GENERAL MANAGER, RICHMOND POWER & LIGHT
POSITION DESCRIPTION
RICHMOND POWER & LIGHT
POSITION:General Manager
DEPARTMENT: Electric
WORK SCHEDULE: As assigned
JOB CATEGORY:Executive
DATE WRITTEN:August 14, 2014
DATE REVISED:
STATUS:Full time
FLSA STATUS:Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY:
Incumbent serves as the chief executive forRichmond Power & Lightand is directly accountable to the Richmond Power & Light Board of Directors. The General Manager has responsibility and delegatedauthority to plan, direct, and control the management and operation of Richmond Power & Lightin all respects, including the requirements for and costs of any support services that are provided by other departments of the City. The General Manager is expected to ensure that customers are well-served, that the Utility is fiscally sound, that the electric utility system is safe and functional, that regulatory and legal requirements are met, and that the workforce iscapable and committed tohigh levels of performance and service. The General Manager is also expected to preserve and enhance the value of the electric utility system infrastructure through planned capital improvements and replacements, while achieving efficient and cost-effective system operation, resulting in a high quality product and a high level of customer satisfaction
The General Manager directsand coordinates the work of and is accountable for the outcomes of all functional groups within the Richmond Power & Light organization, including: 1) transmission and distribution field operations, 2) technology services, 3) system operations, 4) engineering services, and 5) business services. The General Manager has three (3) directly reporting senior managersand one Executive Secretary/Administrative Assistant. The General Manager coordinates services and resources with other utility and City departments, maintaining cooperative working relationships. The General Manager engages regularly with and takes a leadership role, potentially as a board member, in the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) on matters related to power supply, transmission, and other member services. The General Manager also relates to a wide range of electric utility organizations and regulatory agencies at the state, local, and federal levels.
JOB DUTIES:
Reports to and supportsthe Board of Directors. Works closely with the RP&L Board of Directors to whom the position is accountable, by providingroutine performance monitoring information and recommendations with supporting data to guide the Board in its policy-making and decision-making role.Keeps the Board informed on all aspects of the utility industry and municipal utility management and researches improved governance and management policies and methods for possible implementation. Keeps the Board informed on all important developments which may affect the Utility.
Sets direction for current and future RP&Loperations. In collaboration with the Board, accomplishes strategic planning, long-range financial planning, and annual work planning and budgeting. Sets vision,mission, and strategic objectives for Richmond Power & Light. Determines goals and priorities for the entire organizationand, in consultation with thedepartment managers, for each functional area, all inalignmentwith Board approvedstrategic direction and policy and responsive to customer and stakeholder needs and input.
Manages RP&L finances, weighing trade-offs between cost and performance. Acts as chief fiscal officer of RP&L, responsible for capital and operational budgeting, budget compliance, and reporting of financial condition and transactions in compliance with legal requirements and accepted industry practices. Oversees, reports, and advises the Board on the financial condition of the Utility. Oversees the planning and implementation of capital improvements to the RP&L system. Oversees the conduct of cost of service and rate studies and recommends rate changes and schedules for Board approval.
Provides leadership across the organization. Sets an example of personal integrity and ethical work practices which provide a standard of conduct for all RP&L employees. Works to develop leaders at all levels and in all areas of the organization. Recognizes performance problems, consults withdepartment managers and others, and acts decisively to cause corrective actions as needed. Maintains a favorable working culture in and among all departments that is consistent with the organization’s espoused core values. Represents RP&L as a visible leader in the community and state, maintaining liaison with business and industry, other municipalities and state government, community organizations, and activities that may affect the interests of customers and employees.
Ensures effective on-going operation and maintenance of Richmond Power & Light. Tracks performance data and evaluates user satisfaction on an on-going basis to continuously improve technological and system performance. Monitors, on a continuing basis, the organization, its management, and the services being provided by the various departments to determine whether results are being achieved as planned. Oversees the assignment and execution of work within schedule and budget, ensuring work is well-planned and effectively carried out and work tasks are distributed appropriately.
Organizes and managestheworkforce. Plans and defines the organization for RP&L management which will assure a coordinated effort to achieve the direction set by the Board of Directors. In collaboration with the department managers, manages supervisors and employees through recruiting and hiring, performance management, skill and knowledge development, and reporting relationships to ensure capable well-trained workforce within established budgetary constraints.
Plans and coordinates the organization and management of all departments within RP&L, all personnel, equipment and facilities to assure the desired level of service is being provided on a basis which commands the respect of the community and its employees. In cooperation with RP&L’s Director of Human Resources, plans, develops, and directs personnel programs, policies, and procedures which will encourage the development of full work potential and work interests of each employee.
Provides direction and counsel to the Board in negotiations of labor contracts, or mediation of grievances and/or misunderstandingsconcerning wages, hours and conditions of employment, etc. Oversees all aspects of personnel administration as applied to RP&L employees, including union contracts, wage/salary and performance planning/ review programs as approved by the Board.
Transmission and Distribution Oversight. Executive oversight of the transmission and distribution systems of RP&L, ensuring that planning, equipment, maintenance, and construction are sufficient to deliver high quality power and energy both now and in the future.
Technology Services Oversight. Executive oversight of the technologies and services that support RP&Land ensuring equipment, technology, software systems, and other services are adequate to the needs of the organization. Ensures that future technologies are researched and adopted in a cost effective way that supports improved operations and customer service.
System Operations Oversight. Executive oversight of electric system operations, ensuring public safety and safe employee work practices, high reliability, prompt response to customer calls and abnormal conditions, and effective operational load forecasting and record keeping.
Engineering Services Oversight. Executive oversight of engineering, ensuringadequate and effective long-range forecasting, system analysis and planning,system design and standards, and effective use of work order management and mapping systems.
Business Services Oversight. Executive oversight of all business functions that support the operation of RP&L, including human resources, materials management, financial and budget management systems and activities. Also oversees outward facing functions like key customer account management, regulatory compliance, and business development.
JOB FACTORS:
I.Knowledge and Skills (measures the level of knowledge and skills required to perform the activities of the position)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business administration or engineering. An emphasis of a Masters of Business or Engineering plus.
Considerable knowledge of modern policies and practices of management.
Working knowledge of finance and accounting, including utility financial management and accounting theory, principles, and practices. Skill in preparing and managing budgets; skill in planning, directing and managing utility related programs.
Ability to prepare and analyze comprehensive operation and financial reports.
Working knowledge of human resources, including employee collective bargaining processes and practices, as well as union contract negotiation, interpretation, and administration. Skill in negotiation and conflict resolution sufficient to successfully resolve inter-group differences and disagreements on technology or personnel issues.
Working knowledge of operations and safety as related to an electric transmission and distribution and all other functions related to the operation ofRichmond Power & Light.
Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to the planning, maintenance and operation of a municipal electric system.
Ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, City officials, regulatory agencies, customers, and the public.
Working knowledge of computer and management information systems; ability to effectively use personal computers and smart phones, as well as related software applications for business purposes.
Comprehensive understanding and knowledge of internal control procedures, management information systems, and computerized financial applications. Sufficient technical knowledge and depth of experience to make wise decisions on technology strategy, design, purchase, and implementation.
Knowledge of all major equipment and operating systems sufficient to be able to overseeall functional areas of RP&L.
Understanding of how to operate within a municipal government environment and in alignment with City policies and guidelines.
Good at problem solving, including in a constrained economic and political work environment.
Sufficient working knowledge of regional power supply and transmission systems, as well as Richmond Power & Light’s local transmission and distribution systems to be able to provide sufficient technical support in the areas of responsibility named above.
Knowledge of project planning, scheduling, and other aspects ofproject management.
Deep understanding of how to manage and guide a technical workforce to achieve set goals and execute effectively on work plans.
II. Impact. (measures the impact of the results of decisions and actions and the extent to which the position can influence or affect results)
Management impact. This position determines the goals and priorities for Richmond Power & Light. Investigating, selecting, and implementing new technologies has a major impact on the long-term viability of RP&L, itsoperational efficiency, and how customers are served. Must manage trade-offs between technological and system advances with cost control.
Customer impact. Richmond Power & Light serves approximately 21,000 customers, making it one of the largest municipal electric utilities in the State of Indiana.The quality of leadership in this position, significantly impacts customers, their experience and satisfaction with RP&L and its products and services. Customer impact is especially significant when that customer is a major employer.
Operational impact. Ensures that all systems embedded in the day to day functionality of RP&L are operationally effective and well-maintained. Failure to plan for and operate with a high degree of reliability and safety can result in imminent threats to human life and widespread economic and social disruption.
Community impact. Has significant impact on customers’ and the general public’s view of RP&L. Is involved with other City leaders in economic and/or community development which impacts the well-being of the greater Richmond area.
Statewide impact. Through leadership participation in IMPA representing IMPA’s second largest member, significantly impacts long-range planning, plan execution, and operation of critical electric generation and transmission infrastructure supporting municipal electric systems throughout the State of Indiana.
Financial impact. Because Richmond Power & Light is one of the key sources of income for the City of Richmond, the financial viability of RP&L directly impacts the overall City government finances. Through the process of rate setting, customers are financially impacted by decisions made as well as by the efficiency of the operation. Annual revenues for Richmond Power & Light exceed $80 million (2013).
Employee impact. This position is responsible for the oversight of approximately 101 employees. The General Manager ensures equitable treatment of all employees and works to develop the skills and knowledge needed for current operation and for the future. Employees are impacted by RP&L’s ability to generate revenue sufficient to maintain a skilled, well-trained workforce.
- Complexity and Difficulty (defines the major program areas for which the position is accountable; level of decision making; short-termversus long-term planning; and supervisory responsibility.)
Responsible for short and long term planning and decisions, including projecting future RP&L and customer needs sometimes, necessarily, based on incomplete data.
Oversees a broad array of technical and complex arenas, and must adjudicate among competing demands for limited budgets.
Oversees the full spectrum of technical and business functions within RP&L, ensuring that the overall goals are met, while balancing the varied needs of individual departments and meeting the varying expectations of customers and the public.
Responsible for risk management across an organization that operates with high exposure to risk (critical infrastructure and other regulatory risk, financial risk, and operating risk).
IV.Relationships. (measures the need for the ability to meet and deal effectively with people.)
Participates directly in IMPA as a leader, member representative, and potential governing board member/officer. Relationships with a wide range of utility entities, including power providers, utility commissions, and other utilities in the region.
Interfaces with all groups and all levels within RP&Las well as with other City utilities and departments.
Relationships with the public citizenry of Richmond and surrounding areas, building a sense of confidence in the utility and services it provides.
Significant relationships with key community leaders, especially in the area of economic and community development.
Direct relationships with key industrial and commercial customers and indirect, but significant, relationships with all customers.
Relationships with other electric utilities leaders and utility organizations in the region and across the nation, including the Indiana Municipal Electric Association and the American Public Power Association.
In all relationships must be able to build rapport, gain trust, communicate effectively, understand varied constituent interests and issues, and work through problems while maintaining a positive relationship. Understands the importance of maintaining close relationships within RP&L, the City of Richmond, with customers, with the community, and with all other stakeholders.
PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee is frequently required to drive a car on utility business to attend meetings and other events within the RP&L service area and at out-of-town locations including state offices, IMPA, offices and other locations.
The employee is frequently required to walk and stand, including non-office visits to electric substations, electric line rights-of-way, field construction sites, and customer premises.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. The normal work setting is an office environment with good footing, low noise levels, air conditioning, and consistent general and task illumination levels. The work environment for non-office visits may expose the employee to uneven footing, exposure to noise, uneven illumination levels, and exposure to natural elements such as extreme temperatures and inclement weather. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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