Manager Operations

Lumen is the trusted network for the AI‑powered world, connecting people, data, and applications through our expansive fiber network and connected ecosystem. We enable secure, high‑performance connectivity across cloud, edge, and AI workloads for enterprises, governments, and communities. At Lumen, you’ll work on infrastructure customers rely on today and build for what’s next, where performance, security, and resilience matter. This is a high accountability environment where bold ideas drive real innovation for our customers, partners, and industry. The work is challenging, expectations are clear, and trust is built into how we operate. If you’re ready to take ownership, deliver meaningful impact, and help shape the future of AI‑ready connectivity, join us today. The Role The Manager, Operations leads a customer-facing Tier 2 technical support team responsible for delivering timely, high-quality resolution of activation and post-activation issues for Lumen’s NaaS portfolio including Internet on Demand, Multi Cloud Gateway and Fabric Port. This blended team of System Engineers and Activation Technicians supports new service activations, resolves system fallout and order exceptions, and provides general technical troubleshooting across Lumen’s product and network platforms. A successful person in this role balances operational execution, team development, and customer experience — driving activations to completion as efficiently as possible while ensuring escalations and complex issues are resolved with urgency and accuracy. The role partners cross-functionally with Service Delivery, Engineering, IT, Automation, and Account teams to keep delivery efficient, compliant, and aligned to business priorities. Location This is a work from home position within the U.S. The Main Responsibilities Lead, coach, and develop a blended team of System Engineers and Activation Technicians. Set clear expectations, priorities, and performance standards aligned to service-level and operational goals. Conduct regular 1:1s, performance reviews, and individual development planning. Manage workload, capacity, and coverage to meet customer support-hour commitments. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Own the identification, triage, and resolution of system fallout and order exceptions across activation workflows. Analyze recurring fallout patterns and root causes; drive corrective actions and process/system fixes to reduce repeat volume. Coordinate cross-functionally with IT, Engineering, and Automation teams to resolve systemic defects and improve order flow-through. Provide technical leadership and guidance related to transport network technologies, system automation, and API-enabled operational solutions. Drive operational performance through the implementation and support of automation tools designed to manage service fallout and improve efficiency. Monitor network health, analyze operational issues, and develop solutions to improve service reliability and customer experience. Prepare and deliver operational readouts, performance metrics, and strategic recommendations to leadership. Champion the adoption of AI, automation, and emerging technologies to improve operational efficiency, reduce manual effort, and enhance service delivery. What We Look For in a Candidate Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of related business operations management experience. Proven leader with a passion for leveraging AI, automation, and emerging technologies to transform operations, improve efficiency, and drive innovation across the organization. Proven leader with a passion for leveraging AI, automation, and emerging technologies to transform operations, improve efficiency, and drive innovation across the organization. Proven track record of leading teams through transformation, organizational change, and the implementation of new operating models, processes, and technologies. Skilled at developing talent, aligning teams around a common vision, and creating an environment where innovation, adaptability, and operational excellence thrive. Strong people leader who can build an inclusive, high-performing culture across teams with diverse roles, skill sets, experience levels, and tenures. Excellent communication and executive presence, with the ability to influence stakeholders, translate complex technical concepts, and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership. 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 #LI-Remote Requisition #: 341890 Life at Lumen Life at Lumen is human and connected, even in a fast moving, AI‑focused organization. We set clear expectations and trust people to meet them. With real support and shared accountability, teams collaborate better, move faster, and deliver meaningful outcomes. Our Lumen 8 behaviors guide how we interact, make decisions, and work together, shaping a culture built to perform and win. To learn more about Life at Lumen and how we live the Lumen 8, please visit: https://jobs.lumen.com/global/en/life-at-lumen 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.