About Decatur Utilities
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Utilities
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Decatur, AL, US
Year founded
1939
Job description
Chief Operating Officer
Department: Management
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Main Office
Reporting To: General Manager
Description
At Decatur Utilities (DU), we believe in the Power in Community. As a locally owned and operated utility, we proudly deliver electric service to more than 27,000 customers, natural gas service to over 13,000 customers, water service to over 26,000 customers, and wastewater service to more than 21,000 customers. Our mission goes beyond keeping the lights on or water flowing; it's about improving lives, strengthening our community, and building a brighter future together.
We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our leadership team and guide the daily operations of our Electric, Natural Gas, Water, and Wastewater services. Reporting to the General Manager / CEO, this position plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and quality of the services that impact every home, business, and school in Decatur.
This is more than a job; it's a chance to lead with our values: Safety, Customer Focus, Integrity, Dedication, and Innovation. We're looking for a leader who embodies the traits of being Humble, Hungry, and Smart, someone who understands that people and culture drive success just as much as systems and infrastructure.
What You'll Do
What We're Looking For
Why DU?
At DU, you're not just working for a utility; you're serving your neighbors, family, and friends. This is a unique opportunity to:
Department: Management
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Main Office
Reporting To: General Manager
Description
At Decatur Utilities (DU), we believe in the Power in Community. As a locally owned and operated utility, we proudly deliver electric service to more than 27,000 customers, natural gas service to over 13,000 customers, water service to over 26,000 customers, and wastewater service to more than 21,000 customers. Our mission goes beyond keeping the lights on or water flowing; it's about improving lives, strengthening our community, and building a brighter future together.
We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our leadership team and guide the daily operations of our Electric, Natural Gas, Water, and Wastewater services. Reporting to the General Manager / CEO, this position plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and quality of the services that impact every home, business, and school in Decatur.
This is more than a job; it's a chance to lead with our values: Safety, Customer Focus, Integrity, Dedication, and Innovation. We're looking for a leader who embodies the traits of being Humble, Hungry, and Smart, someone who understands that people and culture drive success just as much as systems and infrastructure.
What You'll Do
- Lead with vision and integrity, ensuring safe and reliable delivery of essential services.
- Support and mentor teams across Electric, Gas, Water, and Wastewater, helping people grow while keeping our community strong.
- Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability where employees thrive.
- Oversee capital projects and long term planning to prepare DU for future growth.
- Drive innovation, embracing new technology and ideas that benefit both our employees and customers.
- Work closely with the GM/CEO to advance DU's mission and long term strategy.
What We're Looking For
- A leader with at least 10 years of progressive utility operations experience.
- A strong communicator who values collaboration and integrity.
- Proven ability to guide teams through both day to day operations and big picture strategy.
- A leader aligned with DU's values and committed to serving the people of Decatur.
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
Why DU?
At DU, you're not just working for a utility; you're serving your neighbors, family, and friends. This is a unique opportunity to:
- Lead in an organization that's community owned, mission driven, and people focused.
- Shape the future of essential services in Decatur.
- Be part of a leadership team that values integrity, teamwork, and innovation.
- Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits in a role that makes a difference.
decaturutilities.com
Most Popular Chief Operations Officer Job Categories
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Of Operations
Chief Executive
Chief Executive Officer
Director Of Operations
Director Of Operation
Vp Of Operations
Operations Director
Vp Operations
Ceo
Frequently asked questions
Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Chief Operations Officer?
A: To succeed as a Chief Operations Officer (COO), key technical skills include expertise in strategic planning, financial management, and process optimization, as well as proficiency in data analysis and project management tools. Soft skills such as strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are also crucial, enabling the COO to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive business growth. By combining these technical and soft skills, a COO can drive operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and contribute to the overall success and growth of the organization.
Q: What is the career path for a Chief Operations Officer?
A: A Chief Operations Officer (COO) typically follows a career progression that begins with entry-level roles such as Operations Manager or Business Analyst, advancing to mid-level positions like Director of Operations or General Manager, and eventually leading to senior roles like COO or Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Key opportunities for skill development and professional growth in this role include strategic planning, leadership, and project management, as well as expertise in areas like process improvement, change management, and team leadership. Long-term career prospects for a COO may include transitioning into a CEO role, pursuing a career in entrepreneurship, or taking on a leadership position in a related field, such as consulting or private equity.
