General Manager in Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin at 8th Fire Communications LLC

Company Overview: At Eighth Fire Communications, we are dedicated to providing the Lac du Flambeau community with reliable, high-speed internet services. Our mission is to connect individuals, families, and businesses through innovative broadband technology that delivers fast and dependable internet access.

Summary/Objective: The General Manager provides overall leadership and operational oversight for Eighth Fire Communications. This position is responsible for managing daily operations, driving business growth, ensuring financial performance, supporting customer satisfaction, and leading staff across all functional areas of the organization. The General Manager will develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals while maintaining operational efficiency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
Essential Job Functions:
Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Operational Leadership:
•Oversee all day-to-day operations of Eighth Fire Communications, including customer service, technical operations, administration, and business functions.
•Establish and maintain operational policies, procedures, and performance standards.
•Develop contingency and continuity plans to minimize operational disruptions.
•Coordinate with leadership regarding capital projects, operational improvements, and long-term business planning.
•Represent Eighth Fire Communications in meetings, community events, and professional engagements.
•Perform other duties as assigned.

Strategic Planning and Growth:
•Develop and execute strategic plans to support organizational growth, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
•Identify opportunities to expand services, improve operations, and increase market presence.
•Analyze operational and financial data to support informed business decisions.
•Support grant applications, reporting requirements, and funding initiatives related to broadband expansion and infrastructure development.

Financial Management:
•Manage operational budgets, financial forecasting, revenue tracking, and cost controls to support profitability and responsible financial management.
•Monitor and manage the company’s Profit and Loss (P&L) performance.

Customer and Community Relations:
•Ensure a high level of customer satisfaction through effective service delivery and timely issue resolution.
•Build and maintain relationships with Tribal leadership, community stakeholders, vendors, contractors, and business partners.

Compliance and Administration:
•Oversee regulatory compliance and ensure adherence to company policies, industry standards, and applicable laws.

Supervisory Responsibility:
•Directly supervise employees within customer service, technical operations, and administrative functions.
•Promote accountability, teamwork, communication, and consistent operational performance.
•Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, performance management, and employee development.

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment:
This position operates in both professional office and field environments. The role routinely uses computers, office equipment, and telecommunications systems. Occasional visits to operational, construction, and infrastructure locations may be required. This position regularly interacts with customers, vendors, contractors, Tribal leadership, and community stakeholders.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Stationary & Digital Work: Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk; extensive use of computer terminals and keyboards for data analysis and communication.
Facility & Field Presence: Ability to navigate office spaces and technical production facilities. Occasional visits to outdoor project sites or community venues may be required.
Communication: Must be able to communicate effectively in person, via video conference, and in public speaking settings.
Lifting: Ability to occasionally lift and move office materials or light equipment up to 15 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This is a Full-Time Exempt position with 40 hours per week expected. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, additional evening, weekend, and after-hours work may be required based on operational needs, emergencies, projects, meetings, or business demands.

Travel:
Occasional travel is expected for this position. Travel may include visits to business locations, vendor meetings, community and stakeholder meetings, training opportunities, conferences, and other business-related activities necessary to support operations and organizational growth.

Expectations/Abilities:
•Strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.
•Ability to manage daily operations while balancing long-term strategic goals.
•Strong financial management, budgeting, and operational planning abilities.
•Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with staff, customers, vendors, and community stakeholders.
•Ability to prioritize responsibilities and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
•Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
•Commitment to customer service and operational excellence.
•Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound business judgment.
•Willingness to work additional hours as needed to support operations, projects, or urgent issues.

Required Education and Experience:
•Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
•Minimum of 3 years of leadership or management experience.
•Experience managing business operations, budgets, teams, and customer service functions.
•Demonstrated experience in operational leadership and organizational management.
•Valid driver’s license required.
•Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:
•Experience in telecommunications, utilities, technology services, or broadband operations.
•Experience working with Tribal organizations or rural communities.
•Experience overseeing operational growth initiatives and strategic planning.
•MBA or related advanced degree preferred.

Native American preference will be applied to hiring of this position as defined in Title 25, U.S. Code, Chapter 14, Subchapter V, subsection 273 & 274. We are an equal opportunity employer with preference given to qualified Native American applicants in accordance with federal law and tribal policy.

Required Pre-Employment Screening: LDF Business Development Corp. is committed to a drug-free workplace. To qualify for this position, applicants must agree to pre-employment drug screening and potential random testing, as required thereafter.