Chief Executive Officer

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ute Energy Exploration and Marketing (UEEM) provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, financial management, and organizational direction to achieve the company's mission and long-term growth goals. The CEO leads planning, decision-making, and execution across all functions, including operations, sales, finance, staffing, compliance, and customer relationships, and is ultimately accountable for business performance, culture, risk management, and stakeholder outcomes. The CEO also ensures UEEM operates consistent with the values, priorities, and economic development objectives of the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray Reservation (Utah), including strong community relationships, culturally respectful engagement, and alignment with tribal policies, contracting expectations, and workforce goals. Key Responsibilities 1) Strategic Leadership & Business Growth Define and communicate the company's mission, vision, values, and long-term strategy in alignment with ownership goals. Establish annual and multi-year objectives, growth targets, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Identify and evaluate expansion opportunities (new markets, services, partnerships, or locations) supporting sustainable growth and tribal economic development priorities. Lead competitive analysis and positioning, and ensure strategic plans translate into measurable execution. 2) Tribal Alignment, Government-to-Government Awareness & Community Partnership Demonstrate respect for the sovereign status of the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray Reservation and the unique governance environment of tribal enterprises. Build and maintain professional relationships with Tribal leadership, designated departments, and tribal enterprise stakeholders. Ensure initiatives and major decisions reflect responsible community engagement, transparency, and long‑term trust‑building. Support tribal workforce development through training, mentorship, career pathways, and, where applicable, preferential hiring consistent with policy and law. Promote culturally respectful business practices across all employees, vendors, and partners interacting with the Tribe or on tribal lands. Coordinate participation in tribal procurement, vendor registration, and contracting requirements as applicable. 3) Operational Oversight & Execution Direct overall operations to ensure high‑quality, efficient service delivery. Implement systems and workflows to improve productivity, reduce waste, and increase profitability. Ensure accountability through dashboards, reporting, and structured performance reviews. Establish service standards and ensure customer satisfaction company‑wide. Oversee vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring performance and cost control. Ensure operational readiness for work on or near tribal lands, including site access protocols, safety standards, and local requirements. Maintain full accountability for company financial health, cash flow, and profitability. Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and performance plans; regularly review financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow). Ensure timely billing, collections, and expense control. Evaluate pricing and cost structures to stay competitive and profitable. Approve major expenditures, investments, and financing decisions. Ensure financial reporting supports owner/member and applicable tribal enterprise reporting requirements. Drive revenue growth through sales strategy, customer acquisition, and retention, building a predictable pipeline and consistent lead generation. Oversee brand strategy, marketing, and public‑facing communications. Maintain key client relationships, including high‑value accounts and partners. Negotiate and approve major customer agreements and pricing. Develop partnerships that support long‑term value creation and tribal economic development goals. 6) People Leadership & Company Culture Build, lead, and retain a high‑performing leadership team, ensuring staffing aligns with business needs and growth goals. Promote a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Establish performance expectations, training standards, and development pathways. Oversee compensation strategy, incentives, and organizational structure. Champion a culture of respect, integrity, and inclusion, particularly in environments involving tribal stakeholders and communities. Ensure UEEM operates in compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and tribal laws, regulations, and policies. Oversee company insurance coverage, risk mitigation strategies, and safety standards. Maintain business licenses, registrations, and required filings; protect the company from legal, financial, and reputational risk through strong controls. Coordinate with legal counsel, CPA, payroll providers, and regulatory bodies as needed. Oversee contract compliance for projects involving tribal entities, including documentation and reporting. Ensure employees and subcontractors adhere to safety, access, and conduct requirements for work on tribal lands. 8) Stakeholder & Member/Board Communication Serve as primary point of accountability to the company's ownership (members/managers). Provide regular updates on financial results, operations, and strategic initiatives. Present annual plans, budgets, and major investment recommendations. Maintain transparency and strong communication with key stakeholders, including timely updates to tribal enterprise stakeholders per reporting expectations and governance structures. 9) Technology, Systems & Process Improvement Ensure the company uses tools and systems supporting scalability and efficiency, including operational systems (CRM, accounting software, scheduling, etc.). Promote data‑driven decision‑making and reporting standards. Identify opportunities for automation and improved customer experience. Authority & Decision‑Making Hire, manage, and terminate employees (directly or through leadership). Approve vendor relationships and contracts within company policy thresholds. Approve pricing, customer agreements, and business partnerships. Commit company resources to achieve strategic goals, within approved budgets. Execute agreements on behalf of UEEM consistent with the Operating Agreement and governance rules. Ensure contracting and decision‑making processes respect tribal procurement and governance requirements for work involving the Tribe. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Revenue growth and gross margin performance Net profitability and EBITDA (if applicable) Cash flow stability and working capital management Customer satisfaction and retention rates Operational efficiency and on‑time delivery of services Employee retention, performance, and culture health Compliance, risk mitigation, and reduced operational incidents Strategic initiative completion and scalability progress Strength of stakeholder relationships, including tribal partners Required Qualifications Proven experience in business management, operations, or executive leadership. Strong financial understanding including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management. Demonstrated ability to lead teams and execute strategy. Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills. High integrity, accountability, and professional judgment; able to decide under pressure and manage multiple priorities. Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including tribal governments, enterprises, and community partners. Industry experience relevant to UEEM's services, including upstream and midstream energy mineral development and related asset management. Preferred Qualifications Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive management experience, including at least five (5) years in a senior leadership role (CEO, COO, CFO, VP, or General Manager) with P&L responsibility. Experience scaling operations, launching new services, or entering new markets. Leadership experience in oil and gas exploration, production, midstream, energy services, or related upstream operations, with demonstrated ability to manage complex operations and lead multidisciplinary teams. Familiarity with compliance, contracts, and vendor management; strong background in sales leadership and customer relationship management. Experience working with tribal governments, tribal enterprises, or organizations on or near tribal lands, including knowledge of procurement practices, contracting, and stakeholder engagement in tribal communities. Core Competencies Strategic thinking and execution discipline Financial acumen and operational rigor Leadership, coaching, and team development Communication and stakeholder alignment Problem‑solving and continuous improvement Risk awareness and compliance orientation Cultural awareness, professionalism, and relationship stewardship Decision‑making and accountability Working Conditions Work may require evenings/weekends based on operational demands. Travel may be required for customer meetings, vendor relations, or expansion, including travel to the Uintah & Ouray Reservation. Must be able to handle confidential information and sensitive business matters. Compensation Bonus/incentives: Annual performance‑based Benefits: Health, retirement, PTO, vehicle Acknowledgment This job description reflects the general responsibilities and requirements of the CEO role at UEEM and may be adjusted based on business needs, growth, and governance structure. Where UEEM engages with or supports the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah & Ouray Reservation (Utah), the CEO is expected to uphold respectful engagement, compliance with applicable requirements, and commitment to long‑term relationship and community value. #J-18808-Ljbffr