Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU)
Chief Operating Officer
Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU), Kansas City, Kansas, United States, 66115
Join to apply for the
Chief Operating Officer
role at
Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU)
For more than 100 years, the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has provided safe, dependable water and electric services across Wyandotte County. As a non‑profit public utility, we are fully committed to serving our customers and the community as a whole. It’s more than simply providing a service. It’s a commitment to a better quality of life. That’s why BPU has been recognized as one of the top public utilities in the country. That’s the Power of Community.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
The salary range for this position is
$264,963 – $331,204 , and the final offer will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications as they relate to the role.
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package. To learn more about our benefits, click here to visit our benefits website.
Duties and Responsibilities
Support the General Manager in advising the Board on safe and effective operational policies by staying attuned to community needs and ensuring the utility adapts to evolving customer expectations. *
Oversee the development, operation, and maintenance of power plants and manage electric power procurement through regional RTO interconnects to ensure availability at competitive costs. Ensure reliable delivery by supervising the utility’s electric transmission and distribution systems. *
Provide cost‑effective water services by managing the development and operation of water treatment and distribution facilities. *
Lead the development and management of annual operating and capital improvement budgets for assigned departments, ensuring alignment with cost‑of‑service models for electric and water utilities. *
Lead continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging industry benchmarking to enhance business processes and optimize resource allocation. *
Ensure effective organizational structure and staffing, supporting management continuity and workforce planning. *
Collaborate with regulatory agencies to align goals and standards. Oversee timely preparation of regulatory and internal performance reports to support decision‑making. *
Represent the utility in professional organizations and with local, state, and federal agencies regarding regulations, grants, and operational procedures. *
Maintain current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, recommending updates and ensuring compliance with safety, reliability, and environmental standards. *
Champion Equal Employment Opportunity through fair hiring, training, development, performance evaluation, and disciplinary practices to foster a motivated and empowered workforce. *
Denote essential function
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree is preferred).
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in utility operations, including electric and water services.
Proven leadership experience in a senior management role within a public utility or similar regulated industry.
Demonstrated experience managing a labor workforce, including IBEW or similar unions, with the ability to effectively navigate and resolve issues involving both union and non‑union employees.
Comprehensive expertise in electric power systems, water treatment and distribution operations, and regulatory compliance. Skilled in power procurement through RTOs, strategic planning, and performance‐driven execution. Proven ability to manage capital and operating budgets aligned with cost‑of‑service models.
Strong financial acumen with expertise in resource optimization, complex process management, and aligning operations with safety, financial, and business objectives through effective decision‑making and change leadership.
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a high‑performing, inclusive workforce through strategic organizational design, succession planning, and equitable talent management. Skilled in motivating teams, fostering collaboration, and maintaining accountability through exceptional communication and leadership.
Experienced in navigating local, state, and federal regulatory environments, preparing compliance documentation, and advising leadership on operational and community issues. Skilled in representing the utility in professional forums and public settings to advocate for customer needs and organizational interests.
In‑depth knowledge of organizational policies, safety standards, and environmental regulations, with a proven ability to evaluate and refine internal procedures to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
Must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Open Date: November 11, 2025
Applications will be reviewed beginning November 25, 2025.
Recruitment Agency Notice: We are not engaging external recruiting agencies for this position. Please do not forward resumes or contact our team regarding this role.
All BPU employees, at the inception of their employment, shall have a period of 12 months after employment begins to establish and maintain a legal primary residence within the legally defined boundaries of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS.
The Board of Public Utilities is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Utilities
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Chief Operating Officer
role at
Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU)
For more than 100 years, the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has provided safe, dependable water and electric services across Wyandotte County. As a non‑profit public utility, we are fully committed to serving our customers and the community as a whole. It’s more than simply providing a service. It’s a commitment to a better quality of life. That’s why BPU has been recognized as one of the top public utilities in the country. That’s the Power of Community.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
The salary range for this position is
$264,963 – $331,204 , and the final offer will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications as they relate to the role.
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package. To learn more about our benefits, click here to visit our benefits website.
Duties and Responsibilities
Support the General Manager in advising the Board on safe and effective operational policies by staying attuned to community needs and ensuring the utility adapts to evolving customer expectations. *
Oversee the development, operation, and maintenance of power plants and manage electric power procurement through regional RTO interconnects to ensure availability at competitive costs. Ensure reliable delivery by supervising the utility’s electric transmission and distribution systems. *
Provide cost‑effective water services by managing the development and operation of water treatment and distribution facilities. *
Lead the development and management of annual operating and capital improvement budgets for assigned departments, ensuring alignment with cost‑of‑service models for electric and water utilities. *
Lead continuous improvement initiatives by leveraging industry benchmarking to enhance business processes and optimize resource allocation. *
Ensure effective organizational structure and staffing, supporting management continuity and workforce planning. *
Collaborate with regulatory agencies to align goals and standards. Oversee timely preparation of regulatory and internal performance reports to support decision‑making. *
Represent the utility in professional organizations and with local, state, and federal agencies regarding regulations, grants, and operational procedures. *
Maintain current knowledge of organizational policies and procedures, recommending updates and ensuring compliance with safety, reliability, and environmental standards. *
Champion Equal Employment Opportunity through fair hiring, training, development, performance evaluation, and disciplinary practices to foster a motivated and empowered workforce. *
Denote essential function
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree is preferred).
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in utility operations, including electric and water services.
Proven leadership experience in a senior management role within a public utility or similar regulated industry.
Demonstrated experience managing a labor workforce, including IBEW or similar unions, with the ability to effectively navigate and resolve issues involving both union and non‑union employees.
Comprehensive expertise in electric power systems, water treatment and distribution operations, and regulatory compliance. Skilled in power procurement through RTOs, strategic planning, and performance‐driven execution. Proven ability to manage capital and operating budgets aligned with cost‑of‑service models.
Strong financial acumen with expertise in resource optimization, complex process management, and aligning operations with safety, financial, and business objectives through effective decision‑making and change leadership.
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain a high‑performing, inclusive workforce through strategic organizational design, succession planning, and equitable talent management. Skilled in motivating teams, fostering collaboration, and maintaining accountability through exceptional communication and leadership.
Experienced in navigating local, state, and federal regulatory environments, preparing compliance documentation, and advising leadership on operational and community issues. Skilled in representing the utility in professional forums and public settings to advocate for customer needs and organizational interests.
In‑depth knowledge of organizational policies, safety standards, and environmental regulations, with a proven ability to evaluate and refine internal procedures to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
Must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Open Date: November 11, 2025
Applications will be reviewed beginning November 25, 2025.
Recruitment Agency Notice: We are not engaging external recruiting agencies for this position. Please do not forward resumes or contact our team regarding this role.
All BPU employees, at the inception of their employment, shall have a period of 12 months after employment begins to establish and maintain a legal primary residence within the legally defined boundaries of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS.
The Board of Public Utilities is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
Seniority level
Executive
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Utilities
#J-18808-Ljbffr