Director Operations - PA Operations - State College Service Center
- Company: FirstEnergy
- Location: State College, PA, United States
- Work mode: On-site
- Job type: Full-Time
- Posted: 2026-08-18
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