General Manager - Sun Prairie Utilities

The City of Sun Prairie is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as our General Manager of Sun Prairie Utilities.  The General Manager is responsible for overall operations, regulatory compliance and financial management of the Utility. This person shall possess strong leadership abilities, develop collaborative relationships with utility staff, city staff, vendors and contractors.  Must be a visionary leader who has the ability to develop and implement a strategic plan.  This position will manage the activities of employees of Sun Prairie Utilities.  The individual will facilitate Utility Commission oversight and governance decision making by providing information and perspectives relative to utility operations, industry data and trends, and policy recommendations.  Major responsibilities include utility operations, oversight of regulatory compliance and initiatives, development of a strategic plan, development of staff, financial management, capital plans, negotiation of purchased power and distribution agreements, and the development and implementation of policies and procedures. This position reports to the City Administrator and the Sun Prairie Utility Commission under the direction of the Sun Prairie Common Council.

View the recruitment bulletin for more details about Sun Prairie Utilities, position and benefits. The starting salary for this position is $203,000 - $225,000, determined by experience and qualifications.

**Applicants should attach a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references.**

This position will remain open until filled with the first review of applications on March 28, 2025.

• Establishes and maintains a highly effective organizational culture that is safety driven, employee empowered and focused on high levels of achievement in all areas including safety, reliability, customer service, sound fiscal policies, technology development and employee development and performance.
• Believe in and support the city’s organizational values of collaborative heart, find a way, show up & step up, shine and guide & grow.  
• Serves on Sun Prairie’s Executive Leadership Team and regularly meets with the City Administrator regarding existing or potential issues which may require collaborative work with city departments.
• Maintains and enhances utility human resources by providing the tools and resources necessary for team members to perform their job responsibilities in an effective, cost efficient and accountable manner.  Works closely with the city’s Human Resources Department to develop policies which support these efforts.
• Ensures and sustains sound fiscal management through development of annual operating and capital budgets, long-term financial plans, investment policies, retail rate adjustments and authorized rates of return.  Works in conjunction with the city’s finance team on budgeting and long term fiscal planning. Understands the importance of working collaboratively as the city has reached levy limits.
• Ensures all electric and water facilities are of sufficient design and capability to accommodate future growth needs of the utility including the selection of consultants and contractors as required to effect major system improvement plans.
• Strongly advocates for effective energy and water policies and works effectively with local, state and national policy makers and regulatory officials.
• Ensures the development and implementation of both short-term and long-term plans such as annual work plans, long-range strategic plans, capital improvement plans, financial management plans, etc.
• Responds to public and customer concerns and may consult with various city staff including City Attorney before taking appropriate action to resolve issues.
• Ensures that cyber security practices are effectively implemented to protect electric and water systems. 
• Oversees preparation of all audits, inspections and reporting requirements for utility operations.
• Develops and implements emergency response plans for power outages, water supply disruptions and natural disasters.  Leads the utility response and works with local emergency management agencies.
• Establishes effective working relationships with City government officials, as well as local, state and federal elected representatives.
• Stays abreast of state and federal regulations and codes, local ordinances, competitive bidding requirements, environmental regulations, and maintain compliance with same.
• Confers with developers and city staff to discuss proposed expansion of existing infrastructure and systems.
• Collaborates with other municipal departments, contractors and external agencies to ensure efficient coordination of services, compliance with policies and alignment with citywide goals.
• Maintains professional and technical competencies; attend educational workshops; review professional publications; establishes professional networks; pursues appropriate professional certifications.
• Takes an active role in utility associations, public entities, local business and economic development organizations.
• Serves on various boards, commissions and committees as appropriate or as directed by the Utilities Commission on a local, regional, statewide and national basis.  Leadership roles are highly encouraged.

Other Job Functions

• Provides technical advice and recommendations on matters pertaining to water and electric utilities.
• Prepares annual budget estimates and directs preparation of cost estimates on projects.
• Approves completed designs and specifications, progress reports and final payments.
• Supervises subordinate managers and employees including professional engineers and support staff.
• Directs the review of the work of engineering consultants for compliance with contracts.
• Acts as the liaison on utility issues by attending meetings and make reports as needed to the Utility Commission, City Administrator’s Office, City Council, and state and federal agencies. 
• Involved in the preparation and review of public and private development projects that include the installation of public infrastructure.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college majoring in engineering, finance or business administration or an equivalent combination of applicable education and experience with a public or private utility. Additional education in management or similar applicable field and professional certification desired. Master’s degree or additional license/certifications like CPA, PE, etc. are preferred.

Minimum of ten (10) years progressive managerial and administrative experience in a public or private utility.

Knowledge of

• Sound and consistent management principles and procedures for effective management and supervision.
• Effective customer service principles and techniques.
• Effective leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Administrative requirements for effective overall utility management including operating budgets, capital improvements, planning functions, policies, procedures and personnel issues.
• Resources essential to research legal questions and problems.
• State, Federal and local rules and regulations governing electric and water operations, maintenance and construction (PSCW, EPA, DCOMM, NESC, DNR, FERC, etc.)
• Utility specific technology and software (SCADA, GIS, OMS, Finance, etc.)

Ability to

• Communicate effectively, both orally and written.
• Articulate ideas, vision, organizational values, and strategic plans clearly and concisely.
• Maintain a high level of integrity, trust and credibility with all stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, contractors, public officials, and the general public.
• Plan and direct a water and electric utility operation. 
• Analyze problems and identify alternative solutions.

Skill in

• Employer/employee labor relations and regulations.
• Problem solving, decision making and dispute resolution.
• Preparing and review of utility development agreements. 
• Analyzing and preparing annual budgets and managing expenditures.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Work is performed mostly in an office setting; hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. 
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand and talk or hear; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.  
• The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.   
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.

Salary : $203,000 - $225,000