Director of Operations

GMB Power Line Services is a family-owned, West Virginia utility contractor. Our IBEW crews deploy rapidly from regional hubs—spanning the Gulf Coast, Northeast, Midwest, and beyond—to restore and maintain power infrastructure with uncompromising safety and quality. Committed to operational excellence, we’re growing our fleet and workforce while prioritizing a safer, more reliable energy grid. Join our tight-knit, union-proud team and help power progress in every community we serve. Position Summary: The Director of Operations is responsible for leading and overseeing all GMB field operations and contracted utility day-work services across all operating regions. This role ensures operational excellence, safety, compliance, customer satisfaction, and financial discipline across the full lifecycle of work—from call out and mobilization through execution, demobilization, and closeout. The Director of Operations partners closely with GMB leadership, Director Storm Operations, field operations, safety, storm resources, and back-office teams to standardize processes, deploy resources efficiently, and deliver high-quality, compliant work in accordance with utility contracts, regulatory requirements, and GMB standards. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Operational Leadership & Execution Provide overall leadership and direction for all utility contracted operations across all regions. Standardize and continuously improve field operations, logistics, and mobilization processes across all operations activities. Ensure all operations are executed in compliance with utility contracts, service level expectations, and GMB policies. Serve as a senior operational leader during major storm events, including on-site leadership when required. Utility, Client & Partner Relationships Serve as a primary operational point of contact for utility partners, ensuring clear, consistent, and professional communication. Build and maintain strong relationships with utilities, vendors, suppliers, and labor partners. Lead and develop field leadership teams including Superintendents, General Foremen, Foremen, and assigned support roles. Support hiring, onboarding, training, promotion, and performance management of operations personnel. Partner with Safety leadership to ensure all required training, certifications, and refreshers are completed. Enforce performance expectations, progressive discipline, and a zero-tolerance approach to safety violations. Train field leadership on timekeeping, documentation, and reporting requirements tied to utility contracts. Crew Mobilization & Field Oversight Coordinate and oversee crew, equipment, and material mobilization for utility work. Act as the operational liaison with utility field representatives and dispatch teams. Ensure crews are properly briefed, equipped, and aligned with work assignments upon arrival. Monitor field performance, quality, and productivity through pre-work and post-work assessments. Adjust resources and priorities as needed to meet safety, quality, and project objectives. Safety, Compliance & Incident Management Enforce strict adherence to safety regulations, utility requirements, and GMB safety standards. Partner with the Safety to implement safety assurance programs and corrective actions. Ensure all safety incidents, near misses, and violations are immediately reported and documented. Confirm crews are properly trained and equipped to work in hazardous and emergency conditions. Establish consistent incident reporting, investigation, and communication protocols. Fleet, Equipment & Emergency Readiness Coordinate with Fleet & Equipment to ensure proper fleet and equipment availability. Support emergency readiness planning, including contingency and surge response plans. Ensure timely reporting of fleet damage, breakdowns, or equipment issues. Oversee safe crew demobilization and return of all company assets. Ensure timely completion, review, and submission of all required billing and closeout documentation. Lead post-event and post-project after-action reviews to identify improvements and best practices. Develop and track operational KPIs in collaboration with GMB leadership. Experience & Qualifications 10+ years of utility field operations experience, including leadership at the Superintendent level 5+ years of experience as a General Foreman or equivalent operational leadership role Journeyman Lineman experience with extensive storm restoration and/or utility construction background Strong knowledge of powerline construction, electrical theory, safety regulations, and utility standards Proven experience with live-line (hot work) operations Demonstrated ability to lead large, geographically dispersed teams under high-pressure conditions Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Certifications and Licenses: Valid CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) Certifications in safety training (e.g., First Aid, CPR, OSHA 10/30). Job Type: Full-Time, Salary (Exempt) Paid Time Off Paid Holidays Health Insurance Options Voluntary Benefit Options 401(k) Plans Physical & Travel Requirements: This role requires up to 40% travel , including overnight travel and occasional short-notice travel during storm or emergency response events. Travel may include visits to project sites, storm locations, utility partners, and corporate offices. A valid driver’s license and ability to travel by vehicle and air are required. The position is primarily office-based but includes periodic field visits to active construction and utility sites. Candidates must be able to sit for extended periods, work at a computer, communicate effectively, and occasionally stand, walk uneven terrain, climb stairs, and wear required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, composite-toe boots). Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally is required. Storm Duty & Operational Support Requirement As a company supporting critical infrastructure and emergency response operations, all employees share a responsibility to support storm restoration and emergency response efforts when activated. Storm duty may require extended hours, travel to affected areas, and temporary reassignment of duties to meet operational needs. While on storm duty, employees may be required to assist in functions outside of their regular role or department to support restoration, logistics, safety, or administrative efforts. Flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to respond where needed are essential components of employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr