Area Manager Drilling Operations HDD

Position Summary

The Area Manager is responsible for the operational success, safety, and profitability of HDD projects within a specific geographic region. This role oversees multiple superintendents and crews, ensuring that footage targets are met, equipment is maintained, and clients are satisfied. The Area Manager reports directly to the Division Manager.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Oversight & Production

• Production Targets: Monitor daily footage logs across all regional crews to ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.
• Resource Allocation: Move crews, equipment, and support staff between job sites in the region to maximize efficiency and minimize "dead time."
• Site Inspections: Conduct regular site visits to audit bore plans, mud management practices, and restoration quality.

2. Financial & Contract Management

• P&L Accountability: Review regional expenses, including labor overtime, fuel, and tooling costs, to maintain target margins.
• Change Orders: Identify and document "changed conditions" (e.g., unexpected rock or utility conflicts) and work with the Project Manager to secure change orders.
• Vendor Management: Manage local relationships with mud/bentonite suppliers, water sources, and dump sites.

3. Leadership & Safety

• Safety Culture: Ensure all crews adhere to OSHA standards and company-specific safety protocols (e.g., strike alerts, potholing verification).
• Mentorship: Directly manage and develop Superintendents and Foremen, identifying "high-potential" laborers for promotion to locator or operator roles.
• Conflict Resolution: Act as the first point of escalation for field disputes or client complaints.

4. Equipment Coordination

• Maintenance Liaison: Coordinate with the Fleet Manager to schedule preventive maintenance on drill rigs and trucks so it doesn't disrupt the production schedule.
• Inventory Control: Oversee the regional "tool kit" (bits, reamers, collars) to ensure crews have the right equipment for specific soil conditions (e.g., rock vs. clay).

Qualifications

• Experience: 8–10 years in underground utility construction, with at least 5 years specifically in HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling).
• Management: 3+ years in a leadership role overseeing multiple crews or projects simultaneously.
• Technical Skills: Deep understanding of drill fluid chemistry, bore-path planning (e.g., Bore-Pit or similar software), and utility locating technology.
• Travel: Ability to travel 50–75% within the assigned multi-state territory.

Employment is contingent on the successful completion of a pre-employment screen, including a drug test and an acceptable driving record.

Equal Employment Opportunity: We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our employees' differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Different makes us better. Employment with EnterSource is at-will and either party can terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause and with or without notice. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. This is a safety sensitive position. EnterSource is a drug-free workplace.