Job description
Description
Job Title: VP, Network Planning
Company: Accelecom
Location: Hybrid Atlanta GA/Remote
Job Type: Full-Time, Executive Level
About Accelecom
Accelecom is a leading provider of high-speed fiber optic network solutions, delivering cutting-edge connectivity to businesses, government agencies, and communities. With a focus on innovation and reliability, Accelecom empowers organizations with scalable, secure, and high-performance networking solutions. We are expanding rapidly and seeking a dynamic VP, Network Planning to drive the growth and evolution of our network infrastructure.
Position Summary
The VP, Network Planning, will be responsible for the strategic planning, development, and optimization of Accelecom’s network infrastructure. This executive role requires a visionary leader with deep technical expertise, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in designing, deploying, and maintaining high-performance network systems. The VP, Network Planning will lead a team of engineers and network professionals, ensuring network reliability, scalability, and security while aligning network strategies with overall business objectives.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute the strategic vision for Accelecom’s network infrastructure to support business growth and technological advancements.
Oversee the architecture, design, implementation, and maintenance of fiber-optic networks, ensuring high availability, security, and performance.
Lead and mentor a team of network engineers, architects, and network planning professionals to optimize efficiency and innovation.
Optimize all elements of the network to solve maximum value creations for the company, including deployed capital, IRU leases, and other forms of telecom expense.
Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and cybersecurity best practices.
Collaborate with executive leadership to align network strategies with business objectives and market demands.
Drive network automation, AI-driven monitoring, and predictive analytics to enhance operational efficiency.
Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to maintain Accelecom’s competitive edge.
Manage vendor relationships, negotiate contracts, and oversee procurement of network hardware and software.
Develop and manage the network operations budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and financial sustainability.
Act as a key spokesperson on network capabilities, representing Accelecom at industry events and conferences.
Key Tasks & Deliverables
· Network Architecture & Design
o Establish network architecture standards and design rules for Layer 1, 2, & 3
o Develop a roadmap for the network, new features and new products
o Design solutions for new circuits & sales which are non-standard and or large opportunities
o Evaluate network protocols and new implement protocols
o Routing & Control plane standardization
o Evaluation of new features and software in existing products in the network
o Optimize Backbone Optical Network transport, including all IRU routes
o Creation of presentations to show new network designs and architecture
· Network utilization/capacity planning
o Perform capacity planning on existing backbone networks
o Creation of capacity planning rules for upgrades, adding capacity
o Implementation network utilization collection of backbone and customer circuits
o Establish threshold triggers for capacity adds / augmentation i.e. 75% utilization
o Creation of 30/60/90 day planning reports showing where capacity augmentation is required and when it should occur in the network.
o Creation of Presentations showing capacity augmentations and cost of augmentations in the network.
· New Product Evaluations & Recommendations
o Work with the Product team to establish Accelecom product requirements
o Design solutions that meet the product requirements
o Utilize product requirements generated by the product team to define detailed product requirements for vendors.
o Research and evaluation of new products and platforms
o Perform RFI & RFPs to vendors for product evaluation, selection, and recommendations
o Perform cost evaluation of solutions that meet the Accelecom requirements
o Align products & solutions with the Product roadmap and timeframes
o Creation of Presentations for products & solutions to meet requirements
· Strategic Network Builds
o Work with Accelecom leadership team on new market expansions based on a prioritized list of markets
o Work with Strategic TAM target data and evaluation of markets based on executive directives.
o Fiber build cost estimations
o Work with third party fiber providers for metro / access fiber market by market
o Network equipment designs for Access networks
o Develop plans in GIS platforms to propose fiber routes
o Associate fiber builds to highest number of potential customer targets
o PON fiber builds and PON equipment designs
o Develop cost analysis for Access Networks
o Creation of presentations for Strategic Network builds by Market
· Fiber and Facility Planning
o Evaluation of existing Fiber IRUs
o Engage with fiber providers to obtain pricing on routes
o Plan new routes to optimize the backbone network
o Import third party fiber maps into ArcGIS layers for evaluation
o Develop Fiber Roadmap plan of proactive fiber path planning 2+ years in the future
o Recommend fiber and routes for expanding market access
o Perform type 2 circuit vs build cost for connecting customers
o Evaluation of existing facilities, including both cost and revenue analysis
o Establish plan for facilities both existing and new
o Maintain inventory of space and power for facilities
o Determine usability of facilities for a access to a market
o Cost optimization of POP facilities and contract management
o Establish cost savings on fiber routes both backbone and metro / access fiber
o Product a report for 1yr, 2 yr & 3 yr fiber and facility plan for Accelecom
o Creation of Presentations for executive team on proposes for fiber routes and costs
· GIS Platform administration
o Primary owner and maintainer of the GIS systems, ArcGIS & 3GIS
o Maintain data integrity in the GIS platforms
o Maintain user accounts and licenses in the GIS platforms
o Architecture of the GIS environment
o Advancement of feature use to further enhance the use of the GIS platforms
o Take direction from the GIS TAB team on new implementations & features
o Establishing layers, features, symbols
o Organization of the layers and best practices
o Setting standards for the GIS platforms
o Publishing user guidelines for the GIS platforms
o Creation of strategic analysis using the GIS platforms
o Data imports and Exports in the GIS platforms
o Work with the sales team to ensure all of their GIS needs are being met on an on basis
o Recommend and implement automation to reduce the manual processing of data in GIS systems
o Data synchronization between GIS platforms, as well as SalesForce to ensure data integrity
o Implement a method to import as well as maintain third-party fiber maps in GIS platforms
Creation of presentations for communicating proposals and changes for the GIS platforms utilized by Accelecom
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
15+ years of experience in network engineering, design, and operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
Expertise in fiber-optic networking, IP/MPLS, SD-WAN, cloud networking, and cybersecurity.
Strong knowledge of network automation, AI-driven network management, and next-gen networking technologies.
Proven ability to lead and inspire high-performing technical teams.
Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Experience in budget management, vendor negotiations, and regulatory compliance.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Why Join Accelecom?
Opportunity to lead a rapidly growing network infrastructure at the forefront of fiber-optic technology.
Competitive executive compensation package with performance-based incentives.
Collaborative and innovative company culture focused on growth and excellence.
Comprehensive benefits, including health, retirement, and professional development opportunities.
