Manager of Trench Safety Equipment

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.

 

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.

 

• 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.

 

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

 

• 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.

 

• 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.

 

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.

 

• 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)

 

• 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