Manager of Trench Safety Equipment

Thompson Machinery; Tennessee; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CAT training and development

Tuition Reimbursement

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Thompson Machinery is seeking a Manager of Trench Safety Equipment to establish and lead our trench safety department within the Rental Division. You will develop strategy, source equipment, and drive sales growth across our territory, partnering with sales, operations, safety, and branch leadership.

This role requires 8–10 years in trench safety or related fields, strong leadership, and a track record of building new business lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Safety, or related field; 8–10 years trench safety experience.
• 8–10 years in trench safety, excavation support, shoring, or related industries.
• Proven sales leadership and management experience in trench safety or construction equipment.
• Experience building new business lines and growth initiatives.
• Vendor management, rental fleet planning, and product sourcing experience.
• Previous P&L or regional leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the Trench Safety Department within the Rental Division.
• Develop and execute trench safety strategy including revenue goals and fleet planning.
• Create a go-to-market strategy for trench safety products and rentals.
• Source trench safety equipment and build vendor relationships.
• Train and support rental sales, branches, and operations on trench safety.
• Identify target customers and grow new business opportunities.
• Establish pricing strategies, KPIs, and SOPs.
• Ensure OSHA compliance and promote safety culture.
• Recruit and develop trench safety personnel.
• Travel across Thompson Machinery territory.

Skills

Trench safety systems

Sales leadership

Vendor relationships

Fleet planning

Safety compliance

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Safety, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM systems

Job description

Looking for more than just a job? At Thompson Machinery, we’ve been powering progress since 1944. We are the go-to Caterpillar dealer for Middle and West Tennessee and North Mississippi. Come join a team where our mission is simple: deliver smart solutions, build lasting partnerships, strengthen the communities we call home, and invest in your growth.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Manager of Trench Safety Equipment is responsible for building, developing, and leading Thompson Machinery’s Trench Safety Department within the Rental Division. This role will establish the business from the ground up by developing the department’s strategy, sourcing trench safety products, creating operating processes, supporting fleet planning, and driving sales growth across Thompson Machinery’s territory.

Reporting to Rental Division Leadership, the Manager of Trench Safety Equipment will partner with sales, operations, service, safety, finance, and branch leadership to develop a scalable and profitable trench safety business while delivering exceptional customer service and maintaining the highest safety standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build, develop, and lead the Trench Safety Department within Thompson Machinery’s Rental Division.
• Develop and execute the trench safety business strategy, including revenue goals, market growth, fleet planning, staffing, and operational processes.
• Create and implement a go-to-market strategy for trench safety products and rental solutions.
• Source trench safety equipment and establish strategic relationships with manufacturers and vendors to support fleet growth, pricing, training, and product availability.
• Train and support rental sales representatives, branch personnel, and operations teams on trench safety products, applications, and consultative selling techniques.
• Partner with sales leadership and branch managers to identify target customers, develop new business opportunities, and strengthen existing customer relationships.
• Establish pricing strategies, fleet utilization goals, key performance indicators, and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA excavation, trenching, shoring, and safety regulations while promoting a strong culture of workplace safety.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop future trench safety personnel as the department expands.
• Monitor and report on sales performance, profitability, fleet utilization, customer activity, pipeline development, and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to ensure operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
• Travel throughout Thompson Machinery’s territory to support customers, branches, and business development efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHAT WE EXPECT OF YOU

We all have different backgrounds, yet we all use our unique contributions to provide the highest quality of service.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering, Safety, or a related field preferred; equivalent industry experience will be considered.
• Eight (8) to ten (10) years of experience in trench safety, excavation support, shoring systems, heavy equipment rental, construction equipment, or a related industry required.
• Proven sales leadership and management experience within trench safety, specialty rental, or construction equipment industries preferred.
• Demonstrated success building new business lines, leading teams, and executing strategic growth initiatives.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, rental fleet planning, and product sourcing preferred.
• Previous P&L responsibility, branch management, regional leadership, or specialty division management experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, TECHNICAL SKILL, & ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of trench safety systems, shoring products, excavation support equipment, and safe excavation practices.
• Thorough understanding of OSHA trenching, excavation, and shoring regulations.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to develop strategic plans and execute operational initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong customer relationships and grow market share.
• Experience training sales teams, operations personnel, and customers on technical products and safety applications.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM/business management systems.
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, adaptability, and a strong customer service focus.
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and the personal drive to successfully grow a business.
• Ability to travel throughout Thompson Machinery’s territory as business needs require.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

At Thompson Machinery, we believe that great benefits are more than just perks—they’re essential for employee well-being and success. We’ve designed a benefits package that goes beyond the ordinary, ensuring that our team members thrive both personally and professionally.

THE BASICS

• Various medical plan options, including a no-cost option
• Vision and dental insurance
• Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid basic life insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Profit Sharing
• Eight (8) paid holidays annually
• Up to 15 days of Paid Time Off annually, with increases based on years of service
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

WHAT SETS US APART

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Exposure to world-class CAT training and development
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Incentive Bonus Program
• Leadership Development Programs
• Financial Wellness Programs
• Career advancement opportunities throughout Thompson Machinery
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture focused on long-term success

Compensation for this position will be commensurate with candidate experience, qualifications, and background. Thompson Machinery offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Thompson Machinery is an equal opportunity employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.

Listing is current as of Aug 12, 2026 08:46 AM