Underground Wet Utilities Division Manager

Summary

The Underground Wet Utilities Division Manager leads and grows the company's water, wastewater, and storm drainage construction operations. This role owns divisional P&L performance, backlog growth, project delivery, safety, and client satisfaction-building a high-performing team that delivers complex wet utility projects on time, on budget, and with top-tier quality and compliance.

You will oversee estimating and preconstruction, construction execution, and closeout for work such as open-cut installations, trenchless crossings (jack & bore, HDD, microtunnel), large-diameter pipe, lift stations, force mains, manholes, and related civil improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & P&L

• Build and execute a 1-3 year divisional business plan (markets, geographies, partners, revenue/margin targets).
• Own divisional P&L: set budgets, track cost, forecast margin, and run monthly WIP reviews.
• Develop and maintain a diversified backlog (municipal/DOT/private) to mitigate risk and seasonality.

Business Development & Client Relations

• Drive pipeline generation: identify upcoming work, cultivate relationships with owners, engineers, and GCs/CMs.
• Lead pursuit strategy and win themes; maintain a bid calendar and go/no-go discipline.
• Ensure exceptional client service, prompt issue resolution, and strong references.

Preconstruction & Estimating

• Oversee estimating (self-perform + subcontractor) including takeoffs, means/methods, production rates, labor/equipment, and risk contingencies.
• Review work packages, subcontractor quotes, and vendor selections; approve final pricing and terms.
• Partner with engineering for constructability, value engineering, traffic control, and trenchless feasibility.

Project Delivery & Operations

• Provide executive oversight for project managers, superintendents, foremen, and crews.
• Ensure schedule fidelity, cost control, change management, and QA/QC across all projects.
• Champion best-in-class safety culture and compliance; enforce JSAs, trench/pipe shoring plans, and daily tailgate meetings.
• Standardize field and office workflows (RFIs, submittals, SWPPP/NPDES compliance, materials testing, compaction, CCTV, mandrels, pressure/leak tests, disinfection).

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all work adheres to local, state, and federal requirements (OSHA, EPA, DOT, utility standards, traffic control).
• Manage contract risk: scopes, terms, prime/sub agreements, insurance, bonding, and claims.
• Oversee permitting, utility coordination, and public outreach where required.

People & Culture

• Hire, develop, and retain top talent; build succession plans for PMs, supers, and foremen.
• Define roles, expectations, and performance metrics; coach and conduct regular reviews.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Equipment, Materials & Technology

• Coordinate with fleet for equipment planning, maintenance, and utilization.
• Optimize procurement (pipe, fittings, valves, structures) and vendor performance.
• Implement technology to improve productivity and visibility (HCSS/HeavyBid, HeavyJob, Bluebeam, Procore or similar).

Qualifications

Required

• 8-12+ years in underground wet utilities (water, wastewater, storm), with 4-6+ years in leadership (PM/Operations/Division).
• Proven track record delivering complex municipal/DOT/private wet utility projects (including trenchless and large-diameter).
• Strong command of project controls (schedule, cost, WIP, change orders, cash flow) and contract administration.
• Deep knowledge of OSHA, trenching/excavation safety (shoring/benching/slope), traffic control, and environmental compliance (NPDES/SWPPP).
• Proficiency with construction software (e.g., HCSS HeavyBid/HeavyJob, Bluebeam, Procore, MS Project/Primavera).
• Excellent people leadership, communication, negotiation, and client-facing skills.
• Valid driver's license; ability to travel to jobsites.

Preferred

• BS in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• PE, PMP, CWI/inspection certifications, or trenchless certifications.
• Experience in design-build, CMAR, or alternative delivery.
• Union and/or non-union workforce management experience (as applicable to market).

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Revenue & Margin: Achieve divisional revenue and gross margin targets; variance ≤ ±2%.
• Backlog Health: Backlog coverage ≥ 8-12 months; diversified by client/market.
• Bid-to-Hit Ratio: Maintain competitive win rates with disciplined go/no-go.
• Schedule Adherence: ≥ 90% activities delivered per baseline or approved recovery plan.
• Change Management: Timely capture (≤ 5 business days), negotiated value, and conversion rate.
• Safety: TRIR below industry average; zero serious incidents; 100% JSAs and toolbox meeting compliance.
• Quality: Pass rates for pressure/leak tests, disinfection, CCTV inspections; minimal rework.
• Cash Flow: DSO within target; timely billing; minimal aged AR.
• People: Retention of key roles; bench strength and training completion rates.

Physical & Work Environment

• frequent site visits, exposure to outdoor conditions and active construction zones.
• Ability to walk uneven terrain, enter trenches/excavations with proper protections, and use PPE.