What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Operations position at Summit Utilities Inc?
Join our Growing Team and see why Summit Utilities, Inc was named as one of the Fastest Growing Denver Area Private Companies 2019 and 2020; Best Places to Work in Maine 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and Best Places to Work in Arkansas 2020 and 2023, Oklahoma 2022 and 2023 and Missouri 2023. Summit was also recently named one of Forbes 2023 America’s Best Small Employers.
Summit is a growing natural gas utility company providing safe, reliable and clean burning natural gas service to homes and businesses in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri and Oklahoma. Being part of the Summit team means embracing excellence, diversity and innovation, committing to safety each and every day, and doing all that we can to serve each other, our customers and the communities where we live. We aim to bring warmth and energy to everything we do.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Vice President of Operation based in Little Rock, AR.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Vice President (VP) of Operations is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of all utility field operations across multiple states. This includes oversight of construction, maintenance, distribution, customer field service, safety, compliance, and operational performance. The VP will drive operational excellence and foster a culture of safety, integrity, and customer service while ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for field operations across all service territories.
• Ensure safe, reliable, and cost effective operations of the natural gas distribution system.
• Oversee emergency response protocols and readiness for operational incidents or weather related events.
• Champion a strong safety culture and lead initiatives to achieve zero-incident performance.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Compliance, Regulatory, Customer Experience, and other internal teams to deliver enterprise wide goals.
• Maintain full regulatory compliance with PHMSA, OSHA, state public utility commissions, and other applicable agencies.
• Lead strategic planning and budgeting processes for the Operations function; manage O&M and capital budgets.
• Identify and implement process improvements, technologies, and best practices to drive operational efficiency.
• Represent Operations in executive leadership meetings and contribute to companywide initiatives.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive workplace while developing diverse talent pipelines within field operations.
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field preferred; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 15 years of progressive operations experience in natural gas transmission or distribution, utilities, energy, or infrastructure sectors, including 6 years in senior leadership roles.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
• Deep understanding of natural gas utility operations, regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices.
• Proven success providing strategic oversight and leading geographically dispersed teams, with a strong focus on safety, innovation and compliance.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in operational budgeting and capital planning.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and change management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build high-performing, accountable teams and foster leadership at all levels.
Summit offers competitive pay and medical/dental/vision and other benefits that provide flexibility, choice and support to our employees when they need it most. We understand that home and family are essential pieces of your life, and our benefits are designed to support you both at work and at home.
Summit Utilities, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
