Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer – Energy & Utilities – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to lead the exclusive executive search for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) on behalf of our client, a premier, forward-thinking leader in the Energy and Utilities sector. Based in the global energy capital of Houston, TX, our client is at the forefront of the energy transition, balancing a robust portfolio of traditional assets with significant investments in renewable energy, grid modernization, and sustainable technologies. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), designed for a visionary operator who can drive enterprise-wide operational excellence, strategic growth, and transformative change in a complex and rapidly evolving industry.
The Chief Operating Officer will serve as the strategic partner to the CEO and a key member of the C-suite, entrusted with the comprehensive oversight of all operational functions of the company. This includes power generation, transmission and distribution, engineering, project management, supply chain, and customer operations. You will be responsible for translating the company’s long-term strategic vision into tangible, efficient, and scalable operational plans. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of the energy landscape, a track record of leading large-scale operations, and the financial acumen to ensure sustainable profitability and shareholder value. This role demands a leader who can champion a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement, steering the organization through the challenges and opportunities of the modern energy market while maintaining the highest standards of reliability and service for millions of customers.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer – Energy & Utilities – Houston, TX
The COO will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, central to the company’s success and market leadership. Key duties include:
Strategic Operational Leadership
Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute the company’s operational strategy. Ensure that operational goals are aligned with the broader corporate vision for growth, sustainability, and market leadership.
P&L and Financial Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for all operational divisions. Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. Drive initiatives for cost optimization, efficiency gains, and margin improvement across the organization.
Operational Excellence and Efficiency
Oversee all day-to-day operations to guarantee safety, reliability, and efficiency. Implement best-in-class processes, performance metrics (KPIs), and systems to monitor and enhance operational performance. Champion a culture of continuous improvement and lean methodologies.
Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) Compliance
Uphold and advance a world-class safety culture across all operational units. Ensure strict compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including those from OSHA, EPA, FERC, and NERC. Act as the executive champion for all SHE initiatives.
Grid Modernization and Technology Integration
Lead the strategic implementation of new technologies, including smart grid infrastructure, advanced metering, AI-driven predictive maintenance, and renewable energy integration. Drive digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational capabilities and customer experience.
Asset Management and Capital Projects
Direct the long-term asset management strategy for the company’s entire portfolio of generation, transmission, and distribution assets. Provide executive oversight for all major capital projects, from conception and planning through to execution and commissioning.
Supply Chain and Procurement Optimization
Oversee the procurement and supply chain functions to ensure the reliable and cost-effective sourcing of materials, equipment, and services. Build and maintain strategic relationships with key vendors and partners.
Regulatory and Stakeholder Engagement
Represent the company’s operational interests before regulatory bodies, government agencies, and industry associations. Effectively communicate operational performance and strategy to the Board of Directors, investors, and other key stakeholders.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of senior operational leaders. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and innovative work environment that attracts and retains top industry talent. Implement succession planning for critical operational roles.
Risk Management
Identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks, including physical and cybersecurity threats, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and market volatility. Develop and maintain robust business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer – Energy & Utilities – Houston, TX
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished executive with a proven history of success in the energy sector. The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, or related), Business Administration, or a closely related field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience within the energy or utilities industry, with at least 7-10 years in a senior executive role (e.g., VP of Operations, General Manager, COO) with significant P&L and budgetary responsibility.
Industry Expertise
A comprehensive and deep understanding of the energy value chain, including conventional and renewable power generation, transmission systems, and distribution networks. Must possess expert knowledge of the competitive and regulated energy markets.
Strategic Acumen
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate corporate strategy into effective operational execution. Experience in long-range planning, M&A integration, and strategic partnerships is highly desirable.
Financial Proficiency
Strong financial and analytical skills with a proven ability to manage large, complex budgets, analyze financial statements, and use data to drive operational and investment decisions.
Leadership and Influence
Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire, motivate, and lead large, diverse teams. Proven ability to build consensus, influence stakeholders at all levels, and drive organizational change.
Regulatory Knowledge
In-depth familiarity with the regulatory landscape governing the U.S. utilities industry, including experience interacting with public utility commissions (PUCs) and federal agencies.
Communication Skills
Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills. Must be capable of clearly and persuasively communicating complex information to a wide range of audiences, from field personnel to the Board of Directors.
Location
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the greater Houston, TX area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The package includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) tied to company performance and shareholder value.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Includes access to executive health programs and robust wellness initiatives.
Retirement Planning
A superior 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match and potential for additional profit-sharing contributions.
Paid Time Off
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company-paid holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development
A significant budget for continuing education, industry conferences, and leadership development programs to ensure you remain at the cutting edge of the industry.
Additional Perks
Other benefits include life insurance, disability coverage, and an executive car allowance.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. To express your interest in this exceptional opportunity, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and suitability for the role.
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. We encourage you to learn more about our dedicated recruitment expertise by visiting our Energy & Natural Resources practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your experience can help shape the future of our prestigious client.
JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all candidates.
