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

Position Description
Assists in managing a department that has institutional oversight responsibilities. Responsible for the development, coordination and administration of the department.
As an R1 institution, Texas Tech University is committed to excellence in research and innovation, which requires robust infrastructure to support its academic and research endeavors. The Associate Managing Director, Technical Services, Energy and Utilities provides technical and operational leadership for the university's complex utility enterprise, which includes two central heating and cooling plants, multiple satellite plants, and an extensive campus distribution network for steam, chilled water, reverse osmosis (RO) wager, compressed air, natural gas, and domestic water.
This position reports to the Senior Managing Director of Energy & Utilities and serves on the Operations Division leadership team. The role is accountable for the safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant operation of all central and satellite utility plants and distribution systems while driving continuous improvement, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in support of research, academics, and campus operations.
This role is critical to Texas Tech University's research mission and AAU aspirations, requiring a proven leader who combines deep technical expertise with strategic vision and outstanding people management skills.
Major/Essential Functions
LEADERSHIP: Provide shared strategic and operational oversight for the entire Energy & Utilities department. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and professional development. Co-develop and maintain departmental strategic plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), key performance indicators (KPIs), and resource allocation aligned with overall Operations division's goals and objectives. Co-develop KPIs to monitor project progress, budgets, and resource utilization. Direct operations, maintenance, repairs, and capital improvements.
SUPERVISION: Directly supervise 40+ employees across Instrumentation and Plant Maintenance/Operations teams. Conduct performance evaluations, provide coaching and feedback, identify training needs, and implement succession planning. Oversee contracted service providers: negotiate contracts, monitor performance through audits, enforce quality standards, and resolve deficiencies promptly.
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT: Oversee daily operation and maintenance of central and satellite utility plants, and distribution systems. Optimize reliability, efficiency, and quality while minimizing purchased utility costs, production cost and advancing sustainability goals. Plan and direct emergency and scheduled maintenance, repairs, and capital projects. Establish, update, and enforce operating procedures to meet water quality, pressure, environmental, health, and safety standards. Analyze complex operational issues, evaluate alternatives, and implement engineering and management solutions. Continuously monitor plant performance using data analytics and reporting. Develop and execute preventive and corrective maintenance programs. Compile annual deferred maintenance and capital renewal project lists for leadership review. Review and approve vendor scopes of work, budgets, and schedules to ensure university standards are met.
BUDGET MANAGEMENT: Co-manage an annual operating budget exceeding $20 million. Implement cost-control measures and support utility cost-recovery strategies. Participate in monthly expense reviews and capital budget development. Collaborate with the Operations Business Services team to analyze financial data and optimize resource allocation while ensuring compliance with university policies.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Collaborate with teams on capital improvement projects. Lead asset management, equipment lifecycle planning, and capital investment analysis. Serve as the technical advisor for maintenance, construction, and operational projects. Collaborate with assigned project managers to identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure projects meet codes, regulations, safety standards, and university quality benchmarks. Co-manage internal and external contracts, including budget tracking and stakeholder communication.
SAFETY & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: Maintain expert knowledge of all applicable safety and regulatory requirements. Act as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, inspectors, and partners. Develop and implement operational risk-management programs. Conduct regular audits, enforce corrective actions, and perform annual policy/procedure reviews.
COMMUNICATION & STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS: Promote open, transparent communication within the department and across the university. Serve as lead coordinator and technical expert during major plant activities or shutdowns. Build collaborative relationships with campus customers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other Operations departments. Lead or participate in assigned committees and task forces to advance operational excellence.
CAMPUS ENGAGEMENT & EMERGENCY RESPONSE: Represent the Senior Managing Director, Energy & Utilities in the incumbent's absence at meetings and functions. Provide technical consultation and recommendations on respective projects and utility service delivery.
Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or equivalent
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in the State of Texas
• 5+ years of leadership experience in central utility operations, preferably in higher education or research organization
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with senior leadership, customers, and vendors

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in related field required plus six years administrative or management experience. Additional education may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
This position is designated as involving access to critical infrastructure systems and/or research, as defined by Texas Executive Order GA-48. As such, candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive background check prior to employment. Employees are required to comply with all applicable state and federal regulations related to the protection of critical infrastructure. Ongoing employment is dependent upon maintaining eligibility for access and successfully passing periodic security and compliance reviews.
About the Department and/or College
The Operations Division provides building and service environments conducive to achieving the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research and public service activities while meeting our own needs for well-being and professional development. The Operations Division consists of over 550 professionals serving in areas such as:

• Support Services-Transportation & Parking, Grounds Maintenance, Services, Business Services, and Technology
• Facilities & Construction-Facilities Maintenance, Engineering & Construction, Energy & Utilities
• Planning & Design
• Space & Resource Management
• Employee Success Center

Sean Childers is the Associate Vice President of Operations.
Special Instructions to Applicants
A search firm by the name of Another Source is assisting Texas Tech University in this candidate search. Application materials should be submitted through Another Source's candidate portal here to be considered for the position.
Safety Information
Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.
Pay Statement
Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.
EEO Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.
About the University
Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas - hard work, grit and authenticity - the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of steam, chilled water, electrical, and deionized/RO water systems
• In-depth knowledge of HVAC, controls, plumbing, and mechanical systems
• Familiarity with the commissioning process and operation of large-scale mechanical systems
• Demonstrated expertise in administrative, managerial, and decision-making processes, including goal setting and program administration