1404 Electric Utility COO SVP-FILLED

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Silicon Valley, the Electric Utility Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior management position in the City's unclassified service responsible for the oversight and direction for the fiscal, administrative, and managerial operations of the utility. The COO has supervisory and support responsibilities for the utility's divisions: Utility Operations, Customer Development and Project Management, Resource Planning and Customer Engagement, and Business Services. The COO will help guide SVP through an extraordinary period of growth related to doubling the existing capacity of the electrical system to meet new customer demands over the next 10 years. The COO is also expected to have an established track record implementing new and innovative technologies to streamline and improve existing and future processes.

Responsibilities

1. Forecast service requirements and plan, organize, and direct assigned resources of the electric utility division to meet those requirements.
2. Develop and administer department operations and capital improvement budgets.
3. Act as Director in the Director's absence.
4. Exercise critical thinking and detail‑oriented oversight to ensure that utility operations are smooth, efficient, and compliant, with responsibility for results, including costs, methods, and staffing.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the COO position should possess a blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and exceptional leadership skills. They should have a proven track record in utility operations and maintenance, electric infrastructure, power generation, and resource procurement. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as the COO will be responsible for fostering collaboration both internally and externally. Experience in managing large‑scale capital projects, ensuring reliable transmission and distribution, and adhering to regulatory compliance are key qualifications. The ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies and community representatives, is vital for success in this leadership role.

What You’ll Bring

• A track record of leadership in energy, utilities, or a related field with experience in managing complex operations and budgets.
• Strong experience in negotiating contracts, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including customers, government entities, and industry.
• A passion for sustainability and innovation, with a vision for leading SVP into the future of energy.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, engineering, or an approved related field, AND seven years of experience in utility engineering or operations, including at least five years of experience in a senior management capacity.
• A master’s degree in public or business administration, management, or engineering is desirable and may be substituted for two years of the qualifying engineering and operations experience requirement.
• Possession of a valid certificate of registration from the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers is desirable.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $299,393.52 - $387,456.36 per year. Placement within this range is dependent upon qualifications. In addition, the City provides a competitive benefits package, including:

• Retirement: Participation in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS).
• Health Insurance: City pays up to 100% of Kaiser premiums for Employee Only and +1 Dependent plans; 90% for +2 or more. Employees cover any extra pre‑tax. Opt‑out employees may be eligible for a monthly cash‑in‑lieu.
• Dental and Vision Insurance: City pays employee‑only lowest cost plan. Employee pays for additional premiums above the employer contribution.
• Retiree Medical Reimbursement: Up to $425 per month for retirees until age 65; $254 per month after age 65.
• VEBA: City contributes $50 per month to the employee VEBA account.
• State Disability Insurance (SDI): Employee pays 1.2% of gross pay.
• Long Term Disability Insurance (LTD): City‑paid coverage provides 60% of base wage (up to $8,000/month) after a 60‑day waiting period.
• Social Security/Medicare (FICA): Employee and City contribute toward Medicare (1.45%) and Social Security (6.20% up to the required annual limit).
• Flexible Spending Account: IRS Section 125 Plan; employee may contribute up to $3,400 per year to a health care spending account, $7,500 per year to a dependent care spending account, and $340 per month to a commuter benefit plan in pre‑tax dollars.
• Employee Assistance Program: City’s vendor provides confidential counseling; up to five consultation sessions per family member per incident per year.
• Vacation: Accrual of 10 days per year for the first four years, with accrual increase over time. Maximum accrual is 480 hours.
• Vacation Cash‑Out: Up to 80 hours of accrued vacation once per year, paid in two cash‑outs the following calendar year.
• Sick Leave: 96 hours per year with no accrual limit.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL): Up to 8 weeks of benefits within a 12‑month period.
• Management Leave: 120 hours per calendar year (prorated in the first year based on hire date), with a maximum accrual of 180 hours.
• Holidays: City observes thirteen paid holidays annually and four additional paid holidays between December 25th and January 1st.
• Life Insurance: City pays the premium for $50,000 of Basic Life Insurance coverage. Additional insurance may be purchased by the employee.
• Deferred Compensation: City offers an optional 457(b) Plan; City will contribute $300 per month to the employee’s deferred compensation account.
• Automobile Allowance: Department Heads may receive $320 per month (up to $520 with City Manager approval). Assistant Department Heads and Division Managers may receive $200 per month (up to $500 with City Manager approval).
• Mobile Communication Device Allowance: $80 per month in lieu of carrying a city‑issued cell phone.
• Tuition Reimbursement: City will reimburse eligible tuition expenses up to $2,000 per fiscal year.
• Alternate Work Schedule: Employees may work a 9/80 schedule with City Manager approval.

Application Instructions

To apply, contact Jenna Flanagan at View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.

Filing Deadline

The filing deadline for this position is open until filled.

The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer.