Grand Rapids or Elk River, Minnesota
Posted: 13-Oct-25
Location: Onaway, Michigan
Type: Full Time
Categories:
Summary: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership for Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op, overseeing electric transmission and distribution, natural gas operations, fiber/broadband services, engineering, and safety. The COO ensures reliable service delivery, efficient operations, and the successful execution of strategic initiatives. This role requires demonstrated experience in running a business with accountability for financial performance, staffing, and operations, and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex projects while driving operational excellence.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Other duties may be assigned.)
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Provide leadership and direction to managers overseeing Electric, Gas, Fiber, Engineering, Facilities, Fleet and Safety.
- Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the cooperative’s goals.
- Manage day-to-day operations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery to members.
- Oversee capital planning, resiliency initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.
- Direct budgets and financial performance and apply sound business management practices.
- Lead the prioritization and execution of multiple projects.
- Establish project management processes and accountability systems.
- Develop and manage both short- and long-term operational and financial plans.
- Monitor performance against strategic initiatives using data and metrics.
- Benchmark industry best practices to strengthen cooperative performance.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and industry standards.
- Oversee training programs to ensure technical competency, safety readiness, and regulatory compliance.
- Work with Human Resources on labor relations policy and collective bargaining strategy.
- Manage relationships with union leadership and ensure contract adherence.
- Represent the cooperative with members, regulators, vendors, and external stakeholders.
- Prepare and present reports to the CEO and Board of Directors.
- Participate in emergency response preparedness and restoration activities as required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises the Managers and Directors of Engineering, Electric, Gas, Fiber, Engineering, Facilities, Fleet, and Safety team.
Education and/or Experience
Required: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Business, or a related field.
Preferred: Master’s degree (MBA, Engineering Management, or similar).
Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressive utility or related industry experience, including at least 10 years in senior leadership. Must have demonstrated experience running a business with accountability for financial results, people, and operations. Must have the proven ability to successfully prioritize and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Valid drivers license required
Physical Demands
- Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
- Regularly required to talk, hear, and use hands and fingers.
- Occasional standing, walking, reaching, and stooping.
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
- Office environment with controlled temperatures and lighting.
- Exposure to weather conditions when visiting field locations.
- May require travel to various cooperative locations.
- May require evening or weekend work for special projects or events.
- Exposure to standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.