Chief Operating Officer (COO)

KLK Executive Solutions has been retained by Presque Isle Electric and Gas Cooperative (PIEG) to find a highly experienced, knowledgeable and strategic operations professional for their Chief Operating Officer (COO) position.

The COO provides strategic and operational leadership for PIEG, overseeing electric transmission and distribution, natural gas operations, fiber/broadband services, engineering, and safety. The COO ensures reliable service delivery, efficient operations, and the successful execution of strategic initiatives. This role requires demonstrated experience in running a business with accountability for financial performance, staffing, and operations, and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex projects while driving operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the cooperative's goals.
• Oversee capital planning, resiliency initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.
• Direct budgets and financial performance and apply sound business management practices.
• Lead the prioritization and execution of multiple projects across multiple divisions.
• Establish project management processes and accountability systems.
• Develop and manage both short- and long-term operational and financial plans.
• Monitor performance against strategic initiatives using data and metrics.
• Benchmark industry best practices to strengthen cooperative performance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Oversee training programs to ensure technical competency, safety readiness, and regulatory compliance.
• Work with Human Resources on labor relations policy and collective bargaining strategy.
• Manage relationships with union leadership and ensure contract adherence.
• Represent the cooperative with members, regulators, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and present reports to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Participate in emergency response preparedness and restoration activities as required.

Education required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Master's degree (MBA, Engineering Mgt, or similar) preferred.

Experience required

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive utility or related industry experience, including at least 10 years in senior leadership.
• Must have demonstrated experience running a business with accountability for multiple divisions, financial results, culture, and operations.
• Must have the proven ability to successfully prioritize and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

What's in it for you?

As a member-owned cooperative, PIEG maintains an unwavering commitment to service excellence. They back this commitment with a highly competitive compensation and benefits package including FULLY PAID health, dental and vision for your entire family, a generously matched 401k program, AND a defined pension plan that is fully funded by the Cooperative. (yep, you heard that correctly!)

Cooperative values

• To conduct our business with honesty and integrity.
• To treat our members and each other with fairness, dignity, and respect.
• To support the professional goals of our employees.
• To create a work environment that fosters innovation, participation, pride, ownership, safety, and enjoyment.
• To be a good citizen with attention to the environment and to the communities we serve.
• To constantly improve our performance, reliability, and value.

If you would like to be considered for this position, please apply with your resume and a cover letter. Your application and any discussion will be held in the strictest confidence.