SENIOR DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS - ELECTRIC UTILITIES

Fayetteville Public Works Commission•Fayetteville, NC

5d•$174,000 - $283,000

About The Position

As the Senior Director of Operations in Electric Systems, you will be a strategic partner in driving PWC’s mission to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric services. This executive role oversees critical functions across power supply, generation, transmission, distribution, and customer service, ensuring our community thrives with dependable electric services. Core Responsibilities Strategic & Operational Leadership Oversee all major operational functions within the Electric Division, ensuring safety, reliability, regulatory compliance, and fiscal responsibility. Maintain full fiscal oversight across the Electric Division, ensuring disciplined budgeting, forecasting, and financial management. Establish and execute long-range strategies that position PWC for continued growth, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer outcomes, long range strategies that position PWC for continued growth, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer outcomes. Evaluate changing market, regulatory, and technological conditions; adjust processes and operating models to address gaps, reduce waste, and increase value to the enterprise. Ensure operational compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Evaluate operational investments, major projects, and resource allocations to enable data driven decision-making and operational efficiency. Identify, standardize, and deploy best practices across the division to drive sustained performance and continuous improvement. Ensure that the division’s strategic direction, capabilities, and infrastructure evolve with market needs and emerging industry trends. Performance Management & Continuous Improvement Develop, implement, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure operational excellence, reliability, financial performance, and customer impact. Lead corrective action planning when KPIs veer offtrack, ensuring rapid resolution and forward momentum Strengthen operational processes around project delivery, monthly invoicing, major construction activities, and daily reliability reporting. People Leadership & Talent Development Provide vision, guidance, and coaching to across the Electric Operations team. Build leadership pipeline by hiring external and developing internal talent at all levels. Proactively assess team capabilities; design and implement targeted development plans to advance skills, leadership effectiveness, and technical competencies. Champion an inclusive, accountable, and performance driven culture. Cross-functional & Organizational Collaboration Partner with Finance, HR, Quality, EHS, Engineering, Customer Programs, and other enterprise teams to ensure seamless execution of enterprise priorities. Drive alignment and coordination across functions to ensure on time project delivery and timely customer outcomes. Represent the Electric Division in enterprise planning, rate discussions, strategic governance, and community engagement.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (Engineering, Business, or related discipline; engineering preferred).
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) strongly preferred to support advanced technical and regulatory responsibilities.
10+ years of experience in electric utility operations or related industry.
7+ years of leadership experience overseeing complex operational functions.
Demonstrated experience in operational excellence, continuous improvement, and performance management.
Ability to lead through influence in a matrixed environment.
Strong communication skills with the ability to engage executives, employees, regulators, and partners.

Nice To Haves

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) strongly preferred to support advanced technical and regulatory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Oversee all major operational functions within the Electric Division, ensuring safety, reliability, regulatory compliance, and fiscal responsibility.
Maintain full fiscal oversight across the Electric Division, ensuring disciplined budgeting, forecasting, and financial management.
Establish and execute long-range strategies that position PWC for continued growth, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer outcomes, long range strategies that position PWC for continued growth, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer outcomes.
Evaluate changing market, regulatory, and technological conditions; adjust processes and operating models to address gaps, reduce waste, and increase value to the enterprise. Ensure operational compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Evaluate operational investments, major projects, and resource allocations to enable data driven decision-making and operational efficiency.
Identify, standardize, and deploy best practices across the division to drive sustained performance and continuous improvement.
Ensure that the division’s strategic direction, capabilities, and infrastructure evolve with market needs and emerging industry trends.
Develop, implement, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure operational excellence, reliability, financial performance, and customer impact.
Lead corrective action planning when KPIs veer offtrack, ensuring rapid resolution and forward momentum
Strengthen operational processes around project delivery, monthly invoicing, major construction activities, and daily reliability reporting.
Provide vision, guidance, and coaching to across the Electric Operations team.
Build leadership pipeline by hiring external and developing internal talent at all levels.
Proactively assess team capabilities; design and implement targeted development plans to advance skills, leadership effectiveness, and technical competencies.
Champion an inclusive, accountable, and performance driven culture.
Partner with Finance, HR, Quality, EHS, Engineering, Customer Programs, and other enterprise teams to ensure seamless execution of enterprise priorities.
Drive alignment and coordination across functions to ensure on time project delivery and timely customer outcomes.
Represent the Electric Division in enterprise planning, rate discussions, strategic governance, and community engagement.

Benefits

A competitive executive compensation package that reflects the scope and impact of this leadership role.
Car allowance to support travel across operational sites and community engagements.
Relocation stipend for candidates moving to the Fayetteville region.
The opportunity to work for an award‑winning utility recognized for excellence, reliability, and community stewardship
A mission‑driven environment where leadership, innovation, and operational excellence directly impact the quality of life for the community we serve.
Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options.
Group Life and Long‑Term Disability Insurance.
Cafeteria plan and flexible benefits program
Wellness program with incentives and benefit credits through Know Your Number® participation
Onsite Gym and Onsite Medical Facility.
Pension through the NC Local Government Employees’ Retirement System.
401(k) Match Retirement Plan.
457 Plan for additional retirement savings.