Electric Systems Manager

ElectriCities of North Carolina Inc.; Pineville (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ElectriCities of North Carolina Inc. is seeking an Electric Systems Manager to oversee the distribution systems for Cornelius and Pineville. This role involves strategic leadership, maintenance planning, and compliance with regulations.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in electric utility operations, demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, and have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. The position promotes a culture of teamwork and accountability.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility operations.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience managing teams.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead operation of the electric distribution system for Cornelius and Pineville.
• Establish best practices in utility operations.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop budgets and rate projections.

Skills

Electric utility operations

System operations

Team management

Communication skills

Project planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams)

Job description

Overview

ElectriCities of North Carolina operates the distribution system for the Towns of Cornelius and Pineville under an operating agreement. The Electric Systems Manager leads the operation of these systems under the provisions of this operating agreement. Responsibilities include advising stakeholders on strategic direction, establishing and maintaining best practices in utility operations, administering all relevant contracts, directing system construction and maintenance, and safeguarding financial integrity through effective rate management and asset protection.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a leader and strategic advisor on the operation of the electric distribution system for both Cornelius and Pineville through the following:
  • Establishing, maintaining, and monitoring practices aligned with a best‑in‑class public power utility;
  • Leading normal and routine distribution system operations, including maintenance planning, construction scheduling, and meter reading, to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation;
  • Directing materials procurement and inventory to ensure sustained and consistent operations;
  • Hire, develop, and lead staff while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Promotes a positive culture of open communication, teamwork, accountability, and trust across the organization.
• Works closely with town leadership and ElectriCities to establish strategic direction for each town.
• Collaborates with key stakeholders to develop annual budgets and retail rate projections for each town.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements electric distribution system projects and funding sources.
• Demonstrates political acumen and communicates effectively with municipal officials and the public.
• Promotes and serves as an education resource for ElectriCities programs and services.
• Tracks legislative developments that could affect the towns and advises on compliance strategies.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with Duke Energy, local cooperatives including Energy United, and other ElectriCities members.
• Ensures adherence to all federal, state, and local laws, regulations and reporting requirements, including compliance with North Carolina governmental accounting practices, procurement law, electric system reliability standards and debt issuance compliance.
• Provides comprehensive technical, administrative, and supervisory oversight for daily operations of the division’s operations centers to include all personnel‑related matters.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility operations and management, including electric distribution operations (system operations, construction, engineering, and maintenance).
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience to include managing teams, coaching and developing staff, and overseeing performance management, accountability, and results.
• Ability to balance and lead both strategic planning and tactical execution.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate technical information and communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences.
• Strong relationship‑building, collaboration, and negotiation skills, with the ability to achieve win‑win outcomes for all stakeholders.
• Experience planning and executing electric distribution or infrastructure projects, including scope development, scheduling, budgeting, resource coordination, and progress tracking.
• Computer proficiency required, including experience with Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams.