The Westfield Gas and Electric is looking to hire an

Assistant General Manager.

SALARY: Personal Service Agreement (Not IBEW – Not Management Guild)

This professional position of the Assistant General Manager of a Municipal Gas, Electric, and Fiber to The Home/Business Utility Company, will provide essential support to the General Manager in overseeing and managing the operations, strategic and capital planning, implementation and performance of the utility company. The Assistant General Manager will play a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient delivery of gas, electric, and fiber services to the community while adhering to regulatory requirements and maintaining high customer satisfaction.

In addition, this person will work with various internal and municipal departments to understand and assist in overseeing and advancing the mission of Westfield Gas + Electric/Whip City Fiber.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

1.

Operational Management Oversight:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the gas, electric, and fiber utility services, ensuring reliable service delivery.
• Coordinate with various departments to ensure efficient infrastructure maintenance, upgrades, plant expansions and repairs.
• Monitor and evaluate operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Work with PHMSA Grant Team in following through on a $10,000,000 grant for Natural Gas Leak Prone Pipe replacement in the City of Westfield
• Provide essential oversight and direction during any storm or emergency events.
• Be available outside of normal working hours for community meetings, civic engagements, System Reliability responses and similar additional events.

2.

Strategic Planning:

• Assist in developing and implementing the company’s strategic plan in alignment with the WG+E/Whip City Fiber’s mission and goals.
• Assist in using market research and analysis to identify opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation.
• Collaborate with the General Manager to establish objectives, key performance indicators, and action plans to achieve strategic goals.
• Key participant in the annual 10-year Strategic Planning process.
• Ensure department compliance with internal and external policies, as well as all Federal, State, and Local regulations.

3.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Understanding and continued education of industry regulations, standards, and codes related to gas, electric, and fiber utilities.
• Oversight of department compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and maintenance appropriate licenses and permits.
• Oversight of policies and procedures to ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and legal requirements.
• Manage and Oversee Regulatory Compliance Reporting and the implementation of best practices to meet all requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities as well as any Federal requirements.
•  Ensuring the maintenance of all required permitting and licensing.
• Ensure compliance with Federal and State obligations arising out of the Pipeline grant including affirmative action/civil rights obligations.

4.

Financial Management:

• Collaborate with the finance department to develop, manage, and implement the annual Capital Budget and financial forecasts.
• Assist in monitoring the Department’s financial performance and implement cost control measures.
• Review and assist in the approval of contracts, procurement activities, and vendor relationships to optimize financial resources.
• Oversight of the provisions of necessary documentation for Requests for Proposals in adherence to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as well as Federal procurement rules and requirements.
• Responsible for managerial oversight to assist in the procurement of all construction, supplies, materials, and equipment for all Operational and Information Technology needs.
• Oversight and maintain programs for the inspection, testing and acceptance of supplies, equipment, construction, and services.
• Identify opportunities for existing and/or new software to assist and improve processes.
• Assist in the oversight of all purchasing activities related to grants. Ensure all related stipulations are adhered to, such as Buy America rules, timelines along with other procurement restrictions and recommendations.
• Analyze procurement data to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, supply chain timelines, and areas for process improvement.
• Assist in tracking and reporting on procurement activity on vendor contracts.
• Assist in the maintenance of a database with Finance and Purchasing/Contracts Manager to track all contracts, such as Energy Supply (Power/Supply), Partner Towns, Procurement, Insurance, etc.
• Assist in the approval, tracking and reporting of Material Order Requisitions (MOR’s).
• Monitor industry trends related to operational and IT needs and help to identify potential new suppliers/vendors.
• Assist in maintaining and further developing risk mitigation strategies.

5.

Customer Relations:

• Foster a continuing customer-centric culture within the organization, emphasizing exceptional service, respect and responsiveness.
• Address customer inquiries, concerns, and complaints in a timely, respectful and satisfactory manner.
• Implement initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and engagement through effective communication channels.

6.

Staff Management:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to department managers and staff.
• Foster a positive work environment, encourage teamwork, and promote professional development.
• Oversee required training, performance evaluations, and succession planning activities.

7.

Technology and Innovation:

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in natural gas, electric, and fiber utilities.
• Evaluate and recommend the adoption of new technologies and systems to enhance service delivery and efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal IT stakeholders, technology partners and vendors to implement innovative solutions with internal and external Information Technology needs.

8.

Public Relations:

• Represent the utility company in the community and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, including government officials, regulatory agencies, community organizations and rate payers/customers.
• Act, as needed, as a spokesperson during public events, storm and emergency management response, media engagements, and community meetings.
• Promote the WG+E’s initiatives, services, and value to the community.

9.

Emergency Preparedness:

• Review, develop and implement emergency response plans and procedures in collaboration with dispatching agents, local authorities and emergency services.
• Coordinate with other utility companies, both municipal and investor owned, during emergencies or service disruptions to ensure a swift and coordinated response.
• Assist in the scheduling, and if needed creation of, drills and training exercises to enhance emergency preparedness among staff and necessary community emergency management departments.

10.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency:

• Promote sustainable practices and initiatives within the organization, including energy conservation, renewable energy adoption, and environmental stewardship.
• Identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and cost savings for the company and its customers.
• Stay informed about sustainability trends and industry best practices.

  11.

Inform and update General Manager:

• Communicate routinely/seamlessly with General Manager to ensure timely flow of necessary information to further his/her Department oversight.

Qualifications and Entrance Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related discipline. A master’s degree or equivalent professional experience is desirable.
• Previous experience in the utility industry, preferably in a managerial or leadership role.
• Minimum of 15 Years of Plant Operations or Utility Industry Management.
• In-depth knowledge of natural gas, electric, and fiber utility operations, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and cost control principles.
• Excellent leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to set reasonable and clear employee goals/performance metrics.
• Ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficient in using technology and software systems relevant to utility operations and management.
• Knowledge of emergency response planning and protocols.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices and energy efficiency initiatives.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability and willingness to work in periodic emergency/crisis environments involving weather related emergencies.                                                                                                                     

A very generous benefit package accompanies job offer, although relocation services are not provided. Please, no phone calls. Candidates are requested to complete an

application

found online. Employment applications will be accepted through

October 6th, 2023.