Role Overview for VP of Utility Operations – Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, forward-thinking utility company in their exclusive search for a visionary Vice President of Utility Operations. Based in the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity for a seasoned professional to steer the operational future of a critical infrastructure provider. The successful candidate will be a strategic leader with a profound understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the modern energy landscape. This role is not just about maintaining the status quo; it is about transformation, innovation, and building a resilient, efficient, and sustainable utility for the next generation.
As the VP of Utility Operations, you will hold ultimate responsibility for the safety, reliability, and efficiency of all operational aspects of the company, including power generation, transmission, and distribution. You will be at the helm of a large, diverse, and talented team, charged with inspiring a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement. Your strategic vision will directly influence the company’s long-term planning, capital investments, and response to industry-wide shifts such as decarbonization, grid modernization, and the integration of renewable energy sources. You will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, and will play a pivotal role in shaping corporate strategy, engaging with regulatory bodies, and ensuring the company meets its commitments to customers, shareholders, and the community. We are seeking a leader who can balance rigorous operational discipline with an innovative mindset, driving performance today while building the capabilities required for tomorrow’s energy challenges.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Utility Operations – Charlotte, NC
The Vice President of Utility Operations will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, financial stewardship, and team development. Success in this role requires a dynamic leader who can seamlessly transition between high-level strategy and detailed operational oversight.
Strategic Leadership and Execution
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive operational strategy that aligns with the company’s overall mission and financial objectives. Drive long-range planning for infrastructure development, asset management, and technological adoption to ensure long-term grid reliability and resilience. Champion innovation and lead the evaluation and implementation of new technologies and processes to enhance operational performance.
Operational Excellence and Performance Management
Direct and oversee all aspects of utility operations, including generation facilities, transmission networks, and distribution systems. Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, reliability (SAIDI/SAIFI), customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Implement best-in-class operational practices and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to optimize asset performance and streamline workflows.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Foster and maintain a world-class safety culture across the entire organization, ensuring that safety is the paramount consideration in all activities. Guarantee unwavering compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including those set forth by NERC, FERC, EPA, and state utility commissions. Serve as a primary operational liaison with regulatory agencies, ensuring transparent and constructive relationships.
Financial and Capital Management
Develop and manage the multi-million dollar annual operating and capital budgets for the operations division. Provide rigorous oversight of major capital projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Drive initiatives to manage operational costs effectively without compromising safety or service quality.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a large and geographically dispersed team of engineers, technicians, and operational staff. Cultivate a high-performance, collaborative, and inclusive culture. Oversee talent management strategies, including recruitment, succession planning, and professional development programs to build a robust pipeline of future leaders. Effectively manage labor relations in both union and non-union environments.
Stakeholder Engagement and Community Relations
Act as a key representative of the company in interactions with major customers, community leaders, government officials, and other external stakeholders. Proactively address operational issues and concerns to maintain public trust and a positive corporate reputation. Lead emergency response and storm restoration efforts, ensuring effective communication and rapid service restoration.
Requirements for the VP of Utility Operations – Charlotte, NC
The ideal candidate is a proven executive with extensive experience in the utility sector, possessing a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic acumen, and inspirational leadership qualities.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, or a closely related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the electric utility industry, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, or VP) with significant P&L and budgetary responsibility.
Operational Expertise
Deep and comprehensive knowledge of utility operations, including power generation (fossil, nuclear, and renewables), high-voltage transmission, and electrical distribution systems. Demonstrated success in improving operational metrics such as system reliability and efficiency.
Regulatory Knowledge
In-depth understanding of the utility regulatory environment and extensive experience ensuring adherence to all critical regulatory compliance standards and safety protocols.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership and people management skills with a proven ability to lead large, complex teams. A track record of developing talent, fostering employee engagement, and driving cultural change.
Strategic and Financial Acumen
Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex business plans and manage large-scale capital and operating budgets effectively.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to effectively engage with and influence a wide range of audiences, from the board of directors and regulators to frontline employees and community members.
Resilience and Adaptability
Must be adept at leading through crisis situations, such as major weather events, and adaptable to the rapidly evolving energy industry landscape.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client provides a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. We believe in rewarding our leaders for their contributions to the company’s success and the communities we serve.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) tied to company performance.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Includes robust wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a substantial company match and potential for additional profit-sharing contributions.
Paid Time Off
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) package, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation assistance package is available for the successful candidate and their family to ensure a smooth transition to the Charlotte area.
Professional Growth
A commitment to continuous learning with support for executive education, industry conference attendance, and professional association memberships.
Additional Perks
Includes an executive car allowance, life insurance, and disability coverage.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to manage this critical executive search. If you are a transformative leader with the experience and passion to drive operational excellence in a leading utility, we invite you to take the next step in your career. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role.
For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners page for our Energy and Utilities Executive Search practice. We look forward to reviewing your application.
