Job Description

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.

Benefits Summary

• Free Midco internet and TV
• Generous 401(k) match and paid time away from work programs
• Midco-provided short and long term disability insurance
• Midco contributions to your HSA
• Programs to support your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing
• And many more

About Midco

• Midco offers the most reliable wholly owned and operated fiber network spanning 17,000 miles.
• We are a telecommunications leader that is redefining connectivity while being a force for good in the communities we serve.
• We serve nearly 500,000 homes and businesses in more than 400 communities in Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
• Our 1,900 team members work together with integrity, creating a caring culture for a lasting impact.

Ready to work at Midco? We thought so.

Visit Midco.com/Careers to learn about employment opportunities and apply today.

Midco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, or any other characteristic protected by law. To view our full EEO and federal contractor supplemental posters, please refer to Midco.com/Federal Posters.