1063 Chief Operating Officer

Jennifer Powers • Palo Alto, CA, United States • $200k - $250k / year • 1m ago

Utility Chief Operating Officer

Become part of this prestigious utility company dedicated to delivering a wide array of City-owned and operated utility services, including electricity, natural gas, water, sanitary sewer, and commercial fiber optic services, to residents and businesses alike.

The Community

Palo Alto, famed as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley,” boasts a population of 69,700 residents and nearly 100,000 employment opportunities. Distinguished among municipal entities, the City of Palo Alto administers a comprehensive range of services, including gas, electric, water, sewer, refuse, and storm drainage, offered at highly competitive rates. Additionally, the city provides an extensive array of community amenities, including 36 parks, 39 playgrounds, five community and youth centers, 41 miles of walking and biking trails, and five libraries. The city offers a unique blend of dining experiences ranging from international cuisines to classic American comfort food, alongside a high-quality educational environment that includes some of the nation’s top schools and access to world-renowned higher education institutions.

The Position

The utility’s COO will oversee three direct reports and indirectly manage five additional personnel. Their primary focus will be on upgrading the entire electric system, including numerous fiber projects. They will collaborate closely with Assistant Directors, engaging in negotiations, acting as peacemakers, and demonstrating soft skills in fostering a shared vision. The COO should be adept at introducing new ideas and taking a holistic view of the organization. Additionally, they will be responsible for overseeing and contributing to the labor relations strategy, particularly concerning the unions.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the COO position must possess a background in electric utilities, with at least seven years of experience in supervisory, managerial, or directorial roles. They should also have knowledge of gas, water, wastewater, and fiber systems. Additionally, the COO must have a strong understanding of electric operations, regulations, technical compliance abilities, and specific state regulations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Possession of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering, business, public administration, or a field directly relevant to the management of a utility.
Professional Engineering License and/or Master’s degree in public or business administration or a related field is preferred.
Seven years of experience in engineering, operations, and/or business in a multi-utilities organization, five years of which should be in a senior management capacity.
A progressive career with supervisory and growing responsibilities for broader elements of the organization.

Compensation Benefits

The salary range for this position is $200,004.60 - $333,341 annually. Placement within this range is dependent upon the qualifications. In addition, the City also provides a competitive benefits package.