General Manager- Lakeland Electric

City of Lakeland; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lakeland seeks a highly experienced executive to serve as General Manager of its municipal electric utility. The role directs all operations, strategy, finance, and regulatory compliance to deliver reliable, cost-efficient service to customers.

The General Manager reports to the City Manager, oversees senior leadership, negotiates major contracts, and leads initiatives for long-term financial sustainability, system resilience, and stakeholder engagement.

Job description

General Description Of Class

This is highly responsible executive leadership work, directing the operations of a municipal electric utility. Work involves broad strategic, operational, financial, and technical responsibilities. The General Manager serves as the chief executive of the municipal electric utility, operating under authority delegated by the City Manager. The position is accountable for ensuring reliable, cost-effective utility services; maintaining regulatory compliance; achieving long-term financial sustainability; and advancing strategic initiatives to meet current and future customer needs. Performance is evaluated based on operational effectiveness, fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and achievement of strategic objectives. The City Manager reviews the employee's performance to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of departmental operations in conformance with established goals and policies.

General Description Of Class

This is highly responsible executive leadership work, directing the operations of a municipal electric utility. Work involves broad strategic, operational, financial, and technical responsibilities. The General Manager serves as the chief executive of the municipal electric utility, operating under authority delegated by the City Manager. The position is accountable for ensuring reliable, cost-effective utility services; maintaining regulatory compliance; achieving long-term financial sustainability; and advancing strategic initiatives to meet current and future customer needs. Performance is evaluated based on operational effectiveness, fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and achievement of strategic objectives. The City Manager reviews the employee's performance to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of departmental operations in conformance with established goals and policies.

Essential Functions

• Directs all activities of the utility system, including customer service, power generation, transmission, distribution, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Develops and implements long-range strategic plans to ensure system reliability, resiliency, and capacity to meet customer demand.
• Establishes performance metrics and ensures continuous improvement in operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Oversees emergency preparedness, system restoration, and crisis management activities.
• Develops, administers, and monitors the annual operating and capital improvement budgets.
• Ensures sound financial management practices, including revenue forecasting, expenditure control, and asset management.
• Reviews and oversees rate studies and recommends rate adjustments to ensure fiscal stability and competitiveness.
• Manages debt issuance, financial planning, and long-term capital investment strategies.
• Serves as the primary liaison between utility operations and the City Manager, Utility Committee, and City Commission.
• Prepares and delivers reports, presentations, and recommendations to governing bodies, the Utility Committee, and the City Manager.
• Represents the utility before regulatory agencies, community groups, industry organizations, and stakeholders.
• Maintains strong public trust through transparent communication and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Provides executive leadership and direct supervision to senior management and departmental leadership.
• Promotes a high-performance culture emphasizing accountability, professional development, and succession planning.
• Ensures a safe and inclusive work environment consistent with City policies and industry standards.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including but not limited to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and environmental requirements.
• Oversees audits, inspections, and compliance reporting requirements.
• Negotiates power purchase and sales agreements, fuel contracts, and major vendor relationships.
• Manages relationships with engineering firms, consultants, regional utilities, and energy market participants.
• Develops and maintains policies and procedures to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
• Establishes departmental goals, objectives, and performance standards.
• Ensures alignment with City policies