Director Operations - PA Operations - State College Service Center

FirstEnergy; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company seeks a Director to oversee 24/7 electric utility operations in a designated service area. You will lead distribution line operations, manage budgets, capital projects, and regulatory compliance, while building strong relationships with regulators, customers, and staff.

You will direct managers and staff, drive safety and continuous improvement, and coordinate with engineering and operations teams to ensure reliable, cost-effective electricity delivery.

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, and regulatory environments.
• Strong leadership, financial, and technical acumen.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and manage labor relations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee 24/7 electric utility operations for a designated service area.
• Lead T&D construction and maintenance programs with safety focus.
• Develop and execute budgets, capital plans, and capital project execution.
• Coach and develop managers, supervisors, and staff.
• Ensure regulatory, environmental, and reliability compliance.
• Collaborate with union leadership and stakeholders to support excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement and workforce planning.
• Oversee contractor performance and resource allocation.

Skills

Strategic decision-making

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Change management

Regulatory compliance

Relationship building

Communication

Problem solving

Independent judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA

PE license

Job description

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