Vice President of Utility Operations

Caliber Engineering Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 194,000 - 302,300; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Chicago is seeking a Vice President of Utility Operations to drive strategic vision and operational excellence. You will oversee high-impact projects, lead cross-functional teams, and engage with clients and stakeholders. The ideal candidate should possess extensive experience in utility operations, exceptional leadership skills, and a strong understanding of industry regulations. Join us to shape the future of utility operations and make a transformative impact.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive experience in utility operations or power distribution.
• At least 7 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale, high-budget projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a long-term operational strategy for utility operations.
• Oversee utility project execution from planning to delivery.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Client Relationship Management

Risk Management

Innovation

Education

Undergraduate degree in Engineering or Business Administration

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

MS Project

Power BI

Primavera

Job description

Join to apply for the Vice President of Utility Operations role at Caliber Engineering Solutions

Join to apply for the Vice President of Utility Operations role at Caliber Engineering Solutions

At Caliber Engineering Solutions, we specialize in offering streamlined solutions to the challenges faced by companies in the utility and power distribution industries. We achieve this by blending engineering expertise, efficient project management, and a commitment to continuous process improvement to ensure top-tier power system solutions.

As the Vice President of Utility Operations, you will be a key member of our executive leadership team, shaping the strategic direction of our utility operations and ensuring the delivery of high-impact projects that position Caliber as an industry leader.

Your Role asVice President of Utility Operations

As the Vice President of Utility Operations, you will provide executive leadership and strategic oversight for all utility and power distribution operations, driving organizational growth, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction. You will oversee a portfolio of high-stakes projects, lead cross-functional teams, and foster strategic partnerships to advance Caliber’s mission. Your key responsibilities include:

Strategic Vision and Leadership: Develop and implement a long-term operational strategy for utility operations, aligning with Caliber’s business objectives and driving market expansion in the utility and power distribution sectors.

Executive Oversight: Oversee all aspects of utility project execution, from planning and permitting to engineering, procurement, construction, and delivery, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry standards.

Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of directors, project managers, and technical staff, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and professional growth.

Client and Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with key clients, utilities, regulatory bodies, and industry partners, serving as the senior point of contact for high-level negotiations and issue resolution.

Risk Management and Compliance: Proactively identify and mitigate operational, financial, and regulatory risks, ensuring all projects adhere to safety, environmental, and industry regulations.

Innovation and Process Optimization: Champion the adoption of advanced technologies, data-driven decision-making, and innovative processes to enhance operational efficiency and project outcomes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with other executive leaders (e.g., VP of Finance, CTO) to align utility operations with company-wide strategies, including resource allocation, technology integration, and process improvements.

Business Development: Collaborate with senior leadership to identify new business opportunities, develop competitive proposals, and secure high-value contracts with utilities and clients.

Performance Metrics and Reporting: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational success, providing regular updates to the CEO and board on progress, challenges, and strategic recommendations.

The Ideal Candidate

We seek a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading utility operations at a senior level, with the vision to drive Caliber’s growth in a competitive industry. As the ideal candidate, you will:

• Possess deep expertise in utility or power distribution operations, with a strategic understanding of industry trends, regulatory landscapes, and emerging technologies.
• Demonstrate exceptional leadership, with a history of building and scaling high-performing teams in fast-paced, growth-oriented environments.
• Excel in fostering strategic client relationships, with a proven ability to secure and expand major contracts while maintaining trust and satisfaction.
• Be adept at managing complex, large-scale projects, balancing strategic oversight with operational execution to deliver measurable results.
• Lead with a growth mindset, embracing innovation and driving continuous improvement in processes, technologies, and team performance.
• Communicate with clarity and influence, engaging diverse stakeholders, from technical teams to C-suite executives and external partners.
• Thrive in a dynamic startup environment, adapting to evolving priorities while maintaining a focus on long-term objectives.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; an advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MS in Engineering) is highly preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in utility operations, power distribution, or related fields, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director, VP, or equivalent).
• Proven track record of managing large-scale, high-budget projects, with expertise in budgeting, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Advanced proficiency in project management and operational tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Power BI) and familiarity with data analytics for decision-making.
• Deep knowledge of utility industry regulations, safety standards, and compliance requirements, including experience with utilities in power distribution or similar organizations.
• Ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Preferred Experience

• Extensive experience leading operations for utilities or power distribution companies, with a focus on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Professional certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Engineer (PE), or equivalent leadership credentials.
• Demonstrated success in driving digital transformation or implementing innovative technologies in utility operations.
• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment, with a track record of scaling operations and building organizational capabilities.
• Established network of industry contacts within utilities, regulatory bodies, or related sectors.

Why Join Caliber?

As the Vice President of Utility Operations, you will have a transformative impact on Caliber Engineering Solutions, leading our utility operations to new heights in a dynamic, growth-driven startup. You’ll shape our strategic vision, empower our teams, and deliver innovative solutions that redefine the utility industry. Join us to lead with purpose, drive sustainable growth, and build a legacy of excellence.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Utilities

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