Program and Operations Manager - Natural Gas Compliance

The City of Richmond, Department of Public Utilities is seeking a Program and Operations Manager of Natural Gas Compliance at Richmond Gas Works. This position is responsible for overseeing and managing all regulatory compliance activities related to natural gas operations at Richmond Gas Works. This role ensures the organization adheres to all federal and state regulations by developing and implementing compliance programs, coordinating inspections and audits, and serving as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies. 

On a day-to-day basis, the position involves reviewing operational practices and procedures, conducting compliance audits, supporting accident reporting and regulatory filings, monitoring regulatory changes, and collaborating with internal teams to maintain safety standards and improve processes. Additionally, the role includes managing compliance-related metrics, budgets, and documentation, while providing leadership, training, and guidance to staff to promote a culture of continuous improvement and regulatory adherence.

• Lead and manage all regulatory compliance activities for natural gas operations, ensuring adherence to federal and state requirements.
• Develop and implement compliance programs for pipelines, facilities, and infrastructure aligned with company policies and regulatory standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison with federal and state regulatory bodies, advocating for Richmond Gas Works' interests in policy discussions and regulatory developments.
• Coordinate with state and federal regulators to facilitate DOT PHMSA / State Agency inspections and compliance reviews.
• Conduct design reviews to ensure compliance with DOT Title 49 part 192 / 191 / 199 standards for projects and operational modifications.
• Perform regulatory DOT Title 49 part 192 / 191 /199 Assurance through internal audits and acquisition integration.
• Review forms, procedures, and operational practices to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate accident notifications to the National Response Center and complete PHMSA accident reporting as required.
• Research regulatory interpretations and assess potential impacts on the organization.
• Monitor DOT and state rule-making activities and incorporate relevant changes into company procedures.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on compliance matters to stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with internal teams to build improvement plans and meet training needs related to compliance.
• Champion processes, procedures, and safety standards to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Manage regulatory inspections, audits, and reporting requirements, maintaining accurate documentation and records.
• Support due diligence and risk assessment activities.
• Develop and monitor metrics for compliance performance, utilizing insights to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee budget management, cost tracking, and forecasting for compliance-related activities.
• Demonstrate strong leadership by guiding and developing team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and protect company assets, including intellectual property.
• Stay updated on technical knowledge and regulatory developments through educational workshops, professional publications, and industry associations.
• Collaborate across multiple teams to identify opportunities for common solutions and understand impacts on programs and processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in business, law, engineering or field related to assignment
• Six years of experience in regulatory compliance, preferably in the natural gas industry.
• Two years of supervisory experience
• A Master's degree in Business or Public Administration or field directly related to assignment is preferred
• An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong knowledge of DOT PHMSA regulations (192, 191, 199) and other relevant federal and state regulatory requirements.
• Proven experience managing compliance programs, audits, and inspections.

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS and OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Some positions may require a FMP (Facilities Management Professional) designation.
• Some positions may require a CFM (Certified Facility Manager) certification or the ability to attain a CFM certification within 12 months of appointment.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: These are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.

 

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

• Accounting, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable
• Computer programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Cultural development
• Data analysis
• Data management
• Electronic databases and related software applications
• Federal regulations pertaining to assigned area
• Federal, state, and local laws and legal procedures related to focus area
• Processes and procedures related to the assigned area
• Project management
• City guidelines and standards
• In-depth knowledge in area of focus

 

Skills (some combination of the following):

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Communicating and coordinating with various internal and external departments
• Creating and implementing policies and procedures
• Gathering and interpreting data routinely
• Interpreting and applying federal regulations for programs
• Managing contracts, projects, data, reports, etc.
• Overseeing the daily accounting and procurement functions
• Overseeing the financial and operational aspects of programs of focus
• Overseeing daily operations and directing work flow
• Setting timetables, achieving milestones, tracking progress, and taking corrective actions
• Supervising, including conducting performance evaluations, mentoring, etc.
• Understanding a program's intent and application
• Writing standard operating procedures
• Coaching
• Conducting, attending, and participating in various meetings; providing input as needed
• Reviewing, preparing, and submitting reports
• Customer service
• Oral and written communication

 

Abilities (some combination of the following):

• Adapt
• Think critically
• Grasp overall objectives and determine steps to achieve the objectives
• Multi-task
• Organize
• Problem solve
• Manage time effectively
• Evaluate and analyze data
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks, with frequent interruptions and under time constraint. The essential duties of this classification may require the ability to regularly talk, hear, see, and perform repetitive motions; frequently finger; and occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, list, grasp, and feel. The working conditions may include environmental hazards. In terms of the physical strength to perform the essential duties, this classification is considered to be light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

* Internal use:  HR Generalist to review.

Salary : $98,790 - $164,976