Utilities Operations Leader: Strategy, Safety & Growth

Sanders Brothers Construction Co. Inc.; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Dental

Vacation & Holiday Pay

401K

Profit Sharing and Bonuses

Job summary

Sanders Brothers Construction Company seeks an Utilities Area Manager to lead the Utilities Department, overseeing water, sewer, and storm drain operations. You will drive safety, quality, staffing, equipment utilization, and financial results while aligning with company objectives and growth.

You will manage a team across levels, set performance standards, and collaborate with project management, estimating, and safety to meet budgets and schedules.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of progressive utility construction experience in leadership roles.
• Proven success leading departments or multi-project operations.
• Strong understanding of utility construction methods, planning, cost control.
• Ability to analyze data and drive performance improvements.
• Leadership presence; able to influence and develop teams.
• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to read and implement drawings, specs, and schedules.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable record.
• Must meet company background checks and drug testing.
• May require DOT medical certification.
• Flexible to work nights/weekends as needed.
• Ability to work in varying conditions.
• Tolerance for dust, noise, rain, extreme temps.
• Ability to stand, walk, crawl, kneel, and lift tasks.
• Can exert up to 100 lbs occasionally and 40 lbs regularly.
• Experience managing a construction department or business unit.
• Strong financial and operational acumen.
• Strategic planning and forecasting capabilities.
• Ability to lead change and scale operations.
• Safety-first and quality-driven mindset.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level leadership and direction for all Utilities Department operations.
• Maintain accountability for safety, quality, production, utilization, and profitability.
• Lead and develop the Utilities Management team across all levels.
• Establish expectations, standards, and performance metrics.
• Develop and execute departmental plans aligned with revenue and growth.
• Forecast manpower, equipment, and workload for projects.
• Ensure projects meet budgets, schedules, and contracts.
• Review performance data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement for efficiency, cost, quality and safety.
• Identify operational challenges and implement corrective strategies.
• Partner with PMs and Estimators during bid reviews to validate scope.
• Support long-range planning and backlog management.
• Ensure compliance with standards, policies, and procedures.
• Champion safety, accountability, professionalism and ownership.
• Coordinate resources with Equipment, Trucking, Survey and Safety.
• Represent Utilities Department in executive and planning meetings.
• Maintain relationships with inspectors, customers, engineers, stakeholders.
• Lead by example aligned with company values.
• Perform other duties consistent with department management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision-making

Construction drawings

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

High school diploma required

Job description

Sanders Brothers Construction Company seeks an Utilities Area Manager to lead the Utilities Department, overseeing water, sewer, and storm drain operations. You will drive safety, quality, staffing, equipment utilization, and financial results while aligning with company objectives and growth.

You will manage a team across levels, set performance standards, and collaborate with project management, estimating, and safety to meet budgets and schedules.