Fiber Purchasing Manager

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies for fiber optic materials, equipment, and services.

• Source and negotiate contracts with suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing and favorable terms.

• Manage procurement of fiber cable, conduit, handholes, cabinets, hardware, electronics, and related OSP materials.

• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate replenishment to avoid project delays or material shortages.

• Collaborate with engineering and project management teams to forecast material requirements for new builds and upgrades.

• Evaluate vendor performance, including quality, pricing, delivery timelines, and service levels.

• Ensure all purchases comply with company policies, budget constraints, and industry standards.

• Review and approve purchase orders, invoices, and payment requests.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements within the supply chain.

• Track material usage and provide cost analysis and procurement reports to senior management.

• Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.

• Manage relationships with logistics providers to ensure efficient shipping and delivery.

• Support emergency material procurement during network outages or restoration efforts.

• Stay informed of market trends, material availability, and pricing fluctuations within the telecommunications industry.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Certification, Skills, and Training Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Telecommunications, Engineering, or a related field preferred.

• 5+ years of purchasing or procurement experience, preferably within telecommunications or fiber optic construction.

• Strong knowledge of fiber optic materials and outside plant (OSP) infrastructure components.

• Experience with procurement systems, ERP software, and inventory management tools.

• Strong negotiation, contract management, and vendor relationship skills.

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Additional Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Position Summary

The Fiber Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing the procurement of materials, equipment, and services required for fiber optic network construction, maintenance, and expansion. This role manages vendor relationships, negotiates contracts, controls costs, and ensures timely delivery of materials to support project schedules.

The Fiber Purchasing Manager works closely with engineering, construction, finance, and operations teams to forecast material needs, maintain inventory levels, and ensure compliance with company standards and budget requirements. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate effectively with internal teams and external contractors.