What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP, Engineering (Utilities Design) position at Etheridge Pipeline & Conduit?
We are searching for a senior organizational leader with proven experience leading and growing a utilities engineering and design function, including financial responsibilities, sales & business development responsibilities, and organizational (people) responsibilities.
THE PREFERENCE FOR THIS POSITION IS ONSITE IN MONROE OR WEST MONROE, LOUISIANA. HYBRID MAY BE CONSIDERED IN SOME CASES, DEPENDING ON CANDIDATE QUALIFICATION AND ABILITY TO TRAVEL.
WHO WE ARE
EPC was conceived and operates to provide anyone who desires to provide for their families through the work they do, an opportunity to do so. Everything we do revolves around the vision of a company that provides safe, quality work, driving customer demand that ultimately results in the creation of new job opportunities in the markets we serve. We focus heavily on our Core Values and expect all our employees to operate with those Core Values in Mind. These Core Values are Live Safe, Customer First, Do the Right Thing, Be at Team Player, and Be Productive.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
The VP, Engineering will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Engineering business unit, with key responsibilities of BU financials, sales, business development, and growth. This individual must possess a high level of business acumen, industry knowledge, accountability, self-starter, project management skills, and a high level of business development knowledge related to the utilities engineering and construction environment.
WHAT YOU GET TO DO
Operational Leadership
- Oversee all project delivery, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timeliness across design, engineering, permitting, and fielding functions.
- Develop and manage standard operating procedures (SOPs) aligned with EPC’s operational framework.
- Lead weekly operational reviews on schedule adherence, backlog, resource utilization, and cost control.
- Coordinate with EPC’s PMO, Sales, and Construction teams to ensure smooth project handoffs and workflow continuity.
Performance & Financial Management
- Manage the Delta Fiber P&L under guidance from the COO; own operational KPIs such as utilization, margin, and delivery cycle time.
- Track and report weekly and monthly performance metrics to leadership.
- Identify cost efficiencies and process improvements that enhance profitability.
- Forecast staffing, workload, and capacity needs to meet pipeline and backlog demands.
People Leadership & Culture
- Lead and develop Delta Fiber’s team of engineers, designers, project managers, and fielding leads.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement that aligns with EPC’s values.
- Conduct performance reviews, manage promotions, and oversee hiring and training.
- Maintain a strong leadership presence in daily operations, coaching and mentoring managers to higher standards.
- Maintain consistent quality control practices across all deliverables (design packages, permits, GIS data, etc.).
- Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations (including pole attachment, make-ready, and ROW permitting).
- Manage client audits, QC reviews, and corrective action plans.
- Promote safe work practices and compliance with EPC’s safety standards.
Client & Internal Coordination
- Serve as the operational point of contact for client project managers and engineering leads.
- Partner with EPC’s Sales, PMO, and Construction divisions to align resource planning and customer expectations.
- Participate in bid reviews, project kickoffs, and client meetings to ensure operational readiness.
- Escalate and resolve delivery or resource conflicts proactively.
Process & Technology Optimization
- Leverage EPC technology tools (e.g., Vitruvi, GIS systems, CRM) for visibility and control over operations.
- Implement automation and workflow standardization to reduce rework and design cycle times.
- Collaborate with the COO and IT teams on data integrity, reporting, and process improvement
WHAT WILL HELP YOU STAND OUT
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field (MBA preferred).
- 15 years of progressive experience in sales, business development, or executive leadership within utilities construction, telecommunications, or related infrastructure industries.
- Proven track record of securing large-scale fiber optic engineering, installation, and/or maintenance contracts.
- Strong understanding of underground and aerial construction methods, design, permitting, and utility coordination.
- Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and scale an organization.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
- Ability to travel frequently to meet with clients, partners, and stakeholders.
WHAT WE ARE OFFERING
- Full-time opportunity in a fast-growth company!
- Opportunity to work autonomously
- Competitive pay
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision)
- Retirement plan with company match
- Company paid time-off
- Training & development opportunities
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Mostly office environment with normal office conditions.
- May be required to stand, sit, bend, twist, and reach as part of the job.
- May be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
- May be some expected travel to job sites which may require exposure to elements, including but not limited to rain, heat, cold, snow, sleet, mud, etc.
- Must be able to pass a background check, drug screen, or other job-related pre-hire screenings related to the job.
- Position may require up to 50% travel to support and visit customers, operations initiatives, and/or leadership meetings.
Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to include the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We retain our right to at-will employment at all times and this job description is not meant to be intended as a contract or guarantee of employment at any time.