Chief Operating Officer, Electric Systems

Under direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), this is a professional and executive management position defining, developing, implementing, managing, and communicating the effective execution of operational strategies, processes, and programs for Power Production, Energy Systems Operations, Fuel & Purchased Energy, Transmission, Distribution, Substations & Relaying, and Electric Engineering. This position is also responsible for providing leadership and direction on the company's development of safety culture, policies, practices, and compliance. Works closely with members of the Executive and Management team, Board members, and other external parties. Exercises judgment and discretion in all aspects of the position, with exposure to confidential and highly sensitive information; and is self-directed and deadline driven and flexible with a varying work schedule. Serves as functional team leader/coordinator for all electrical-related services in the executive office.

Because the Authority has a primary responsibility to serve the public 24 hours per day, an employee in this class is expected to work extended hours as conditions demand and on short notice during emergency conditions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans, organizes, directs, and guides the execution of goals, strategies, processes, programs and business operations for assigned departments within the Electrical Systems Division.
• Maintains current knowledge of organizational and departmental policies and procedures. Confers with Executive Management and recommends changes in policies, organization programs, methods and procedures, and communicates changes.
• Leads assigned staff in executing the initiatives, strategies, and directives of the Electrical Systems Division.
• Develops and oversees administrative and program standards for the assigned departments.
• Oversees the implementation and administration of programs and processes.
• Reviews and evaluates results of program impact; provides summary findings to Executive Management, and recommends options to optimize programs and processes.
• Responsible for the continuous quality improvement of complex business processes, optimization, and allocation of resources for assigned areas.
• Oversees project management of projects within the Electrical Systems Division.
• Oversees the development and management of the annual operating and capital improvement budget for the assigned departments.
• Develops reports as part of the process of monitoring and communicating performance results; ensures timely preparation of appropriate regulatory reports or other documents.
• Makes verbal and written presentations regarding assigned functional areas.
• Oversees and may participate in long and short-range studies regarding the assigned departments.
• Provides strategic support to Executive Management in areas such as, but not limited to, planning, research, communications, and project management.
• Takes direction from Executive Management in ensuring that the business policy and imperatives created by the CEO are being accomplished by the Electrical Systems Division.
• Advises management in appropriate resolution of issues related to assigned functional areas.
• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal of all Electrical Systems Division employees.
• Confers with responsible regulatory agencies relative to the goals and operational standards of departments within the Electrical Systems Division.
• Represents the company in state organizations related to assigned functional areas, including state and national utility associations.
• Monitors and identifies legal requirements, government reporting regulations, and legislative issues and priorities affecting assigned functional areas and determines their respective impacts on current and future operations. Ensures policies, procedures and reporting are in compliance.
• Serves as utility representative with local, State, Federal, and International agencies concerning utility regulations, grants, operational functions, and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with all safety, reliability, and environmental standards and requirements within the Electrical Systems Division.
• Attends meetings outside normal working hours and in the evenings as required.
• Demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills in performing diverse administrative services, using initiative and good judgment with a high degree of competency, independence and a broad knowledge of corporate operations and policy.
• Builds and maintains positive and effective working relationships with Board members, Participants, the executive team, and other staff through effective channels of communication, and provides vital linkage between the CEO and business affiliates.
• Represents the CEO and Executive team both inside the organization to employees and externally to the Board and Participants in a positive and effective manner.
• Prepares reports and documents that may be very broad in nature requiring originality and ingenuity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public utility administration and its specific application to the administration of assigned areas of responsibility.
• Thorough understanding of the business dynamics, regulatory issues, competitive issues, and general operating environment surrounding the electric utility industry.
• Thorough knowledge of the local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to the assigned areas of responsibility.
• Thorough knowledge of planning practices and principles.
• Knowledge and experience in strategic planning and execution.
• Knowledge and experience in formulating policy.
• Knowledge in developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management.
• Knowledge of public relations principles and practices.
• Knowledge of budgeting methods and systems.
• Knowledge of project management practices and principles.
• Professional oral and written communication skills in English.
• Advanced customer service, strategic, and critical thinking skills.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Skilled in assessing industry trends and responding to industry pressures.
• Skilled in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Computer software skills using Microsoft Office.
• Ability to make sound decisions and take or guide courses of action in operations.
• Ability to deliver public presentations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and to travel.
• Ability to set strategy, provide direction, and create plans to meet both functional and departmental goals.
• Ability to manage multiple strategic and tactical projects.
• Ability to coach and develop subordinate staff.
• Ability to implement change and performance goals for continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates experience and familiarity with corporate governance compliance.