Chief Operations Officer Job Listing at Chelan PUD in Wenatchee, WA (Job ID 20128458)

Description

Chief Operating Officer

Overview: The Chief Operating Officer provides strategic and operational leadership of all areas of Chelan PUD's generation, transmission and distribution utility operations, and fiber & telecommunication operations delivering high quality, reliable, and cost-effective services to customer-owners in a dynamically changing environment, with worker safety as a top priority and in accordance with complex regulatory requirements. Utility operations includes power generation, transmission, distribution, water and wastewater, and fiber and telecommunications as well as project delivery, and other shared operational services. This role also provides oversight of the District's safety department, providing safety services across the District to all business units.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership, direction, and priorities to Chelan PUD operations teams through subordinate Managing Directors and Directors, overseeing all aspects of the company's power generation, transmission and distribution activities, water and wastewater service delivery, fiber and telecommunications wholesale services, as well as project delivery and other shared operational services.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and strategies to improve the company's performance and to comply with regulations and industry standards. Actively participate in establishing labor relations objectives in alignment with organizational goals, and lead management and staff in adopting changes resulting from the outcome of negotiated agreements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, regulatory agencies, the collective bargaining unit, and government bodies, to educate and promote Chelan PUD's mission, vision, and strategic objectives. Represents the District on the local, state, regional and national level as assigned.
• Collaborate with other chief executives and departments to develop, champion, and implement short-term and long-term business plans and strategies that align with Chelan PUD's goals and objectives. Participate, coordinate and manage special projects as assigned by the General Manager to accomplish organizational goals.
• Develop and lead high-performing teams, creating a culture of excellence, innovation, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Participate as a Senior Management Team member contributing to the development and achievement of District wide strategic objectives and long range planning. Provide governance support to the General Manager and the Board of Commissioners.
• Manage financial performance to achieve financial targets and implement cost-effective measures.
• Lead by example to support the District's Human Performance and Safety initiatives with an emphasis on bringing every worker home safely.

People Management

• This position manages/supervises people. Direct Resources Managed: 2-9. Indirect Resources Managed: 500+.

Education
Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Master's Degree preferred.

Experience

• 15+ years progressively responsible and diverse experience in utility operations, with a minimum of 5+ years experience in a senior leadership position, such as Director, is required.
• Experience managing complex operational functions and delivering high quality results is required.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements preferred.
• Experience in the public power industry preferred.

Skills and Abilities
A fully skilled incumbent will have the following knowledge skills & abilities:

• Ability to analyze and evaluate business operations, develop and implement corrective strategies to address deficiencies.
• Excellent leadership, coordination, collaboration, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all levels of the organization, Board members, other agencies, elected officials, stakeholders, the general public, and customers.
• Strong business and financial acumen.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory and compliance requirements.
• In-depth knowledge of utility operations, work environments, union contract administration and procedures, and District administrative policies.
• Skilled at negotiating complex agreements and presenting sound and persuasive information to a variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of change management principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of budget development, business planning, expenditure control, rate setting, and financial risk management principles.
• Ability to establish clear strategic and operational direction and align work with priorities.
• Ability to hear and adapt new ideas, mitigate risks and lead change.
• Ability to effectively manage leaders and teams to leverage strengths and drive results.
• Ability to develop and measure the effectiveness of strategies and goals, and employee performance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels in the organization both orally and in writing.
• Ability to manage confidential information.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook; and other systems in use at the District to conduct business.
• Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.