Workforce Planning & Development Leader
Field Talent Superintendent | Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Construction
Location: Richmond, VA
Reports To: Director of Operations, Construction
Position Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced Workforce Planning & Development Leader (Field Talent Superintendent) to support large-scale Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) construction operations across multiple job sites in the Richmond, VA market.
This role plays a critical part in construction workforce planning, skilled trades deployment, and craft workforce optimization, ensuring the right field professionals are assigned to the right commercial and industrial construction projects. The position directly impacts safety performance, labor productivity, quality control, and schedule execution across complex job sites, including data centers and mission-critical facilities.
The ideal candidate brings 10+ years of Superintendent experience in large-scale MEP construction, strong leadership judgment in evaluating skilled trades talent, and a passion for building high-performing field teams.
Key Responsibilities
Workforce Planning & Craft Deployment
• Evaluate skilled trades professionals through interviews, field observation, and performance history
• Assign plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, HVAC technicians, and sheet metal mechanics based on project scope, skill level, and certifications
• Develop 3-, 6-, and 12-month labor forecasts aligned with construction schedules
• Translate project schedules into labor demand curves by trade and skill level
• Identify workforce gaps and support proactive construction recruiting strategies
Field Operations & Leadership Support
• Partner with the Director of Operations, Superintendents, and Project Managers to align manpower planning with active and upcoming projects
• Support staffing strategies for large-scale commercial construction and data center projects
• Maintain deep knowledge of self-perform MEP trades and jobsite performance standards
• Promote safety, craftsmanship, accountability, and operational excellence across all job sites
• Ensure fairness and consistency in workforce placement decisions
Talent Development & Succession Planning
• Identify high-potential craft professionals for leadership development
• Support succession planning for Superintendent and field leadership roles
• Partner with training teams to close technical skill gaps
• Build relationships with trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development partners
• Support hiring events and long-term craft pipeline development
Trades Supported
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Plumbing
Including:
• Plumbers
• Pipefitters
• Pipe Welders
• Electricians
• HVAC Technicians
• Sheet Metal Mechanics / Installers
Qualifications
• 10+ years of experience as a Superintendent on large, complex commercial or industrial construction projects
• Strong background in Mechanical, Electrical, and/or Plumbing (MEP) construction
• Experience managing and supporting large craft workforces
• Data center or mission-critical construction experience strongly preferred
• Proven ability to evaluate trade skill levels, leadership potential, and job readiness
• Strong knowledge of construction manpower planning and labor forecasting
• Excellent communication skills across field and executive leadership levels
• Strong decision-making and organizational abilities
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) required
• Demonstrated commitment to jobsite safety, quality, and productivity
• Ability to work in Richmond, VA and travel between regional job sites as needed
About Our Client
Our client is a leading specialty contractor with expertise in self-perform Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing construction across commercial, healthcare, industrial, and data center projects. The organization prioritizes safety, workforce development, and long-term career growth while delivering high-quality results for clients.
