Electric Utility Chief Operating Officer SVP

OVERVIEW

City of Santa Clara is a Charter City in Silicon Valley dedicated to fostering a vibrant community. The City runs a municipal electric utility, Silicon Valley Power (SVP), serving over 57,000 customers with a diverse portfolio of electric generating resources. SVP is focused on growth, sustainability, and innovation as part of the City’s mission to deliver a high quality of life for residents and businesses.

The Electric Utility Chief Operating Officer (COO) reports to the Director of Silicon Valley and leads the fiscal, administrative, and managerial operations of the utility. The COO supervises the divisions of Utility Operations, Customer Development and Project Management, Resource Planning and Customer Engagement, and Business Services. Primary responsibilities include:

• Overseeing day‑to‑day operations and ensuring reliable service delivery.
• Guiding SVP through a ten‑year growth plan that will double existing capacity.
• Forecasting service requirements and managing departmental budgets, including operations and capital improvement budgets.
• Developing and implementing policies, procedures, and processes to improve efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Representing SVP in negotiations, strategic partnerships, and community outreach.

The COO also serves as Acting Director when necessary and leads critical capital projects, stakeholder engagement, and technology implementation.

The ideal candidate blends strategic vision with technical expertise and exceptional leadership skills. Key attributes include:

• Proven experience in utility operations, electric infrastructure, and resource procurement.
• Strong leadership and project management of large‑scale capital projects.
• Track record of regulatory compliance and stakeholder collaboration.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
• Commitment to sustainability, innovation, and a transparent organizational culture.

Applicants should be visionaries who can steer the organization toward operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and a sustainable energy future.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public or Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field and seven (7) years of utility engineering or operations experience, including at least five (5) years in senior management.
• Master’s Degree in Public or Business Administration, Management, or Engineering desirable; may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
• Valid registration from the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers desirable.

Salary range: $ – $ per year, based on qualifications. The City also offers a competitive benefits package.

Retirement: Participation in CalPERS, with 2.7% at age 55 (Classic) and 2% at age 62 (New PEPRA).

Health Insurance: City pays up to 100% of Kaiser premiums for Employee Only and +1 Dependent plans; 90% for +2 or more.

Dental & Vision: City pays for employee‑only lowest‑cost plans.

Retiree Medical Reimbursement: Up to $425/month for retirees with at least 10 years of service (age 65) and up to $254/month thereafter.

Other Insurance: VEBA, SDI, LTD, FICA contributions summarized as in original text.

Flexible Spending Accounts: Health, dependent care, and commuter benefits available.

Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling for employees and families.

Paid Leave: Vacation (10 days/year for first four years), vacation cash‑out, sick leave (96 hours/year), paid family leave (up to 8 weeks), and management leave.

Holidays: 13 paid holidays plus 4 additional days between Christmas and New Year.

Additional benefits include life insurance, deferred compensation (457(b) plan), automobile and mobile device allowances, tuition reimbursement, and alternate work schedules.

Contact Jenna Flanagan at 916‑304‑6663 or email  for this outstanding opportunity.

Open until filled.

City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer.