Chief Operating Officer

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Department: Executive

Reports To:  General Manager/CEO

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive:
Yes

Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for leading and integrating the cooperative’s electric operations, engineering, and fiber subsidiary functions to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective service to members. This executive role works closely with the CEO and senior staff to execute the cooperative’s strategic vision and long-term infrastructure plans.

Standards of Excellence

The standards of excellence represent the code of conduct required of every employee to ensure a culture of excellence is maintained throughout the cooperative.

• Supports the organization by having sufficient knowledge of programs and services offered and professionally representing the organization in a positive manner. Contributes to high organizational and team performance through a commitment to excellence.
• Accepts challenges and supports change within the organization. Demonstrates commitment and overcomes resistance through resourcefulness and creative problem-solving.
• Allocates time and attention based on what is most important to achieve key goals and objectives.
• Effectively organizes and balances tasks and priorities to keep multiple duties on track.
• Demonstrates effective skills in obtaining and researching facts and information. Interprets and analyzes information, including instructions and guidelines, to make appropriate decisions.
• Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and demonstrates follow-through with commitments.
• Observes safety and security procedures and actively demonstrates safe work practices at all times.
• Exhibits integrity and demonstrates ethical behavior in everyday business conduct.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership Expectations

• Serves as a visible leader who champions cooperative values, member service, safety culture, and operational excellence
• Drive a culture of safety, continuous improvements, and operational excellence throughout the organization
• Anticipates and adapts to evolving member needs, regulatory developments, and technological advancements
• Fosters cross-functional collaboration, transparency, and alignment across departments
• Promotes innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement at all levels
• Builds and supports high-performing teams through coaching, development, and empowerment
• Fosters a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cooperative values

Strategic Oversight

• Leads long-term planning for infrastructure development, system reliability, and technological innovation
• Aligns operational goals with the cooperative’s mission, strategic plan, and service to members
• Develops and manages capital improvement plans and departmental operating budgets

Operational Leadership

• Oversees the Operations, Engineering, and Fleet departments to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality construction, maintenance, and outage response programs
• Champions a proactive safety culture and ensures compliance with OSHA, NESC, and all regulatory requirements
• Directs storm restoration and emergency response efforts, including after-hours coordination of field crews, mutual aid requests, and real-time operational decisions to ensure member safety and service continuity
• Monitors and reports on member satisfaction metrics related to reliability, service quality, and broadband access

Engineering and Fiber Technology Leadership

• Supervises the Engineering team in the design, planning, and deployment of electric system improvements and advanced technologies
• Provides executive oversight for the cooperative’s fiber subsidiary, including network reliability, system integration, and expansion initiatives
• Evaluates and implements modern utility systems, including SCADA, AMI, OMS, GIS, and other smart grid technologies

Board and Member Relations

• Collaborates with the CEO and Board of Directors to communicate operational performance, risks, and long-range infrastructure needs
• Ensures operational decisions and service delivery are aligned with the best interests of the membership
• Represents the cooperative in the local community to support awareness of operational goals and member service initiatives

Competencies

Strategic Thinking: Aligns operations with cooperative mission and long-term goals.

Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to inspire, develop, and lead high-performing teams.

Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of electric utility systems, engineering principles, and broadband infrastructure.

Financial Management: Skilled in managing multimillion-dollar budgets and long-range capital planning.

Regulatory & Safety Compliance:
Strong understanding of electric utility regulations and workplace safety standards.

Problem Solving: Analytical decision-making to address operational challenges and implement practical solutions.

Communication:
Excellent written and verbal communication with team members, the Board, and the membership.

Change Management: Leads modernization and process improvements effectively.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in electric utility operations and engineering; cooperative experience strongly preferred
• In-depth knowledge of electric distribution systems, construction standards, and system planning
• Experience with fiber optic networks and broadband infrastructure a plus
• Demonstrated experience in leading storm recovery or emergency operational responses in utility settings, with ability to manage 24/7 demands during crisis events
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or eligibility preferred
• Proficiency in utility-specific software systems, including GIS, SCADA, OMS, and AMI
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and evolving utility environment
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be available for emergency response during outages