Utility Scale UG Trenching Division Manager

Join Our Team at R-2 Contractors!

R-2 Contractors is seeking an accomplished and visionary Utility-Scale Trenching Division Manager to lead and grow our Trenching Division. This executive-level leadership role is responsible for building a high-performing organization that consistently delivers safe, productive, and high-quality trenching and underground conduit installation projects across the United States.

Working in partnership with the Operations Manager and executive leadership, the Division Manager will oversee all aspects of trenching operations, including production trenching, single-pass mechanical laying, cable lay box operations, underground conduit installation, back filling, equipment utilization, and operational execution. This individual will be responsible for developing people, improving operational performance, strengthening customer relationships, and driving long-term division growth.

Success in this role is measured not only by operational excellence, but by the ability to build exceptional leaders, earn the confidence of customers, and create a Trenching Division that reflects the R-2 standard of excellence.

• Approximately 25% travel each month to project sites nationwide is required
• Additional travel may be required to support critical project meetings, customer meetings, leadership meetings, safety initiatives, quality audits, compliance activities, or other business needs

Salary: $180k - $250k DOE

• Provide strategic leadership for all trenching operations across multiple utility-scale construction projects
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Superintendents, Foremen, Equipment Operators, and field leaders
• Lead all aspects of high-production trenching and underground conduit installation, including single-pass mechanical laying, cable lay box operations, bedding placement, warning mesh installation, back filling, and restoration
• Ensure manpower, trenching equipment, materials, subcontractors, and resources are properly planned and coordinated to support project execution
• Coordinate trenching resources, support equipment, production sequencing, and underground installation activities to maximize efficiency
• Ensure trenches and conduit installations are completed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications
• Partner closely with Project Managers, Operations Leadership, Estimating, and executive leadership to ensure successful project delivery
• Drive operational consistency through planning, communication, accountability, and execution
• Monitor production, productivity, equipment utilization, quality, and overall operational performance
• Support project planning, scheduling, forecasting, budgeting, and resource management
• Develop future leaders through coaching, mentorship, performance management, and succession planning
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, General Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, safety, quality, and operational performance throughout the division
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives while reinforcing company processes and best practices
• Promote a culture where safety is always the highest priority
• Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R-2 Core Values every day

• Minimum 10 years of heavy civil or underground utility construction experience, including utility-scale power, renewable energy, transmission, substation, or large underground infrastructure projects
• Proven experience leading multiple trenching crews, Superintendents, and large-scale underground utility construction operations
• Strong knowledge of high-production trenching, single-pass mechanical laying, underground conduit installation, trench safety, bedding placement, warning mesh installation, back filling, and restoration practices
• Demonstrated experience operating and managing Tesmec trenchers, Vermeer trenchers, rock saws, cable lay box systems, and associated support equipment
• Working knowledge of GPS grade control,…