Trench Shoring Solutions Manager at our Bentleyville, PA location.
Position SummaryThe Trench Shoring Solutions Manager will lead the launch, day-to-day operation, and profitable growth of our trench-shoring rental product line, beginning at our new Bentleyville facility. This hands-on role will establish the people, processes, equipment standards, and customer relationships needed to build a successful business unit, with the opportunity to expand the offering to additional Cleveland Brothers locations over time.
The product portfolio includes trench boxes, manhole boxes, stone boxes, aluminum panel shields, modular aluminum panel boxes (build-a-box), road plates, and trackout mats (FODS). The manager will initially lead both operational execution and business development and, as the business grows, help build and develop a dedicated sales team.
Primary ResponsibilitiesBusiness Unit Launch & Operations
- Lead the start-up and daily management of the Bentleyville trench-shoring operation, establishing clear procedures for quoting, order fulfillment, dispatch, delivery, returns, inspections, and customer support.
- Manage rental fleet availability, inventory accuracy, equipment condition, maintenance, repairs, yard organization, and logistics to ensure assets are safe, rental-ready, and deployed efficiently.
- Work with rental leadership and vendors to plan fleet purchases, product mix, stocking levels, equipment transfers, and asset replacement based on demand, utilization, and return on investment.
- Establish operating standards and coordinate with qualified personnel to support safe product selection, inspection, handling, and use consistent with manufacturer requirements and applicable excavation safety regulations.
Growth Strategy & Financial Performance
- Develop and execute an annual business plan with measurable goals for revenue, market share, profitability, customer acquisition, and geographic expansion.
- Take a hands-on role in developing customers and contractor relationships, visiting jobsites, identifying project opportunities, and positioning Cleveland Brothers as a trusted trench-shoring solutions provider.
- Manage rental rates, quoting discipline, contracts, and customer issues while balancing competitive positioning, customer value, and appropriate financial returns.
- Monitor and report key operating and financial metrics, including rental revenue, fleet utilization, rate realization, repair costs, turnaround time, and fleet returns; use the results to guide improvement.
Team Leadership & Business Expansion
- Establish a repeatable sales and customer-management process, including lead tracking, opportunity follow-up, forecasting, and consistent use of company CRM and ERP systems.
- As demand grows and staffing is approved, recruit, onboard, coach, and lead sales and operational team members; set expectations, provide training, and create a culture of accountability and teamwork.
- Collaborate with Rental Sales, branch operations, transportation, service, finance, and other Cleveland Brothers teams to deliver a consistent customer experience and identify cross-selling opportunities.
- Recommend opportunities to expand trench-shoring capabilities into additional facilities, including market assessment, staffing needs, fleet investment, and operational readiness.
Skills / Knowledge / Qualifications
- Strong ability to build and manage an operation, set priorities, solve problems, and take ownership of results in an entrepreneurial, growing business.
- Working knowledge of equipment rental, construction operations, fleet management, or trench-shoring applications; direct experience with excavation support and underground utility contractors is strongly preferred.
- Understanding of rental economics, equipment utilization, pricing, cost control, budgeting, and the importance of return on fleet investment.
- Demonstrated leadership potential, including the ability to recruit, train, coach, and hold future team members accountable as the business expands.
- Strong safety mindset and awareness of trenching and excavation hazards, relevant OSHA requirements, and the need to involve appropriately qualified personnel for technical or engineered solutions.
- Customer-focused sales and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to prospect, negotiate, resolve issues, and develop long-term partnerships.
- Ability to coordinate multiple priorities across customers, vendors, sales, logistics, and operations while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness.
- Comfort using Microsoft Office and learning or using ERP, CRM, inventory, and rental-management systems; ability to interpret basic financial and operating reports.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, initiative, and a collaborative, hands-on leadership style.
Education and Experience
- Minimum of four years of relevant experience in equipment rental, construction, industrial operations, fleet management, or a related field; experience managing an operation or leading a team preferred.
- Experience with trench-shoring products, underground utilities, excavation contractors, or a specialty rental business is a strong advantage.
- College degree or equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and practical experience preferred.
- Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Travel and Work EnvironmentRegular travel to customer jobsites and Cleveland Brothers facilities is required, with occasional overnight travel. The role requires time in a rental yard and active construction environments, following applicable site safety requirements.
Why Join the Cleveland Brothers Team
- Market-Leading Benefits Package: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) match, short- and long-term disability, health savings account, PTO, and Profit Sharing Account.
- Growth Opportunity: Play a foundational role in launching and expanding a new specialty rental business within an established Caterpillar dealership.
- Stability: Join a family-owned company that has served customers since 1948 and is investing in opportunities for long-term growth.
