Utility Operations Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Salary Range: $183,000 – $259,000 Annually; placement within the pay grade will be determined based on qualifications and internal alignment.

The Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) is seeking a visionary and experienced Managing Director for Electric to join its executive leadership team. Reporting directly to the General Manager & CEO, this executive will provide strategic leadership for BPUB’s electric utility operations, overseeing the reliable delivery of power to one of Texas’ largest municipally owned utilities. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead system planning, infrastructure investment, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and organizational performance while helping shape the future of a growing border community.

• Directs assigned utility operations functions to ensure safe, reliable, compliant, cost-effective, and timely service delivery.
• Leads implementation of strategic priorities, business plans, and performance objectives for assigned functions.
• Develops short‑ and long‑range strategies, goals, and action plans based on operational needs, risk, and service expectations.
• Identifies, evaluates, and advances business initiatives and continuous improvement opportunities aligned with BPUB’s mission and changing priorities.
• Plans and directs programs and activities across assigned divisions, departments, and senior staff.
• Oversees development and management of O&M and CIP budgets for assigned functions; monitors expenditures and recommends adjustments.
• Establishes performance monitoring and reporting for assigned functions; provides timely updates and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board as required.
• Develops, recommends, and administers policies, procedures, and internal controls for assigned functions.
• Ensures compliance with applicable safety, reliability, environmental, and regulatory requirements; identifies and mitigates operational and enterprise risks.
• Represents BPUB with local, state, and national partners, agencies, and industry organizations; supports intergovernmental and community relations.
• Promotes a consistent, positive organizational image and communications with customers, stakeholders, and employees.
• Leads, coaches, and develops senior management and professional staff; supports talent planning and accountability for results.
• Carries out other related duties and responsibilities within the scope of executive authority, as appropriate to the operation and administration of a municipally owned utility.

• Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal of all designated staff.
• May assume the duties and responsibilities of an executive team member in their absence.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public utility administration and operations specific to electric, water, and wastewater utilities.
• Thorough knowledge of engineering as applied to the development, construction, planning, and maintenance of electric power production, transmission and distribution, and water and wastewater systems, plants, distribution, and collection.
• Knowledge of ERCOT Operating Guides and Protocols.
• Knowledge of NERC (National Electric Reliability Corp.) standards.
• Knowledge and experience in strategic planning and execution.
• Knowledge in formulating policy and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Broad knowledge of local, state, and federal law and city ordinances.
• Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management.
• Knowledge of public relations principles and practices.
• Extensive knowledge of municipal utility accounting, budgeting, and flow of funds.

• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures.
• Professional oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.

• Ability to develop long-term plans and programs, and to evaluate work accomplishments promptly.
• Ability to make sound decisions and analyze and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial data.
• Ability to deliver public presentations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to attend meetings outside normal working hours, travel, and work a flexible schedule.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET) accredited university is required; a bachelor’s degree in a closely related field may be considered. Twelve (12) years of municipal or utility operations experience, at least five (5) of which in a senior management capacity are required.

A Master’s degree is preferred and may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

• A valid Texas Driver License or receipt of a valid Texas Driver’s License within 90 days of relocation to Texas and a safe driving record, as measured by company policy.
• A Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas is preferred.

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. Limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, lifting, and carrying light objects (less than 40 lbs.). Work is done in a normal office environment with frequent exposures to outdoor temperatures, dirt and dust, and/or disagreeable sights and odors.

Position requires frequent weekend and evening work and frequent overnight travel.

• Prohibit the hiring of any person who is related to BPUB Executive Management within the third degree of Consanguinity or second degree by Affinity; and
• Based on certain prohibitions of the Charter and Statute on nepotism, no person can be hired who shall be related to any member of the Board of Directors or City Commission within the third degree of consanguinity or second degree by affinity.