General Manager, Gas & Electric Operations (Wyoming)

Job Specifications

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest.

We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today-for our customers, communities and each other.

Position summary :

This important role will provide overall leadership, management, development, and direction for the gas and electric utility operations in Wyoming.

The role will require delivery on a set of operational priorities and measures designed to continuously drive our operational excellence vision for safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy through efficient processes and an empowered workforce.

Pay Range : $148,400 - $244,850 (This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.)

Reporting Relationship : Vice President of South Dakota and Wyoming Operations

Location : Cheyenne, Wyoming

Relocation Assistance : Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process.

Essential Functions :

• Drive a culture of operational excellence through the coordination of personnel and resources to : optimize gas and electric transmission and distribution systems to drive performance, reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness of our service;
• make prudent business decisions supporting customer needs and the state financial plan; provide quality customer service;
• drive customer experience for business as measured through JD Power, NPS, and customer effort scores.; maintain safe working conditions and practices by ensuring safety is the top priority for employees;

lead / participate and enable continuous improvements and best practices for gas and electric utilities; and set and attain statewide operational goals.

Engage in and lead engagement with operational stakeholders including peer utilities, regulators, key customers, and vendors.

Focus on building long term, proactive relationships.

• Financial ownership of operational O&M and capital to ensure customer prudency and cost effectiveness of decisions. Align with financial planning expectations of building and managing to a budget.
• Assess and gain a strong understanding of operational risks, working to mitigate exposure through operational controls and actions.

Assist in defining our risk appetite for operational matters and take action to meet expectations.

• Develop and build a safety culture focused on system and employee safety and aligned with enterprise vision.
• Ensure people, processes and technology exist and are used to support compliance with all rules and regulations impacting state operations.

Including but not limited to, external required regulations (NERC, OSHA, EPA, PHMSA, PSC, etc.), O&M and construction, standards, company policies and procedures, project schedules / productivity, and safety programs.

• Understand the customer experience, support engagement in meeting customer experience metrics targets.
• Manage all operational employee matters including development, labor relations, performance improvement and performance management.

Create and maintain a workplace environment within the operations that promotes diversity, safety, fair and equal treatment of employees, open communications, and the highest standards of ethical behavior.

• Maintain strong and open working relationships with the utility's leadership, functional utility support services and corporate support departments.
• Drive a positive and enhanced relationship with our key external Stakeholders within our communities, legislators and regulatory bodies.

Additional Responsibilities :

• Active community support and involvement.
• Active involvement in operations matters that impact rate reviews or other regulatory matters. Provide testimony as needed.
• Provide effective leadership and direction to ensure adherence to occupational and system safety practices and procedures.
• Interface with customers and communities to foster and maintain positive working relationships and favorable company image.
• Support legislative efforts that directly affect the operations of the company.
• Build strong working relationships with pipeline safety staff within the applicable governing body (PSC / PUC, Fire Marshall, etc.).

What Is Required :

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field of study; or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years in engineering, electric / natural gas operations, utility leadership, or other relevant experience is required.
• Knowledge of gas and / or electric distribution system construction, operations, transmission, maintenance standards, procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Proven leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, monitor and accomplish strategic goals.
• Demonstrated ability to self-direct workload and prioritize business needs.
• Possess strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to articulate, communicate and influence.
• Strong analytical skills, with demonstrated problem solving ability in complex, multi-organizational environments. Innovative thinking and the ability to adjust to quickly changing business needs.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple major projects simultaneously.
• Possess unquestionable integrity and excellent judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to represent the company in front of various stakeholders : employee groups, major customers, regulatory agencies, governmental officials, and industry associations.

What Is Desired :

Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements and their application in the workplace and a demonstrated ability to develop positive, productive relationships with union leadership.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position.

Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company : We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice.

Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.

3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.