Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative
Chief Operating Officer
Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, Vinita, Oklahoma, United States, 74301
Overview
Job Title: Chief Operating Officer
Department: Executive
Reports To: General Manager/CEO
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive
Yes
Summary The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for leading and integrating the cooperative’s electric operations, engineering, and fiber subsidiary functions to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective service to members. This executive role works closely with the CEO and senior staff to execute the cooperative’s strategic vision and long-term infrastructure plans.
Standards of Excellence The standards of excellence represent the code of conduct required of every employee to ensure a culture of excellence is maintained throughout the cooperative.
Supports the organization by having sufficient knowledge of programs and services offered and professionally representing the organization in a positive manner. Contributes to high organizational and team performance through a commitment to excellence.
Accepts challenges and supports change within the organization. Demonstrates commitment and overcomes resistance through resourcefulness and creative problem-solving.
Allocates time and attention based on what is most important to achieve key goals and objectives.
Effectively organizes and balances tasks and priorities to keep multiple duties on track.
Demonstrates effective skills in obtaining and researching facts and information. Interprets and analyzes information, including instructions and guidelines, to make appropriate decisions.
Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and demonstrates follow-through with commitments.
Observes safety and security procedures and actively demonstrates safe work practices at all times.
Exhibits integrity and demonstrates ethical behavior in everyday business conduct.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities Leadership Expectations
Serves as a visible leader who champions cooperative values, member service, safety culture, and operational excellence
Drives a culture of safety, continuous improvements, and operational excellence throughout the organization
Anticipates and adapts to evolving member needs, regulatory developments, and technological advancements
Fosters cross-functional collaboration, transparency, and alignment across departments
Promotes innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement at all levels
Builds and supports high-performing teams through coaching, development, and empowerment
Fosters a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cooperative values
Strategic Oversight
Leads long-term planning for infrastructure development, system reliability, and technological innovation
Aligns operational goals with the cooperative’s mission, strategic plan, and service to members
Develops and manages capital improvement plans and departmental operating budgets
Operational Leadership
Oversees the Operations, Engineering, and Fleet departments to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality construction, maintenance, and outage response programs
Champions a proactive safety culture and ensures compliance with OSHA, NESC, and all regulatory requirements
Directs storm restoration and emergency response efforts, including after-hours coordination of field crews, mutual aid requests, and real-time operational decisions to ensure member safety and service continuity
Monitors and reports on member satisfaction metrics related to reliability, service quality, and broadband access
Engineering and Fiber Technology Leadership
Supervises the Engineering team in the design, planning, and deployment of electric system improvements and advanced technologies
Provides executive oversight for the cooperative’s fiber subsidiary, including network reliability, system integration, and expansion initiatives
Evaluates and implements modern utility systems, including SCADA, AMI, OMS, GIS, and other smart grid technologies
Board and Member Relations
Collaborates with the CEO and Board of Directors to communicate operational performance, risks, and long-range infrastructure needs
Ensures operational decisions and service delivery are aligned with the best interests of the membership
Represents the cooperative in the local community to support awareness of operational goals and member service initiatives
Competencies
Strategic Thinking: Aligns operations with cooperative mission and long-term goals.
Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to inspire, develop, and lead high-performing teams.
Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of electric utility systems, engineering principles, and broadband infrastructure.
Financial Management: Skilled in managing multimillion-dollar budgets and long-range capital planning.
Regulatory & Safety Compliance : Strong understanding of electric utility regulations and workplace safety standards.
Problem Solving: Analytical decision-making to address operational challenges and implement practical solutions.
Communication : Excellent written and verbal communication with team members, the Board, and the membership.
Change Management: Leads modernization and process improvements effectively.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in electric utility operations and engineering; cooperative experience strongly preferred
In-depth knowledge of electric distribution systems, construction standards, and system planning
Experience with fiber optic networks and broadband infrastructure a plus
Demonstrated experience in leading storm recovery or emergency operational responses in utility settings, with ability to manage 24/7 demands during crisis events
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or eligibility preferred
Proficiency in utility-specific software systems, including GIS, SCADA, OMS, and AMI
Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and evolving utility environment
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be available for emergency response during outages
Job Details
Seniority level: Executive
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Utilities
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Department: Executive
Reports To: General Manager/CEO
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive
Yes
Summary The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for leading and integrating the cooperative’s electric operations, engineering, and fiber subsidiary functions to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective service to members. This executive role works closely with the CEO and senior staff to execute the cooperative’s strategic vision and long-term infrastructure plans.
Standards of Excellence The standards of excellence represent the code of conduct required of every employee to ensure a culture of excellence is maintained throughout the cooperative.
Supports the organization by having sufficient knowledge of programs and services offered and professionally representing the organization in a positive manner. Contributes to high organizational and team performance through a commitment to excellence.
Accepts challenges and supports change within the organization. Demonstrates commitment and overcomes resistance through resourcefulness and creative problem-solving.
Allocates time and attention based on what is most important to achieve key goals and objectives.
Effectively organizes and balances tasks and priorities to keep multiple duties on track.
Demonstrates effective skills in obtaining and researching facts and information. Interprets and analyzes information, including instructions and guidelines, to make appropriate decisions.
Selects and uses appropriate communication methods and demonstrates follow-through with commitments.
Observes safety and security procedures and actively demonstrates safe work practices at all times.
Exhibits integrity and demonstrates ethical behavior in everyday business conduct.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities Leadership Expectations
Serves as a visible leader who champions cooperative values, member service, safety culture, and operational excellence
Drives a culture of safety, continuous improvements, and operational excellence throughout the organization
Anticipates and adapts to evolving member needs, regulatory developments, and technological advancements
Fosters cross-functional collaboration, transparency, and alignment across departments
Promotes innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement at all levels
Builds and supports high-performing teams through coaching, development, and empowerment
Fosters a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cooperative values
Strategic Oversight
Leads long-term planning for infrastructure development, system reliability, and technological innovation
Aligns operational goals with the cooperative’s mission, strategic plan, and service to members
Develops and manages capital improvement plans and departmental operating budgets
Operational Leadership
Oversees the Operations, Engineering, and Fleet departments to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality construction, maintenance, and outage response programs
Champions a proactive safety culture and ensures compliance with OSHA, NESC, and all regulatory requirements
Directs storm restoration and emergency response efforts, including after-hours coordination of field crews, mutual aid requests, and real-time operational decisions to ensure member safety and service continuity
Monitors and reports on member satisfaction metrics related to reliability, service quality, and broadband access
Engineering and Fiber Technology Leadership
Supervises the Engineering team in the design, planning, and deployment of electric system improvements and advanced technologies
Provides executive oversight for the cooperative’s fiber subsidiary, including network reliability, system integration, and expansion initiatives
Evaluates and implements modern utility systems, including SCADA, AMI, OMS, GIS, and other smart grid technologies
Board and Member Relations
Collaborates with the CEO and Board of Directors to communicate operational performance, risks, and long-range infrastructure needs
Ensures operational decisions and service delivery are aligned with the best interests of the membership
Represents the cooperative in the local community to support awareness of operational goals and member service initiatives
Competencies
Strategic Thinking: Aligns operations with cooperative mission and long-term goals.
Leadership & Team Development: Proven ability to inspire, develop, and lead high-performing teams.
Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of electric utility systems, engineering principles, and broadband infrastructure.
Financial Management: Skilled in managing multimillion-dollar budgets and long-range capital planning.
Regulatory & Safety Compliance : Strong understanding of electric utility regulations and workplace safety standards.
Problem Solving: Analytical decision-making to address operational challenges and implement practical solutions.
Communication : Excellent written and verbal communication with team members, the Board, and the membership.
Change Management: Leads modernization and process improvements effectively.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in electric utility operations and engineering; cooperative experience strongly preferred
In-depth knowledge of electric distribution systems, construction standards, and system planning
Experience with fiber optic networks and broadband infrastructure a plus
Demonstrated experience in leading storm recovery or emergency operational responses in utility settings, with ability to manage 24/7 demands during crisis events
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or eligibility preferred
Proficiency in utility-specific software systems, including GIS, SCADA, OMS, and AMI
Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and evolving utility environment
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be available for emergency response during outages
Job Details
Seniority level: Executive
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Management and Manufacturing
Industries: Utilities
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Northeast Oklahoma Electric Cooperative by 2x
Get notified about new Chief Operating Officer jobs in Vinita, OK.
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr