Vice President, Electric Operations at Connexus Energy – Ramsey, Minnesota

As Connexus Energy’s Vice President, Electric Operations, you will lead all aspects of electric operations, overseeing the planning, construction, maintenance, and safe operation of the electric distribution system. You will provide executive leadership across engineering planning and design, a 24‑hour dispatch center, fleet operations, vegetation management, supply chain, GIS, and construction and maintenance activities.

As a member of the executive leadership team, you will work collaboratively with the President & CEO and fellow executives to develop and execute cooperative strategy, ensure superior system reliability, manage costs responsibly, and deliver exceptional service to our members. This role plays a critical leadership role in advancing technology, reducing work process complexity, and ensuring operational excellence across the electric system.

Anticipated hiring pay is $230,300.00 - $302,295.00. The final compensation offered is based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience and skill level. In addition, this position is eligible for an annual bonus with a target payout of 20% based on company performance.

In this position, you will:

Strategy & Executive Leadership

Partner with the executive leadership team to develop and implement the cooperative’s strategic plan and scorecard objectives

Champion strategic initiatives through clear communication, leadership example, and change leadership

Promote innovation, continuous improvement and challenge existing practices that conflict with strategic objectives

Seek and implement innovative ways to leverage technology to reduce work process complexity

Construction, Maintenance & Reliability

Oversee the construction, maintenance, and safe operation of the electric distribution system

Analyze and implement cost‑efficient methods to improve system reliability and performance

Monitor the profit plan to ensure financial goals are achieved

Analyze and determine appropriate staffing levels to meet service expectations and optimize performance

Engineering, Planning & System Assets

Lead engineering design and system planning to achieve the highest levels of reliability and member satisfaction

Balance cost, reliability, availability, and member service in system design and planning decisions

Maintain and monitor the GIS system to ensure accurate asset representation and system configuration

Monitor substation assets, maintain an aggressive preventive maintenance program, and implement security measures to mitigate vandalism and theft

Operations, System Control & Emergency Response

Oversee the 24‑hour dispatch center and system control operations to ensure safe and efficient operation of company assets

Maintain and monitor supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and outage management systems to support rapid and effective power restoration

Ensure strong documentation, training, and preparedness for infrequent or emergency grid events

Direct system operations during normal and emergency conditions and oversee the Incident Response Plan

Inform the CEO, Board of Directors, and leadership of significant system events, risks, and recommended actions

Fleet, Warehouse & Supply Chain

Oversee fleet services to ensure high in-service availability at the lowest practical cost

Monitor fleet maintenance costs and make recommendations based on best practices and utilization analysis

Oversee warehouse operations and inventory practices

Ensure ethical, professional, and efficient inventory policies and procedures are followed

People, Union & Stakeholder Leadership

Provide leadership, coaching, and support to the electric operations leadership team

Establish performance measures that define success and member satisfaction

Facilitate interdepartmental collaboration and solutions

Maintain strong working relationships with union leadership and partner with Human Resources on negotiations, grievances, arbitrations, and contract interpretation

Build and maintain effective relationships with business partners, community members, cities, and townships

Need to have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• Ten or more years of electric distribution experience
• Five or more years of experience leading people
• Strong knowledge of electric utility operations, regulations, and safety practices
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations, manage competing priorities, and make sound technical and financial decisions
• Current and valid driver’s license

Nice to Have:

• Master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or MBA
• Professional Engineering (PE) license
• Experience with union environments and collective bargaining agreements
• Strong financial acumen, including corporate finance and cost analysis expertise

Pre-Employment Requirement: Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

About Connexus Energy:

Based in Ramsey, Connexus Energy is Minnesota’s largest electric cooperative, providing electricity, renewable energy alternatives and related services to 150,000 residential and commercial members just north of the Twin Cities. We offer a collaborative work environment with challenging and rewarding work, which provides for professional development and work-life balance in a highly technical, stable and innovative industry. We give back to the communities we have served for more than 80 years by embracing opportunities to volunteer, donate and support economic development. Our talented and friendly staff focuses on achieving our mission of powering our members and communities toward a smarter energy future with a passionate focus on affordability, innovation, safety, and grid reliability.

Connexus Energy’s benefits package includes medical/dental/vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with generous company matching and non-matching contributions and independent investment advisory services, accrued PTO, holiday pay, tuition reimbursement, recognition program, employee referral program, and employee activities. Company paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability is also provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability status, veteran status, or other legally protected status.