Utilities/underground construction manager

Utilities/Underground Construction Manager

Location

[Ireland]

Job Type

Full-Time, Permanent

Position Summary

The Utilities/Underground Construction Manager is responsible for the planning, coordination, execution, and delivery of underground utility construction projects. This role oversees field operations involving the installation, maintenance, relocation, and repair of underground infrastructure, including water, wastewater, stormwater, electrical, gas, telecommunications, and other utility systems.
The Construction Manager ensures projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management

• Manage multiple underground utility construction projects from initiation through completion.
• Develop project execution plans, schedules, resource allocations, and budgets.
• Monitor project progress and implement corrective actions when required.
• Coordinate with clients, engineers, consultants, subcontractors, and utility owners.
• Ensure project milestones and deliverables are achieved.

Construction Operations

• Direct daily field operations for excavation, trenching, utility installation, directional drilling, duct bank construction, and restoration activities.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, permits, and utility records.
• Oversee equipment utilization and workforce productivity.
• Manage subcontractors and self-perform crews.
• Resolve field conflicts and unforeseen site conditions.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and local health and safety regulations.
• Conduct site inspections, safety meetings, and incident investigations.
• Ensure proper traffic management, excavation safety, and confined space procedures.
• Monitor environmental compliance and permit requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, municipalities, utility providers, and regulatory agencies.
• Attend project meetings and provide progress updates.
• Coordinate utility shutdowns, relocations, and service tie-ins.
• Manage customer and community relations during construction activities.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage project budgets and forecasts.
• Review cost reports and monitor project profitability.
• Approve invoices, subcontractor payments, and change orders.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks.
• Support contract administration and claims management.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure work is completed in accordance with engineering standards and project specifications.
• Implement quality control procedures and inspections.
• Review as-built documentation and project closeout requirements.
• Ensure compliance with utility owner standards and regulatory requirements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead project managers, superintendents, foremen, and field personnel.
• Mentor and develop construction teams.
• Conduct performance evaluations and workforce planning.
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Utility Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and industry experience may be considered.

Experience

• 7-10+ years of underground utility construction experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience managing utility infrastructure projects involving water, sewer, stormwater, electrical, gas, or telecommunications systems.
• Proven experience managing budgets, schedules, subcontractors, and field teams.

Technical Knowledge

• Underground utility installation methods and standards.
• Excavation and trench safety requirements.
• Utility locating and conflict resolution.
• Horizontal directional drilling (HDD), trenchless technologies, and open-cut construction methods.
• Construction scheduling software and project management systems.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Utility-specific certifications relevant to the operating region

Key Competencies

• Leadership and team management
• Strategic planning and execution
• Project scheduling and coordination
• Budget and cost control
• Contract administration
• Risk management
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Communication and stakeholder management
• Negotiation and conflict resolution
• Safety leadership

Physical Requirements

• Ability to visit active construction sites regularly.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Occasional travel to project locations.
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain and construction environments.

Performance Measures

• Safety performance and incident rates
• On-time project delivery
• Budget adherence and profitability
• Client satisfaction
• Quality and compliance metrics
• Workforce productivity and retention
• Successful completion of project milestones