What are the responsibilities and job description for the Underground Department Manager position at Downrite Engineering Corp?
Who We Are
Downrite Engineering is an established underground utility and sitework contractor delivering deep sanitary sewer, water main, storm drainage, roadway, and concrete improvements across South Florida. We self-perform across multiple counties and build the infrastructure behind residential communities, logistics parks, and commercial developments. We are looking for an experienced Underground Department Manager to run our underground operations from the office and keep our crews moving.
The Role
The Underground Department Manager runs our underground utility operations from the office and is the central point that keeps field crews supplied, informed, and unblocked. You'll review and approve shop drawings and submittals, solicit and level supplier and subcontractor quotes, resolve the day-to-day issues that come up across active jobs, and release materials so the right pipe, structures, and fittings hit the site on time. You are the person project managers, foremen, and superintendents come to for answers on underground scope, materials, and conflicts — the office hub behind a self-perform underground operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Direct the office-side operations of the underground department across multiple concurrent projects.
- Review, mark up, and approve shop drawings and submittals for pipe, structures, fittings, valves, and related materials against plans and specifications.
- Solicit, level, and negotiate quotes from suppliers and subcontractors; align pricing, scope, and lead times.
- Release and schedule materials to the field — pipe, manholes, inlets, fittings, valves, castings — coordinating quantities and delivery timing to the schedule.
- Resolve day-to-day issues across active jobs — material conflicts, plan discrepancies, substitutions, shortages, and field questions.
- Track long-lead items and expedite deliveries to protect production and the schedule.
- Coordinate with project managers, superintendents, and foremen on material needs, priorities, and field changes.
- Manage RFIs and submittal logs; coordinate with engineers and utility agencies (WASD/MDWASD, county utilities, FDOT) for approvals.
- Review takeoffs and verify material quantities; catch gaps before they reach the field.
- Support purchasing and PO processes and cost sign-off in coordination with accounting and project management.
- Manage vendor relationships and hold suppliers accountable to pricing, quality, and delivery commitments.
- Help develop department processes, standards, and staff as the operation grows.
Required Qualifications
- 7 years in underground utility construction, with office/operations or project management experience — field background strongly valued.
- Strong working knowledge of deep sewer, water, and drainage materials, means, and methods.
- Proven ability to review shop drawings and submittals and catch errors before they reach the field.
- Experience soliciting and leveling quotes, buying out materials, and managing suppliers and subcontractors.
- Able to read civil plans, profiles, and specifications and verify material quantities.
- Organized, decisive problem-solver who can juggle multiple projects and keep the field supplied.
- Strong communication skills with field, office, vendors, and agencies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with South Florida agency standards and approved materials (WASD/MDWASD, county utilities, FDOT, DERM/RER).
- Estimating / takeoff background for drainage, water, and sewer.
- Experience with construction/ERP software (e.g., Sage 300 CRE) and strong Excel skills.
- Experience managing or mentoring a department or team.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent field experience.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Physical Requirements
- Primarily office-based, with occasional site visits across the South Florida service area.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- [Health insurance / PTO /
- Steady backlog of work across active utility and sitework projects.
- Opportunity to lead a department and grow with a respected South Florida contractor.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $80,000 - $100,000