Manager, Watch Officer

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. Our Vision:

Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people.

Our Commitment:

CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve.

Position Description: Watch Office Manager

CenterPoint Energy

Department: Emergency Response Operations

Reports To: Director, Emergency Response Operations

Location: Houston, TX

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary

The Watch Office Manager is responsible for leading CenterPoint Energy’s 24/7 Watch Office operations, ensuring continuous situational awareness and coordinated response to emerging threats, including severe weather, security incidents, and infrastructure disruptions. This role oversees a team of Watch Officers and plays a critical role in incident escalation, executive communication, and operational readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Oversight

- Provide 24/7 situational awareness and response coordination for emerging or imminent threats.

- Supervise and support a team of six Watch Officers, ensuring high performance and operational continuity.

- Oversee the development and distribution of situational awareness products, including the Daily Report and Critical Incident Reports, for executive and senior leadership.

- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and best practices for Watch Office operations.

Incident Escalation & Coordination

- Lead the development and execution of the incident escalation process in collaboration with senior leaders across the company.

- Manage the activation of incident management teams and define escalation triggers.

- Serve as a key liaison between the Watch Office and executive leadership, ensuring timely and accurate communication during critical events.

Qualifications

Desired Experience

- 5–10 years of experience managing a similar function within a County, State, or Federal Emergency Management Agency, Fusion Center, intelligence center, or utility operations center.

- 5–10 years of experience managing personnel, including staff development, coaching, and performance management.

Education

BS degree in related field

MS/MA/MBA preferred

Skills

- Strong decision-making abilities under pressure.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both executive leadership and frontline personnel.

- Demonstrated ability to lead in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.

We want you to know

Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together.

What We Bring To You

- Competitive pay

- Paid training

- Benefits eligibility begins on your first day

- Transit subsidies

- Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off

- Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston

- Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement

- 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type:

Full Time

Posting Start Date:

12/26/2025

Posting End Date:

01/09/2026

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR

- 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.