Network & Telecom Project Lead

About Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States and supports its co-operative members' retail operations, trading under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, and Di Bruno Bros.

Employing an innovative approach to wholesale business services, Wakefern focuses on helping the independent retailer compete in a big business world. Providing the tools entrepreneurs need to stay a step ahead of the competition, Wakefern’s co-operative members benefit from the company’s extensive portfolio of services, including innovative technology, private label development, and best-in-class procurement practices.

Summary

The network telecommunications project manager position is responsible for reviewing, presenting and implementation of the design, installation (build, config, test, and deploying), and ensuring the maintenance and support of the company’s network telecommunications systems, including telephone, data, and video systems. They manage and supervise network telecommunication teams and work towards improving system performance, maintaining and reducing costs.

Essential Functions

• Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of network telecommunications equipment and systems
• Assess and recommend network telecommunications equipment to meet organization’s needs
• Manage and supervise the network telecommunications team, providing training and development opportunities as needed
• Monitor and test system performance and provide regular reports on telecommunications operations
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the telecommunications department
• Coordinate with other department managers to identify and resolve telecommunications problems
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and organizational policies related to telecommunications

Additional Functions

• Manage and negotiate contracts with network and telecommunications service providers
• Plan and manage the department budget and control expenditure
• Stay updated with advancements in the field of telecommunications and implement new technologies to enhance service

Qualifications

• Proven experience working in networking and telecommunications
• Thorough understanding of networking and telecommunications systems infrastructure
• Excellent knowledge of VoIP, SIP, carrier telecom technology options: DIA, broadband communication, private ethernet and network protocols; EIGRP, BGP, OSP
• Infrastructure platforms Cisco SD-WAN, VManage, Aruba Central, Aruba ClearPass, Cisco UC, Call Manger, Webex and Webex Room Kits, Cisco Smart Boards
• Ability to manage small internal team and managed service partners, and work collaboratively with other technical teams and business departments
• Experience in strategic planning and budgeting
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think analytically
• Proficiency in project management and good organizational skills
• BSc degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Availability to work a varied, flexible schedule to meet business demands
• Ability to operate a computer screen for long periods of the business day
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule as established by the division (4 days on-site, 1 day remote)
• Ability to travel planned to our other locations, member stores,
• Ability to lift and install network components in assisting network technicians.

1. Network & Telecom Infrastructure Expertise

A telecom manager must understand the design, deployment, and support of:

• VoIP / SIP systems
• LAN (Layer 2 & 3)
• Routers (IOS, SD-WAN, DMVPN)
• Firewall Concepts
• Carrier circuits (PRI, SIP trunks, DIA, MPLS, DIA, Broadband, Private Ethernet, SD‑WAN, Cellular)
• Structured cabling (Cat5e/6/6A, fiber Single Mode& Multi Mode)
• Wireless systems (Wi‑Fi 2.4Ghz, 5.0Ghz, Wi-Fi 6)

This ensures reliability, minimizes downtime, and allows intelligent vendor discussions.

2. Vendor & Contract Management

Telecom involves multiple external providers — carriers, installers, maintenance teams.

Key abilities include:

• Negotiating pricing for circuits, SIP trunks, and services
• Managing SLAs and service credits
• Evaluating RFPs and proposals
• Overseeing installation and cutovers
• Ensuring compliance (E911, local codes, carrier rules)

Strong telecom managers reduce costs and increase service quality.

3. Troubleshooting & Incident Management

Telecom touches voice, data, networks, cabling, and users — so when something breaks, everyone feels it.

Critical troubleshooting capabilities include:

• Root‑cause analysis
• Reading call logs, MOS scores, trace routes, packet captures
• Understanding QoS, jitter, latency, packet loss
• Coordinating among network, voice, and carrier teams

A good telecom manager can quickly identify whether the issue is LAN/WAN, ISP, voice and video system, cabling, or endpoint.

4. Project Management & Deployment Leadership

Telecom projects (cutovers, site builds, remodels, upgrades) require:

• Scheduling and coordination
• Budgeting
• Risk assessment
• Stakeholder communication
• Documentation & as‑built creation
• Managing subcontractors during large rollouts

Project managers who excel here complete projects on budget and with minimal disruption.

5. Strategic Planning & Technology Modernization

A great telecom leader doesn’t just maintain current systems — they plan for what's next.

Includes:

• Evaluating cloud voice platforms (Teams, Webex, etc..,)
• Planning circuit and bandwidth upgrades
• Lifecycle planning for routers, switches, phones, video rooms, UPS, cabling
• Security considerations (voice & data security, carrier fraud, SIP security)
• Aligning network communication with broader IT strategy

Company Perks

• Vibrant Food Centric Culture
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision package
• Competitive Salary and Paid Time Off
• Fitness Reimbursement and Well-Being Program
• Corporate Training and Development University
• Collaborative team environment
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401K
• Matching Gifts and Community Volunteer Involvement