Utility Operations Manager Jobs in North Carolina

Operations Manager – Distribution (Overhead Electrical)

Location: North Carolina

Compensation: $150,000–$175,000 base salary, depending on experience

Additional Benefits: Company truck, discretionary annual bonus, Storm Pay eligibility, comprehensive benefits package

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager – Distribution (Overhead Electrical) to lead and oversee a 70-man overhead distribution operation in North Carolina. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring safety, delivering high-quality work, and maintaining strong customer relationships while meeting financial and performance objectives.

The ideal candidate is a proven utility construction leader with a strong background in overhead electrical distribution and a history of successfully managing field operations, crews, and project execution. Candidates must have progressed through the field and previously served as a Construction Manager, Superintendent, or General Foreman within the utility construction industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for a 70-man overhead distribution operation, including field supervisors, foremen, and craft personnel.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture with a commitment to zero incidents and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to customer quality standards.
• Manage workforce planning, scheduling, equipment utilization, and resource allocation across multiple projects.
• Develop and mentor supervisors and field leaders, building a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor financial performance, including labor productivity, project costs, forecasting, and profitability.
• Maintain strong relationships with utility customers and internal stakeholders, ensuring exceptional service and communication.
• Support estimating, project planning, and operational strategy to maximize efficiency and operational performance.
• Lead storm response efforts as required, including mobilization, resource coordination, and emergency restoration activities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA regulations, utility standards, and applicable industry requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Construction Manager, Superintendent, or General Foreman within overhead electrical distribution construction.
• Demonstrated experience leading large field operations, including direct oversight of supervisors and multiple crews.
• Strong knowledge of overhead electrical distribution systems, utility construction practices, and field operations.
• Proven ability to manage operational budgets, labor productivity, and project performance.
• Experience building high-performing teams through coaching, mentoring, and leadership development.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations and a demonstrated commitment to creating a safety-first culture.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to travel throughout the assigned territory as needed.
• Availability to respond to emergency and storm restoration events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing operations of 50+ field employees.
• Utility contractor experience supporting investor-owned utilities, municipalities, or electric cooperatives.
• Experience with contract management, customer relations, and operational planning.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and utility industry best practices.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary of $150,000–$175,000
• Company-provided truck
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Storm Pay eligibility during emergency restoration events
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

If you are an experienced utility operations leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a passion for leading teams, driving operational performance, and delivering safe, high-quality work, we encourage you to apply.