General Manager - Substations & BESS - Michels Power, Inc.

Michels Corporation•Neenah, WI

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

Michels Power, Inc. is seeking a General Manager – Substation & BESS to provide leadership and oversight for regional operations, focusing on safety, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and profitability. This role is responsible for the success and financial performance of Substation and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects within the region. The General Manager will establish strategic goals in partnership with the Regional Vice President and collaborate with various managers and leaders to execute these objectives. The position requires a strong emphasis on relationship management, workforce development, business growth, operational execution, and financial stewardship, balancing strategic planning with day-to-day operational support.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field and 10+ years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven leadership experience managing substation, utility, battery energy storage (BESS), renewable energy, power delivery, or EPC construction operations.
Demonstrated success leading regional operations, project portfolios, and multidisciplinary teams.
Strong understanding of substation construction, battery energy storage systems, project delivery methodologies, resource planning, and risk management.
Proven financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, cash flow, backlog, profitability, and operational performance.
Experience leading preconstruction efforts, RFP pursuits, estimating collaboration, and strategic planning initiatives.
Exceptional leadership, communication, organizational, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to develop teams, build customer relationships, and drive regional growth initiatives.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with project controls, estimating, and job cost tracking software is preferred.
Willingness to travel as required.
A valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Advanced industry certifications, licenses, or credentials are preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee regional Substation and BESS operations, ensuring alignment with company and divisional objectives.
Establish and execute strategic initiatives in partnership with the Regional Vice President and senior leadership team.
Provide leadership and direction to Regional Managers, Project Managers, and operational teams.
Ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and profitably while maintaining the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction.
Support project teams in resolving operational, staffing, scheduling, and project-related challenges.
Lead and support troubled project recovery efforts when necessary.
Assume direct project management responsibilities when required.
Directly manage regional personnel and carry out leadership responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
Participate in interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, development, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives.
Mentor and develop leaders across the organization, supporting professional development and certification achievement opportunities.
Build high-performing teams by attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional talent.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with utility, renewable energy, battery storage, and infrastructure customers.
Partner with Business Development to identify new customers, expand regional market presence, and support long-term growth strategies.
Ensure projects are managed with a focus on maximizing customer satisfaction.
Represent Michels Power at customer meetings, trade organizations, industry conferences, and networking events.
Monitor industry trends and emerging opportunities to support regional growth and operational planning.
Lead regional preconstruction efforts and RFP pursuits for substation and battery energy storage projects.
Review and support bid strategies, project execution plans, staffing requirements, and resource allocation efforts.
Collaborate with estimating, engineering, and operational teams to support successful project pursuits and execution.
Provide leadership and support to project teams throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful outcomes.
Work with field leadership to forecast labor, equipment, and resource requirements based on current and projected workloads.
Support staffing strategies that align regional resources with business demands and future growth.
Regularly visit project sites to engage with field personnel and reinforce Michels Power's safety culture.
Assist operational leaders with workforce development, succession planning, and long-term talent growth initiatives.
Provide leadership and oversight for regional financial performance.
Manage forecasting, budgeting, cash flow, backlog, cost projections, revenue forecasts, and profitability objectives.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs across the region while maintaining quality and safety standards.
Monitor project and regional performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
Maintain and promote a strong safety culture for employees, customers, subcontractors, and vendors.
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and operational policies and procedures.
Lead and support safety and environmental investigations, including implementation of effective corrective actions.
Build strong partnerships with Safety, Equipment Operations, Human Resources, Finance, Business Development, and other Michels Family of Companies teams.
Promote the Michels Family of Companies culture, values, and commitment to excellence throughout the region.