Experience leading multiple, highly complex infrastructure projects in the telecommunications or data center industry Project Management Professional (PMP) 6+ years of project management experience Compensation This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors. Location Based Pay Ranges $82,969 - $110,625 in these states: AL AR AZ FL GA IA ID IN KS KY LA ME MO MS MT ND NE NM OH OK PA SC SD TN UT VT WI WV WY $87,117 - $116,156 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI $91,266 - $121,688 in these states: AK CA CT DC DE IL MA MD NJ NY TX VA WA Lumen offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing. We're able to answer any additional questions you may have about our bonus structure (short-term incentives, long-term incentives and/or sales compensation) as you move through the selection process. Learn more about Lumen's: Benefits Bonus Structure #LI-Remote Requisition #: 341800 Background Screening If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements. For more information on these checks, please refer to the Post Offer section of our FAQ page . Job-related concerns identified during the background screening may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Equal Employment Opportunities We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship, national origin, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic characteristic or information, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, family status, pregnancy, or other legally protected status (collectively, “protected statuses”). We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training. Privacy Notice Lumen is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information collected during the recruitment and hiring process. Our Privacy Notice explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect applicant information, as well as how individuals may request access to or deletion of their personal data. To review Lumen’s Privacy Notice, please visit: Disclaimer The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Please be advised that Lumen does not require any form of payment from job applicants during the recruitment process. All legitimate job openings will be posted on our official website or communicated through official company email addresses. If you encounter any job offers that request payment in exchange for employment at Lumen, they are not for employment with us, but may relate to another company with a similar name.