Hydro Excavation Program Leader

Program Manager – Hydro Excavation & Utility LocatingPosition SummaryWe are in search of a skilled Program Manager – Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating to spearhead the development and expansion of a specialized underground utility services division in Southern California.This role entails senior-level leadership that encompasses operational oversight, project management, business growth, financial performance evaluation, fleet management, and strategic development.The Program Manager will supervise various hydrovac trucks, utility locating teams, field supervisors, and underground support functions while cultivating partnerships with utility owners, municipalities, heavy civil contractors, and engineering organizations.The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in hydro excavation, utility locating, underground utility work, or heavy civil construction, and will be adept at establishing a secure, efficient, and lucrative field operation.Key ResponsibilitiesOperations LeadershipGuide day-to-day operations of the Hydro Excavation & Utility Locating Division.Supervise multiple hydrovac trucks, utility locating teams, operators, field supervisors, and support staff.Manage workforce, equipment, trucks, and project schedules across multiple job sites.Create daily and weekly schedules to optimize crew efficiency and fleet usage.Ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, on time, and within budget.Coordinate hydro excavation and locating tasks with ongoing heavy civil and underground utility construction projects.Establish and enforce operational procedures to maintain consistent performance and foster growth.Identify operational obstacles and implement enhancements for increased efficiency and profitability.Provide support for emergency and urgent utility response operations as needed.Project & Financial ManagementOversee multiple projects and service agreements concurrently.Create annual budgets, revenue projections, and operational strategies for the division.Monitor job expenses, labor productivity, equipment usage, revenue, margins, and profitability.Analyze project financial performance and make necessary adjustments if costs or production deviate from expectations.Establish and monitor operational KPIs for teams, equipment, and projects.Assist with estimating, pricing, proposals, and contract negotiations.Evaluate labor, equipment, disposal, travel, and operational costs when devising project pricing.Keep accurate forecasts for staffing, fleet needs, and future workload.Business Development & GrowthPlay an active role in expanding the division’s clientele and revenue streams.Cultivate relationships with:Utility CompaniesMunicipalitiesPublic EntitiesHeavy Civil ContractorsUnderground Utility ContractorsGeneral Engineering ContractorsEngineering & Consulting FirmsIdentify new opportunities in hydro excavation, utility locating, and underground services.Create proposals and pricing strategies for new and existing clients.Enhance service offerings and identify supplementary revenue prospects.Attend client meetings, networking events, and business development initiatives.Collaborate with senior management on expanding the market, fleet growth, capital investments, and strategic initiatives.Client ManagementAct as the primary contact for key clients and contracts.Foster long-term partnerships with utility owners, contractors, municipalities, and engineering firms.Coordinate project schedules and client needs.Swiftly and professionally resolve field and operational issues.Manage client expectations regarding schedule, production, safety, and project completion.Discover opportunities for additional services and repeated business.Team DevelopmentRecruit, train, guide, and retain field and operations personnel.Provide leadership to Project Managers, Supervisors, Hydrovac Operators, Utility Locators, and field teams.Set clear standards for safety, productivity, customer service, and accountability.Nurture future supervisors and operational leaders in line with the division’s growth.Devise staffing plans based on current workload and projected expansion.Core Service ExperienceCandidates with expertise in the following areas are highly desirable:Hydro ExcavationHydrovac OperationsUtility LocatingPotholing / DaylightingVacuum ExcavationPole ExcavationUtility ExposureUnderground Utility ConstructionWater & Sewer UtilitiesGas UtilitiesElectrical UtilitiesTelecommunicationsUtility CoordinationTrenching & ExcavationUnderground InfrastructureEmergency Utility ResponseHeavy Civil ConstructionSafety & ComplianceThe Program Manager will uphold a strong safety and compliance culture within the division.Candidates should have knowledge of:OSHA RegulationsExcavation & Trenching SafetyUnderground Service Alert / 811 / DigAlertUtility Owner GuidelinesEnvironmental ComplianceTraffic Control ProtocolsPublic Works StandardsClient-Specific Safety ProgramsIncident ReportingJob Hazard Analysis / JHAField DocumentationEquipment & Fleet SafetyThe Program Manager will ensure that field teams maintain requisite safety documentation, environmental records, project reports, incident logs, and quality measures.Required Qualifications7+ years of experience in heavy civil construction, underground utilities, hydro excavation, utility locating, or similar infrastructure services.Demonstrated ability to manage multiple field crews and projects concurrently.Thorough understanding of underground utility construction and excavation operations.Experience in managing project schedules, budgets, expenses, and financial performance.Proficiency in field production, equipment usage, and workforce planning.Proven leadership in developing field and operational staff.Excellent customer relations and communication skills.Capability to thrive in a high-paced field-services environment.Strong organizational and problem-solving aptitude.Valid driver's license is mandatory.Preferred QualificationsDirect management experience in hydro excavation / hydrovac operations.Experience in utility locating.Background in underground utility construction.Engagement with major utility owners.Experience in public utility contracts.Familiarity with the Southern California utility market.Previous involvement in heavy civil construction.Emergency response experience.Proficiency in fleet management.Experience in estimating and proposal development.Background in business development.Experience in establishing or expanding a construction or utility services division.Financial & Operational ExpertiseThe ideal candidate should possess expertise in:Division / Program BudgetingRevenue ForecastingJob Cost AnalysisProfitability AssessmentProject Cost ManagementLabor Productivity EvaluationOptimizing Fleet UsageEquipment Cost ControlWorkforce Planning StrategiesEffective Project SchedulingDeveloping and Monitoring KPIsEstimating & Pricing TechniquesProposal CraftingContract OversightIdeal CandidateWe are seeking a builder and operator, not just someone to maintain an existing operation.The successful candidate will be comfortable transitioning between field work, financial management, client relations, estimating, and business growth.Their days may involve reviewing fleet efficiency and project profitability, resolving field issues with a hydrovac crew, meeting with utility clients, recruiting supervisors, or developing major service contract pricing.This individual should have an entrepreneurial mindset to treat the division as a business unit and possess construction know-how to comprehend field practices.What Success Looks LikeIn the first year, the Program Manager is expected to:Effectively oversee multiple hydro excavation and utility locating teams.Enhance hydrovac fleet utilization and team productivity.Establish consistent procedures and performance benchmarks.Strengthen relationships with current utility and contractor clients.Develop new client connections and revenue prospects.Expand hydro excavation and utility locating capacities.Recruit and nurture a robust field and operations team.Enhance project visibility through informative KPIs and financial reporting.Augment division revenue and profitability.Maintain high safety, quality, and customer service standards.LocationSouthern CaliforniaRegional travel to active projects, client sites, offices, and construction facilities will be necessary.Why Join Us?This role offers the opportunity to do more than manage projects — you will have the chance to establish and develop an entire business segment.You will have direct involvement in operations, personnel, fleet management, client engagement, estimating, revenue growth, profitability, and strategic expansion, with the resources and leadership support required to expand a specialized hydro excavation and utility locating operation in Southern California.