Assistant General Manager - Operations

The Assistant General Manager – Operations aides in the development and communication of the strategic direction for RPU to continue on the path of innovation, efficiency and stewardship by advising the General Manager and assisting with strategic planning. 

To have your application considered in the first round of application review, apply before December 22nd, 2025.

The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. The work is performed with considerable independence.

*Lead and implement the strategic vision and plan for assigned divisions.

• Lead the development of a strategic vision that enhances the community; motivates and inspires Department employees; and addresses future service delivery needs.
• Develop and recommend policies, procedures, goals, and program objectives vital to the efficient, safe and effective operation of the electric and water utilities and in line with the organizational strategic plan. 
• Apply organizational and management best practices to the periodic analysis and evaluation of work programs, procedures, policies, and operational needs of Department functions.
• Perform, or provide oversight for, comprehensive management analysis of a wide range of municipal policies/practices, engineering studies, rate studies, and organizational procedures.
• Create performance metrics to ensure each Division is achieving goals and objectives.
• Participate actively on RPU’s Leadership Team and collaborate to set and fulfill the strategic plans and objectives.
• Prepare reports and studies which provide a sound foundation for policy decision making.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of engineering, and management of the Power Resources, Power Deliver, and Water Divisions. Ensure operations, construction and planning follow or account for all applicable financial, safety, environmental, security, human resources, and reliability regulations. 
• Oversee long-term planning and engineering for physical infrastructure assets and resources including generation capacity, amount of purchased power, transmission facilities, electric distribution system, water production capacity, water storage facilities and water distribution system.

*Lead RPU operations in a manner that results in high customer service satisfaction levels, leveraging of resources, and continuous improvement.

• Establish and maintain equitable, forward-thinking, and customer-focused operating policies, practices, and procedures.  Routinely evaluate for effectiveness.
• Build and maintain effective continuous improvement processes. Seek out and maintain partnerships to enhance service levels and improve efficiency.
• Evaluate strategies, programs and impact for outcomes in compliance with local, city, state and federal directions.

*Serve as an RPU and City representative explaining and discussing views, interests and policies to the RPU Board; City Council; state and national organizations; City task forces, targeted community groups, and other interested parties inside and outside the community. 

• Build and maintain effective relationships with customers and the public to promote positive community relations and community knowledge of RPU.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with civic, political and legislative bodies to ensure that RPU is appropriately involved in the early stages of analysis and/or planning for major community projects.
• Within the community and organization, ensure increased understanding and support for departmental programs, services, and policies.

*Lead the development, coordination, and implementation of utility infrastructure projects and long-term planning.

• Implement short-term and long-term strategies for design and expansion of the City's utility infrastructure and replacement of RPU’s aging electric and water fixed assets. 
• Develop and oversee budget proposals and schedules for public utility projects. 
• Direct all activities of utility infrastructure projects involving power delivery, power generation, and water. 
• Work with developers, consultants, city staff, and their representatives on public and private projects involving or impacting the utility systems. 

*Lead, manage, direct and supervise, through direct and delegated supervision, the work of employees in assigned divisions.

• Foster a collaborative leadership style that encourages teamwork, promotes staff initiative, and provides professional growth opportunities for all departmental employees.
• Develop and implement effective employee coaching and performance management strategies to ensure the achievement of organizational priorities and to create an environment that encourages innovation, teamwork, employee engagement, fiscal responsibility, and high-quality work.
• Create expectations and outcomes for employees to work collaboratively with other City department staff, public agencies, customers, and the community.
• Oversee the recruitment, hiring, and orientation processes for new employees and ensure strategies are implemented to obtain and maintain a diverse workforce.
• Partner with the Human Resources professionals to resolve employment/labor relations issues and participate in collective bargaining agreement negotiations when requested.
• Demonstrate courage in providing direct and current feedback to others and addressing difficult people or situations when they occur.
• Minimize negative or unproductive behaviors that are detrimental to the team or other teammates.
• Encourage and inspire employees to do their best work while demonstrating positive leadership, positive communication, and a commitment to RPU’s vision and mission.

*Special Projects

• Provide PRU with leadership and coordination for both complex, large-scale and smaller-scale special projects, often involving coordination with department heads, directors within RPU, and State and Federal Agencies.
• Manage projects programs or operations assigned and facilitate public review process. 
• Develop project plans, monitor and evaluate project process and budget. Coordinate with other departments and team members.
• Facilitate processes with teams to explore options, develop consensus and implement policy direction.
• Manage external consultants and related processes

Education and Experience 
A Bachelor's Degree in engineering, business administration, management, finance, accounting or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

Ten years of experience providing leadership and direction to employees.

Five years of experience in an electrical or water utility. 

Licenses and/or Certifications 
Valid driver's license  

Desirable Qualifications 
A Master's Degree in business administration or a closely related field

Executive leadership. 

Five plus years of construction contract administration experience. 

Licensed Professional Engineer in Minnesota, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.   

In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.  

Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:  

Continuous demands: Standing, Sitting, Walking, Fine Dexterity  
Frequent demands: Lifting, Handling, Reaching, Carrying  
Occasional demands: Pushing/Pulling, Kneeling, Crouching, Bending  

Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: (options - sight, hearing and touch).  

Environmental conditions NONE (not substantially exposed to environmental conditions)  

Salary : $162,213 - $231,734