Work & Asset Management Manager

Position Description Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle’s electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. City Light has an exciting opening for an enterprise manager to provide leadership, management and accountability for its Asset Management & Data Services program and team of 7 dedicated, full‑time employees. The position directs and oversees the development and implementation of an enterprise asset management program that includes: developing, implementing and improving SCL’s asset management framework and policies; driving the asset management value, purpose, goals, objectives and long‑term outcomes across the utility; implementing standardized processes to plan, design, construct, maintain and track assets; developing and maintaining asset management plans and investment portfolios that align with City Light’s strategic goals and priorities; working collaboratively to incorporate grid modernization and new technology solutions in asset management planning and strategy development; and championing and influencing department culture and processes to support coordinated asset‑related decision‑making and investments. A fundamental goal of asset management & data services is to standardize and enhance data collection, improve access to asset information, and provide robust reporting capabilities that inform work and resource planning for frontline employees, management, project managers and other key stakeholders across the utility. Since asset management is a key component to City Light’s overall planning efforts, this position will help advise on how to implement more strategic and integrated enterprise planning efforts across the utility that includes asset management and capital prioritizations. The Asset Management & Data Services Manager reports to the Director of Project Delivery. Job Responsibilities Provide leadership, management and accountability to fully plan for the ongoing maintenance, repair, replacement and acquisition of City Light capital assets utilizing best practice asset management concepts, strategies, tools and techniques. Develop and implement asset policies (maintenance/rehabilitation/replacement) and specific Asset Master Plans to support and improve reliability metrics as well as electrification, resilience and sustainability goals. Facilitate and guide decisions that advance the forward evolution, modernization, and automation of City Light’s transmission, distribution and generation assets and systems. Develop full life-cycle costing for asset replacement, with a particular focus on strategic options analyses that incorporate forward-looking, non-traditional options to maximize reliability, minimize future costs and drive electrification, resilience and sustainability goals. Analyze condition assessment data to deliver recommendations for rehabilitation or replacement for Asset Master Plans (e.g., Substations, Undergrounding, Facilities & Fleets) to meet core operational needs and longer-term strategic goals and priorities. Provide direction for a multi-disciplinary team in collecting, maintaining, managing and disseminating asset condition information, including procedural oversight of asset creation and retirement within the utility’s Work and Asset Management System. Plan, direct, and lead the work of the Asset Management team such as: assigning work activities and coordinating schedules, projects, and programs; providing constructive feedback, mentorship, coaching and employee development; reviewing and evaluating work and performance; coordinating and/or providing staff training and learning opportunities. Collaborate with engineering, project delivery, operations, finance and risk and regulatory oversight teams to inform and recommend project prioritizations, annual work planning, staff resource loading, and budget development. Develop and administer the Asset Management program budget by monitoring expenditures against plan; identifying and reconciling budget anomalies; monitoring and revising schedules, expenditures and assignments as warranted; and recommending and reviewing performance metrics. Develop and maintain team relationships with internal and external clients, including managers, supervisors, program and project managers, customers and local agencies to maximize safety, productivity, open and continuing communications and achievement of work objectives. Serve as a primary business owner/business lead for the utility’s asset management software, that include business process design, system planning and implementation, change management and employee training, knowledge transfer, and ongoing support. Work an average of 2 days a week in office with hybrid telework options. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering, finance, business administration, public administration, or related field. Eight years of experience in strategic asset management or related business processes, including experience in managing complex projects/programs across disciplines and six years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Advanced knowledge of strategic asset management concepts, strategies, planning collaboration, tools and techniques acquired through advanced education and hands‑on application in a real‑world setting. Familiarity with pertinent policies, procedures, rules and regulations to maintaining electric utility assets infrastructure consistent with reliability, safety, affordability and environmental standards. Advanced principles and practices of program/project development, administration and management, along with techniques and principles. Translating project/program requirements into project objectives and tasks, managing task assignment to project resources and reporting on and managing project scope throughout the lifecycle. Supervisory principles, methods and techniques; managing, developing and coaching staff. Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies. Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to clearly explain complex asset management concepts and outcomes to a wide audience, both orally and in writing. Strong leadership skills to influence others and move toward a common vision across functional teams. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public. Demonstrated understanding of information technology system project management, a working knowledge of asset management best practices, and most importantly, experience with how people use information systems to support business processes that align with the strategic goals of an organization. Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions and implementing recommendations in support of goals. Demonstrating strong interpersonal techniques and a consistent commitment and ability to work with diverse work groups and individuals. Public speaking, developing and delivering presentations, presenting ideas and concepts orally and in writing. Working in a complex environment, managing multiple tasks, setting objectives/goals, and re‑prioritizing as needed. Desired Qualifications Experience in utility management, operations, or engineering. Proficient knowledge of electric utility operations protocols and best practices, including knowledge of electrical systems and equipment. Working knowledge of grid and generation automation and modernization concepts. Experience in working with asset management and reliability-centered maintenance programs. Demonstrated experience with business process redesign and performance metrics leading to operational and process improvements. Experience with planning, configuration and implementation of asset and work management systems and practices. Experience working with and managing a union labor force. Emergency Response Commitment Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most. Additional Information The full salary range for this position is $61.90 to $92.84 per hour. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences. Background Check Job offers are contingent on verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information. Benefits The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City’s website. #J-18808-Ljbffr Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education