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 Manager leads and develops a Strategic Planning team responsible for ensuring adequate fiber capacity across Lumen’s Long Haul and Metro networks (national and local assets). This role partners closely with Global Commercial Operations (GCO), Product, Finance, Sales, and other stakeholders to align network growth with demand. The manager monitors capacity trends across existing networks and fiber paths, identifies constraints and opportunities, and delivers clear, data-backed recommendations to leadership—translating analysis into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

Location

This is a work from home position within the U.S.

The Main Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Network Planning team; set clear goals, build accountability, and drive a culture of continuous learning and high performance.
• Oversee long-haul and metro fiber capacity planning to ensure network growth aligns with customer demand, quality targets, and cost efficiency.
• Manage expense and capital planning for network augments, upgrades, and lifecycle changes; monitor spend vs. plan and recommend corrective actions.
• Monitor capacity trends and operational constraints; translate technical findings into clear recommendations and actionable plans for leadership.
• Improve planning processes, tools, and systems; remove workflow friction and support teams in resolving recurring issues.
• Collaborate cross-functionally (e.g., Product, Finance, Engineering, Operations, Implementation, Sales, GCO) to align priorities, timing, and investment decisions.
• Stay current on industry and technology trends; assess impacts and incorporate insights into strategy and roadmaps.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We Look For in a Candidate

Required Qualifications:

• Typically 6+ years related experience and a Bachelor's Degree or 4+ years related experience with Master’s degree.
• 2-3 years experience with cost savings initiatives and capital budgeting.
• Capability of understanding and communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical individuals.
• Understand how to drive decision making through data analytics.
• Create executive level content to communicate key strategies and business observations.
• Experience leading people in an individual or front-line leadership capacity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters in Business or in Computer Science or Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of networking technologies and architecture.
• Good knowledge of financial and accounting principles and processes.
• Ability to solve problems and work effectively in complex, ambiguous situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to change.
• Operate consistently with a sense of urgency and a ‘can-do’ attitude.
• Demonstrate excellent problem solving, conflict management and decision-making skills.
• Proven track record of driving productivity while maintaining or increasing quality.

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

$105,786 - $141,047 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
$111,074 - $148,099 in these states: CO HI MI MN NC NH NV OR RI
$116,364 - $155,152 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

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Requisition #: 341957

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:
https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/privacy-notice

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.

From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, managed service, and digital platform capabilities, we meet our customers’ networking needs today and as they build for tomorrow. Our experience-first approach to networking, edge cloud and cybersecurity connects people, data and apps―quickly, securely and effortlessly. We ignite business growth and accelerate innovation for 8 of the 10 most valuable brands in the world.