Program Operations Director Jobs in Smiths Station, AL

The Manager, Gas Operations is responsible for leading, directing, and optimizing the daily operations of the natural gas distribution system across designated service territories in Georgia. This role oversees operational functions including service delivery, leak survey programs, corrosion control, measurement, instrumentation and controls, construction and maintenance activities, and meter reading operations.

The Manager is accountable to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant system operations while achieving operational and financial performance objectives. This position plays a key leadership role in workforce development, regulatory compliance, emergency response management, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate leverages technology, data, and resource management systems to maximize operational effectiveness and support enterprise goals.

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee daily gas operations activities to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service delivery.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational processes, procedures, and documentation to enhance efficiency, accountability, and workflow management.
• Establish operational schedules and staffing plans to ensure adequate coverage and efficient resource utilization.
• Monitor operational performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed to achieve business objectives.
• Collaborate with Engineering to identify, prioritize, and execute system improvements and infrastructure upgrades.

Financial and Resource Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets to ensure responsible stewardship of financial resources.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve productivity, reduce costs, enhance quality, and strengthen customer satisfaction and safety performance.
• Optimize workforce deployment and resource allocation to support enterprise-wide operational requirements.

Team Leadership and Workforce Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and operational personnel to foster a high-performance culture.
• Evaluate staffing needs and proactively recruit, train, and develop qualified personnel.
• Ensure all employees meet required Operator Qualification (OQ), training, certification, and compliance standards before independently performing assigned work.
• Manage employee performance, conduct performance evaluations, and support career development planning.
• Review and approve employee time reporting and payroll submissions in accordance with company procedures and deadlines.

Safety, Compliance, and Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, company policies, and safety standards.
• Schedule, monitor, and conduct quality assurance audits to verify system integrity, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and customer safety.
• Maintain readiness and lead emergency response activities, including incident command coordination and resource mobilization during emergencies, outages, and system pressure events.
• Support enterprise-wide initiatives to maintain the safe and reliable operation of the gas distribution system.

Customer and Community Relations

• Oversee customer issue resolution related to operational responsibilities, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with developers, contractors, home builders, industrial customers, and economic development organizations to support customer growth and gas sales opportunities.
• Represent the company with regulatory agencies, public officials, customers, and community stakeholders as appropriate.
• Promote a positive corporate image through active participation in civic, professional, and industry organizations.

Strategic Execution

• Establish and drive operational goals aligned with departmental and enterprise strategies.
• Serve as a change leader by developing, implementing, and successfully executing business initiatives and projects.
• Partner with leadership teams to support strategic planning, operational excellence, and continuous improvement efforts.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Utility trade certifications, licenses, or related technical credentials required or preferred based on operational area.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in natural gas operations, utility operations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success leading, managing, and developing operational teams.
• Experience managing budgets, regulatory compliance requirements, safety programs, and operational performance metrics.
• Strong knowledge of natural gas distribution systems, construction and maintenance practices, emergency response processes, and applicable industry regulations.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and Team Development
• Operational Excellence
• Regulatory and Safety Compliance
• Emergency Response Management
• Financial Acumen
• Strategic Planning and Execution
• Customer Focus
• Change Management
• Process Improvement
• Communication and Stakeholder Management
• Workforce Planning and Resource Management