Program and Operations Manager - Construction

The City of Richmond, Department of Public Utilities is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program & Operations Manager – Construction to oversee the execution of natural gas distribution capital improvement projects (CIP), including renewal and new business initiatives. This position will be responsible for managing a $30,000,000 annual CIP budget and ensuring compliance with the Richmond Gas Works Operations & Maintenance Manual and all federal, state, and local regulations.

The Program & Operations Manager will lead a team of inspection staff responsible for verifying contractor compliance, ensuring project quality, accurate recordkeeping and payment, and maintaining operational efficiency. This role requires a strong leader with knowledge of natural gas distribution systems, project management, and regulatory compliance.

• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of renewal and new business natural gas distribution capital improvement projects.
• Manage a $30M annual CIP budget, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Develop and implement process improvements to enhance project efficiency and quality.
• Coordinate with internal teams, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and alignment with operational goals.
• Analyze and report on project performance metrics, providing recommendations for improvements.
• Ensure all work adheres to the Richmond Gas Works Operations & Maintenance Manual and complies with PHMSA, OSHA, and all other state and local regulations.
• Supervise a team of inspection personnel, providing guidance on compliance standards and best practices.
• Conduct audits and inspections to verify contractor compliance and project specifications.
• Address non-compliance issues and work with stakeholders to implement corrective actions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of inspection staff, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and accountability.
• Promote professional development opportunities and ensure the team is trained in the latest industry standards.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and finance departments to align project goals with overall company objectives.
• Act as a liaison between contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders, ensuring smooth project execution.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on project progress, risks, and financial performance.
• Work closely with local government agencies, utility companies, and community stakeholders to coordinate project activities.
• Address public concerns and inquiries related to natural gas infrastructure projects.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance or public administration or field related to assignment
• Six years of journey-level professional experience in area related to assignment
• Two years of supervisory experience

• A Master’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10 years of progressive experience in natural gas distribution, utility construction, or capital project management.
• Proven leadership experience, including managing inspection teams or construction staff.
• Experience managing large-scale capital improvement projects.
• Familiarity with federal and state regulations governing natural gas operations (PHMSA, OSHA, etc.).
• Excellent budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills.
• Strong problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Proficiency in project management software, GIS mapping and Microsoft Office Suite.
• P.E. (Professional Engineer) License or PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
TYPICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: These are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.

Knowledge (some combination of the following):

• Accounting, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable
• Computer programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
• Cultural development
• Data analysis
• Data management
• Electronic databases and related software applications
• Federal regulations pertaining to assigned area
• Federal, state, and local laws and legal procedures related to focus area
• Processes and procedures related to the assigned area
• Project management
• City guidelines and standards
• In-depth knowledge in area of focus

Skills (some combination of the following):

• Communicating and coordinating with various internal and external departments
• Creating and implementing policies and procedures
• Gathering and interpreting data routinely
• Interpreting and applying federal regulations for programs
• Managing contracts, projects, data, reports, etc.
• Overseeing the daily accounting and procurement functions
• Overseeing the financial and operational aspects of programs of focus
• Overseeing daily operations and directing work flow
• Setting timetables, achieving milestones, tracking progress, and taking corrective actions
• Supervising, including conducting performance evaluations, mentoring, etc.
• Understanding a program's intent and application
• Writing standard operating procedures
• Coaching
• Conducting, attending, and participating in various meetings; providing input as needed
• Reviewing, preparing, and submitting reports
• Customer service
• Oral and written communication

Abilities (some combination of the following):

• Adapt
• Think critically
• Grasp overall objectives and determine steps to achieve the objectives
• Multi-task
• Organize
• Problem solve
• Manage time effectively
• Evaluate and analyze data

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks, with frequent interruptions and under time constraint. The essential duties of this classification may require the ability to regularly talk, hear, see, and perform repetitive motions; frequently finger; and occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, list, grasp, and feel. The working conditions may include environmental hazards. In terms of the physical strength to perform the essential duties, this classification is considered to be light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Salary : $96,380 - $160,952