Director Operations - PA Operations - State College Service Center

Job description

Director, Utility Operations – FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company Location: State College, PA

Position Summary

The Director oversees 24/7 electric utility operations for a designated service area, leading distribution line operations. This role is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of electricity while ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting long-term operational sustainability. Key responsibilities include managing T&D construction and maintenance programs, partnering with engineering and operations teams, overseeing emergency response activities, managing capital and O&M budgets, leading capital project execution, and maintaining relationships with regulators, public officials, customers, and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and promote a strong culture of safety, compliance, inclusion, and accountability. Manage utility operations, maintenance, construction, and reliability performance. Develop and execute operational strategies, budgets, and capital improvement plans. Lead, coach, and develop managers, supervisors, and staff. Ensure regulatory, environmental, and reliability compliance. Collaborate with union leadership and stakeholders to support operational excellence.

Drive continuous improvement, workforce planning, and process standardization. Oversee contractor performance and resource allocation.

Leadership Competencies Operational Expertise Change Leadership Strategic Thinking Execution & Accountability Communication & Collaboration Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; MBA or PE preferred. 10+ years of progressive electric utility experience, including
• 5+ years in management.

Experience in utility operations, construction, engineering, transmission/distribution, or related functions. Strong leadership, financial, and technical acumen. Proven ability to lead large teams, manage labor relations, and drive organizational change. Preferred Knowledge Utility operations, engineering, maintenance, and system planning. Regulatory, environmental, and reliability requirements. Budgeting, capital planning, and contract management.

Labor relations and collective bargaining administration. Strategic planning, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Skills

Strategic and analytical decision-making Leadership and change management Regulatory and operational compliance Relationship building and communication Problem solving and independent judgment