Senior Fibre System Planner

Department: Technology & Network OperationsReports To: Director of Technology and Network OperationsJob SummaryThe Senior Fibre System Planner is a strategic role responsible for spearheading the design and deployment of fiber optic networks in complex urban environments. This role goes beyond standard fibre routing; the Senior Planner takes full ownership of the infrastructure lifecycle, from advanced planning, design, permitting, project coordination, to as-built records management. The Senior Planner also supports the construction team in securing critical access agreements in both utility structures/poles and on private property.The ideal candidate is an expert in navigating the logistical, regulatory, and infrastructural challenges unique to city deployments, including congested underground pathways, Multi-tenant commercial buildings, and stringent municipal codes. Finally, the ideal candidate is someone who is excited by the prospect of managing a new and expanding service provider network.Key ResponsibilitiesUrban Network Design & PlanningArchitect detailed fibre network designs tailored for dense urban topography, utilizing new and existing infrastructure.Splicing and Route planning for new core and customer network connections.Detailed record keeping of Splice Logs, Panel Designs, Circuit allocations and reservations.Oversee the creation of highly accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) for new deployments.Materials selection and management (inventory control).Establish and enforce engineering standards and best practices for urban OSP deployments across internal teams and third-party engineering vendors.Leverage and manage relationships with multiple design and construction vendors to produce detailed engineering designs, permit applications, and as-built drawings.Permitting, Licensing & Access NegotiationLead the end-to-end permitting strategy for urban builds, securing complex municipal approvals, Right-of-Way (ROW) access, and traffic control permits.Negotiate and finalize access agreements, easements, and building access contracts with private landlords, property management firms, and commercial building owners.Secure infrastructure attachment rights by coordinating directly with utility companies for pole access (make-ready processes) and leased underground duct space.Act as the primary liaison between the company and city planners, utility owners, and local regulatory bodies to resolve disputes and expedite approvals.Lead site surveys and project walk-throughs to ensure designs account for local constraints and are buildable.Advanced Project Planning & ReportingDevelop comprehensive, multi-phase strategic build plans that align with the company's long-term deployment goals and capital expenditure budgets.Utilizing GIS mapping tools for design, architecture of new and existing circuits.Optimizing fibre use through effective planning and management of splice packages.Design and maintain executive-level dashboards and reports tracking critical project milestones, permitting bottlenecks, and budgetary variances.Conduct advanced risk assessments for proposed urban routes, identifying potential regulatory, environmental, or structural roadblocks before construction begins.Analyze deployment metrics to optimize future build strategies, reducing cost-per-circuit and accelerating time-to-market.Operations SupportSupporting Network Incident Management and Change Management where fibre changes are needed or impacted.Support the sales organization through the development of build estimates (costs and timing).Support the Operations Project Manager in construction project execution.Data entry and GIS quality control utilizing 3rd party resources.Project finance reporting and operations (Quotes, PO, and Invoice Management).Cross-Functional LeadershipServe as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for urban OSP deployment, bridging the gap between engineering, legal, construction, and 3rd party contractors.Mentor and guide junior planners and field surveyors, ensuring high standards of accuracy in GIS records and as-built documentation.Required Qualifications & ExperienceEducation: Diploma in Telecommunications, Electronics, Geomatics, or a related discipline.Experience: Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in OSP network planning and design, and/or project management with a proven track record of successful deployments in major urban markets.Negotiation Expertise: Demonstrable experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating access agreements, ROW designs, and utility attachment permits.Urban Deployment Knowledge: Deep understanding of MDU architecture, underground conduit systems, urban utility constraints, and specialized construction methods (e.g., directional boring, micro-trenching).Software Proficiency: Advanced command of GIS and fibre management platforms (e.g., 3-GIS, ArcGIS, SpatialNET, QGIS) and project management/reporting tools (e.g., Google Sheets, Excel etc.).Key Skills & CompetenciesStakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to build relationships and negotiate effectively with city officials, hostile landlords, and competing utility providers.Strategic Vision: Ability to look beyond individual splices and cables to see the macro-level impact of deployment strategies on business revenue and operational efficiency.Advanced Problem Solving: High capacity to pivot routing and design strategies dynamically when faced with unexpected urban underground obstacles or denied permits.Communication: Highly refined executive communication skills, capable of translating complex engineering and regulatory challenges into clear business impacts for senior leadership.