Area Manager Drilling Operations HDD

EnterSource • Saginaw, MI

3d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed