Chief Operating Officer

Decatur Utilities; Decatur (AL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Decatur Utilities is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead Electric, Natural Gas, Water, and Wastewater operations from our Main Office. You will report to the General Manager and steer daily operations, safety, and service reliability across all utilities.

The role requires 10+ years in progressive utility leadership, strong communication, and a commitment to DU's values: Safety, Customer Focus, Integrity, Dedication, and Innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive utility operations experience.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Leadership aligned with DU values.

Responsibilities

• Lead with vision and integrity, ensuring safe and reliable delivery of essential services.
• Mentor teams across Electric, Gas, Water, and Wastewater, helping people grow.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability.
• Oversee capital projects and long term planning to prepare DU for future growth.
• Drive innovation, embracing new technology and ideas that benefit both employees and customers.
• Work closely with the GM/CEO to advance DU's mission and long term strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Integrity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Chief Operating Officer

Department: Management

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Main Office

Reporting To: General Manager

Description

At Decatur Utilities (DU), we believe in the Power in Community. As a locally owned and operated utility, we proudly deliver electric service to more than 27,000 customers, natural gas service to over 13,000 customers, water service to over 26,000 customers, and wastewater service to more than 21,000 customers. Our mission goes beyond keeping the lights on or water flowing; it's about improving lives, strengthening our community, and building a brighter future together.

We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our leadership team and guide the daily operations of our Electric, Natural Gas, Water, and Wastewater services. Reporting to the General Manager / CEO, this position plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and quality of the services that impact every home, business, and school in Decatur.

This is more than a job; it's a chance to lead with our values: Safety, Customer Focus, Integrity, Dedication, and Innovation. We're looking for a leader who embodies the traits of being Humble, Hungry, and Smart, someone who understands that people and culture drive success just as much as systems and infrastructure.

What You'll Do

• Lead with vision and integrity, ensuring safe and reliable delivery of essential services.
• Support and mentor teams across Electric, Gas, Water, and Wastewater, helping people grow while keeping our community strong.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability where employees thrive.
• Oversee capital projects and long term planning to prepare DU for future growth.
• Drive innovation, embracing new technology and ideas that benefit both our employees and customers.
• Work closely with the GM/CEO to advance DU's mission and long term strategy.

What We're Looking For

• A leader with at least 10 years of progressive utility operations experience.
• A strong communicator who values collaboration and integrity.
• Proven ability to guide teams through both day to day operations and big picture strategy.
• A leader aligned with DU's values and committed to serving the people of Decatur.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.

Why DU?

At DU, you're not just working for a utility; you're serving your neighbors, family, and friends. This is a unique opportunity to:

• Lead in an organization that’s community owned, mission driven, and people focused.
• Shape the future of essential services in Decatur.
• Be part of a leadership team that values integrity, teamwork, and innovation.
• Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits in a role that makes a difference.