Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About CORE

CORE Electric Cooperative is the largest member-owned electric distribution cooperative in Colorado dedicated to providing reliable, affordable, clean, and safe electric service to our communities. With a commitment to innovation and member satisfaction, we strive to meet the evolving needs of our members while maintaining the highest standards of service excellence.

Job Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key executive leader responsible for overseeing and managing all utility operations of electric power transmission operations, distribution operations, engineering, and safety. This role involves ensuring efficient and reliable delivery of electric services to members, optimizing operational processes, and driving strategic initiatives to support the cooperative's mission and long-term goals.

Receives general direction from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) but is responsible for setting goals and priorities. Responsible for embedding and reinforcing a performance culture within the Engineering and Operations departments. The ability to formulate and implement short- and long-term plans is essential.

Directly supervises the Engineering Director, the Field Operations Director, the Operations Technology Director, and the Safety and Health Director. Sets standards of performance, checks progress and ensures that staff responsibilities are carried out.

Outside and inside contacts require a high degree of diplomacy and judgment including the ability to deal with and influence persons in all types of positions. Must maintain current knowledge of industry developments and trends. Duties involve the preparation of business reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Board of Directors.

Regularly works with confidential material of major importance.

This job requires normal mental and visual attention.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

- Foster a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and accountability in the division.

- Manages all aspects of the Operations and Engineering Division in furnishing electrical service to the members, including safety, operations, capital planning, development, and resiliency.

- Design and implement business strategies and plans that support the Cooperative’s strategic initiatives.

- Develop short- and long-term operational strategies and financial plans.

- Set comprehensive and measurable goals for each department.

- Monitor and measure organizational performance against strategic initiatives.

- Evaluate performance by analyzing and interpreting data and metrics.

- Motivate and lead a high-performance management team.

- Benchmark and implement best practices in the electrical distribution industry.

- Oversees compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements applicable to the operations of the Cooperative, including FERC, NERC, EPA, OSHA, Colorado PUC, and applicable renewable energy requirements, among others.

- Responsible for overseeing the training of all Operations and Engineering personnel in the fundamental, technical and safety aspects of their jobs.

- Establishes methods of control to ensure that the quantity and quality of the work performed by members of the Operations and Engineering Departments are maintained at proper levels, and that members of these departments cooperate in the performance of their duties.

- Maintains relationships with key external stakeholders.

- Develops, proposes, and executes the approved annual business plan for the Division.

- Working with the People Operations, provides recommendations concerning labor relations policy and collective bargaining strategy. Manages the relationship with the collective bargaining unit and its authorized representative.

- Returns to work in connection with call-outs and emergency situations when required.

- Performs all duties and tasks as needed and/or directed.

Minimum Qualifications Of Position

- Broad knowledge of the electrical utility industry is required. Position requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field.

- A minimum of fifteen years' experience in electrical utility operations or engineering is required including ten years in a senior leadership position.

- Proven track record of leadership and management.

- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

- Must have a valid Colorado driver's license.

The application deadline is estimated to be October 7, or until the position is filled. The posting may close earlier or remain open longer depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. We encourage interested applicants to apply promptly.

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

- Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally. 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.

- Environmental: The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and may occur outside as needed.

Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned.

CORE Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package Including The Following...

- 9/80 work schedule: every other Friday off!

- Eight paid holidays per year

- 160 Hours of accruable PTO per year

- Paid parental leave

- Education and training reimbursement

- Volunteer paid time off

- 100% Cooperative paid benefits, including:

- Defined benefit pension plan

- Medical insurance

- Dental insurance

- Vision insurance

- Short term disability

- Long term disability

- Long term care

- Employee assistance program

- Life insurance

- HSA with employer contribution

- 401(k) with up to 4% match. Immediately 100% vested

- Wellness reimbursement: Up to $300 per year

- Travel assistance & identity theft support services

- Length of service program

- Free Onsite EV charging stations (at certain locations)

- Onsite micro market (at certain locations)

- Onsite gym with golf simulator and massage chairs (at certain locations)

CORE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

- EEO is The Law - click here for more information

- Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

- We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap or disability, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in accordance with federal law. If you need assistance, please reach out to us at hr@core.coop