Overview

The Vice President, Operations is responsible for planning, managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the two Power Agencies, North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA) and North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number 1 (NCMPA1), ensuring members’ access to stable, reliable, competitive power and exceptional services to meet the needs of their communities.

Responsibilities

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide relevant information and recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Staff, the Board of Directors, and each Power Agency Board of Commissioners to make an informed decision on the development and implementation of Power Agency resources, rates, riders, programs, policy, long-range planning, or other assignments as required and appropriate.
• Provide direction, guidance and management oversight to the Operations Managers/Supervisors in the performance of their areas of responsibility. Provide for the development of these individuals to ensure appropriate succession planning within the Operations group.
• Serve as a member of ElectriCities’ Senior Staff and participate in strategic planning and execution.
• Provide oversight and administration of the power supply programs of the Power Agencies and the related agreements to ensure financial obligations of the company and the individual needs of the participants are met and to provide wholesale and retail services to improve the competitive position of the Power Agency members.
• Manage and direct all power marketing and operations functions for the Power Agencies and comply with all Risk Management Policies and Guidelines and all NERC, NAESB, and FERC requirements associated with sales and purchases of energy products. Maximize revenues from surplus capacity and energy and minimize supplemental energy costs; maintain direct responsibility for the corresponding profit/loss; manage the Power Agencies’ risk exposure in wholesale markets considering financial volatility, reliability, counterparty competency and transmission risks. Optimize the purchase of fuel for Power Agency owned combustion turbine and diesel generators.
• Manage and direct the development, operation and maintenance of the Power Agencies’ Operations Center; dispatching energy resources, performing load forecasts, operating load management, balancing generation with member electric loads, selling and buying energy 24x7. Maintain state-of-the-art technology and reliability.
• Manage and direct NCMPA1’s interest in the Catawba Nuclear Station through the administration of the various ownership, operational and nuclear fuel agreements, site monitoring, cost reviews including resolving disputes and challenges through contractual and legal process, including arbitration; and recommend dispute resolution strategies to the Chief Operating Officer.
• Lead the development and presentation of annual wholesale rate cases. Build a consensus of recommendations through the Rate Committee and boards to establish and implement the long-term wholesale rate plan and policies that result in financial strength for the Power Agencies and their members. Minimize rate shock and surprise for members and customers.
• Promote Public Power and ElectriCities in an appropriate manner through opportunities with the membership, the stakeholders and the public at large.
• Foster an environment of teamwork with other ElectriCities divisions in order to effectively coordinate the development and implementation of programs and services for the ElectriCities members.
• Develop and maintain a positive professional working relationship with members and their customers, the investor-owned utilities, the electric cooperatives and other external parties and stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Chief Operating Officer in accordance with the goals and objectives of ElectriCities and the Power Agencies.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements

The Vice President, Operations must maintain the physical condition necessary to perform tasks in an office setting such as operating a personal computer, keyboard, and other peripheral equipment. Frequent travel within the state of North Carolina and periodic travel within the U.S. is required.

Controls

The Vice President, Operations works under the general guidance of the Chief Operating Officer who reviews the employee’s work performance under ElectriCities guidelines in terms of overall effectiveness and who provides professional guidance as needed. The Chief Operating Officer also approves requests for vacations and other time off. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible work experience, preferably in an electric utility environment, which includes extensive experience in power supply planning, power system operations, and contract negotiations. An equivalent combination of education and experience is also acceptable.
• A designation as a licensed professional engineer is preferred.
• A demonstrated ability to perform in a senior management capacity, including providing visionary input into strategic and long-range planning for the organization and our members.
• Exceptional leadership and team development skills to promote individual behavior that results in organization-wide benefits, thereby enhancing personal, professional, and corporate growth.
• Demonstrated ability to promote the value of Public Power and build and maintain positive, professional, and productive relationships with key stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, public speaking, and negotiation skills.

We offer challenging and rewarding careers in a family-friendly culture, a competitive compensation, benefits, and rewards package, as well as career development opportunities. ElectriCities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.