Job Description

Serves as a member of the senior leadership team and provides leadership and direction for the Cooperative’s electric system operations, construction maintenance, outage response, and related field activities. Develops and implements operational strategies, processes, and initiatives that support the Cooperative’s mission, safety objectives, reliability goals, and long-term operational needs.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for the safe, reliable, efficient and cost-effective operation and maintenance of the Cooperative's electric distribution system. This position provides leadership and oversight for system operations, construction, outage restoration, dispatch, fleet and equipment, ground clearing, and field personnel.

The Director of Operations works closely with the CEO/General Manager and other members of the leadership team to support organizational objectives, system reliability, workforce development, operational planning, and continuous improvement.

Job Related Qualifications

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Report to and operate under the direction of the CEO/General Manager.
• Oversee the operation, construction, maintenance, and restoration of the Cooperative's electric distribution system.
• Provide leadership, supervision, development, and performance management for employees assigned to Operations.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure Operations activities are performed in accordance with Cooperative safety policies and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Respond to outages and system emergencies, as necessary.
• Lead and coordinate storm restoration and emergency response activities, including staffing, work assignments, resource allocation, and restoration strategy.
• Develop the annual Operations budget and monitor departmental expenditure.
• Coordinate and oversee contracted construction and other operational services.
• Conduct field inspections of projects, as necessary.
• Develop reports and studies to include the department budget, construction work plans, sectionalizing studies, power requirements studies, and reliability report.
• Assess and oversee the inspection, maintenance, service, and readiness of operational vehicles, equipment, and tools.
• Maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, vendors, members, and other external stakeholders.
• Demonstrate clear, professional, and effective verbal/written communication.
• Maintain residency within reasonable proximity of Cooperative headquarters to sufficiently respond to emergency operational needs when necessary.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, business, utility operations, or a related field preferred, but not required.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in electric utility operations and/or related field.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience will be considered.
• Valid Oklahoma State Driver’s License.
• Class A Commercial Driver's License preferred.
• Strong organizational, leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively use standard company technology and software applications.

Other Duties

• Represent the Cooperative professionally and with integrity when interacting with members, employees, the public, consultants, contractors, vendors, and other organizations.
• Maintain a working knowledge of applicable Cooperative Bylaws, policies, procedures, safety rules, and standards.
• Attend Board of Directors meetings or other meetings as requested by the CEO/General Manager.
• Ability and willingness to attend seminars, conferences, and training programs as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and work for extended periods as required.
• Ability to work in office, field, construction, and emergency-response environments.
• Ability to lift and/or move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate standard office equipment and applicable company vehicles and equipment.
• Position requires availability outside normal working hours during outages, storms, emergencies, and other events.
• Position is subject to pre-employment substance abuse testing and may be subject to random testing in accordance with Cooperative policy.

To apply, send your cover letter and resume to jobs@kayelectric.coop or by applying through the link below. Application deadline: 09/11/2026.