Vice President – Gas Operations

find-talent; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus program

Pension plan

Job summary

FindTalent is seeking a Vice President – Gas Operations to lead a large-scale natural gas distribution and pipeline organization with enterprise-wide accountability for operational excellence and risk management. The role focuses on safety, reliability, regulatory compliance, and the transition toward lower-carbon solutions.

The successful candidate will partner with executives, regulators, labor organizations, and community stakeholders to modernize and optimize performance across

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience in utility or infrastructure operations.
• Proven track record with regulated operations and risk management.
• Strong communication with senior leadership, regulators, and labor groups.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for gas operations aligned with corporate vision.
• Lead long-term operation and modernization of gas assets and pipelines.
• Drive safety-first culture with accountability and continuous learning.
• Build and lead a high-performing workforce across jurisdictions.
• Partner with labor relations to maintain productive union relationships.
• Establish governance and metrics to manage risk and costs.
• Oversee emergency preparedness, regulatory compliance, and incidents.

Skills

Executive leadership

Regulatory experience

Safety culture

Strategic thinking

Communication with boards

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

MBA preferred

Job description

Description:

FindTalent is supporting the search for a Vice President – Gas Operations to lead the safe, reliable, and forward-looking operation of a large-scale natural gas distribution and pipeline organization. This executive role carries enterprise-wide accountability for operational excellence, risk management, workforce leadership, and the transition toward lower‑carbon energy solutions.

The successful leader will balance safety, reliability, regulatory compliance, and cost management while driving cultural alignment, modernization, and continuous improvement across geographically dispersed operations. This position partners closely with executive leadership, regulators, labor organizations, and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and communicate strategic direction for gas operations aligned with corporate vision and values
• Lead long-term operation, maintenance, and modernization of gas distribution and pipeline assets
• Drive a strong safety-first culture with accountability, engagement, and continuous learning
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing operational workforce across multiple jurisdictions
• Partner with labor relations to maintain productive, collaborative union relationships
• Establish governance, controls, and performance metrics to manage operational and financial risk
• Oversee emergency preparedness, incident response, and regulatory compliance programs
• Lead portfolio and project management efforts with strong budget discipline and execution rigor
• Foster innovation to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance system reliability
• Communicate performance expectations clearly and hold leaders accountable for results
• Build trust-based relationships with regulators, policymakers, and external stakeholders

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, business, or related field (MBA preferred)
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within utility, energy, or infrastructure operations
• Proven executive-level experience managing complex, regulated operations
• Strong understanding of financial, regulatory, and operational risk management
• Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, productivity, and organizational performance
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with executive presence
• Experience working directly with boards, regulators, and labor leadership

Preferred Experience

• Leadership of large, geographically dispersed teams (500+ employees)
• Direct interaction with federal and state regulatory agencies
• Experience leading organizations through modernization or transformation initiatives
• Proven ability to develop leaders and build succession pipelines multiple levels deep
• Track record managing major incidents, emergency response, and compliance programs
• Strong people-first leadership style with calm decision‑making under pressure
• Relationship‑driven approach with communities, regulators, and policymakers

Additional Information

• Executive role with broad enterprise influence
• High visibility with senior leadership and external stakeholders
• Mission‑critical focus on safety, reliability, and public trust
• Comprehensive executive benefits and incentive programs

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of essential energy infrastructure, lead large-scale operational teams, and drive meaningful progress in safety, performance, and clean energy transition—while making a lasting impact on customers and communities across multiple states.