General Manager
Listed on 2025-12-09
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Management
Operations Manager, Program / Project Manager
Norris Electric Cooperative, an Illinois not-for-profit Corporation and respected rural electric distribution cooperative serving over 20,000 members in southeastern Illinois, is seeking an exceptional and experienced General Manager to lead the organization into its next chapter.
Norris Electric Cooperative is looking for a proven cooperative leader with a deep understanding of the electric cooperative business model and someone who has successfully managed a complex utility operation and is passionate about serving member-owners and rural communities.
Key Attributes Norris Electric Cooperative is Seeking:
- 10+ years of senior leadership experience within a rural electric cooperative
- Strong background in strategic planning, financial oversight, and regulatory compliance
- Success in working with a Board of Directors in a member-governed environment
- Deep commitment to cooperative principles, transparency, and member engagement
- Expertise in operations, safety, and system reliability
- Proven ability to manage organizational change, lead teams, and develop future leaders
The General Manager serves as the chief executive officer of the cooperative, responsible for leading all aspects of NEC’s operations, strategy, finance, human resources, regulatory compliance, member services, and community relations. In partnership with the Board and in alignment with the Board-approved strategic plan, the General Manager will ensure NEC remains financially sound, operationally excellent, member-focused, and aligned with cooperative values.
Key Responsibilities and Duties Strategic & Leadership:- Collaborate with the Board to refine, implement, and monitor NEC’s strategic plan and long-term goals, including the 10-year financial forecast, five-year line construction work plan, technology plan, and safety/communication plan.
- Provide visionary leadership with the ability to anticipate industry, regulatory, and technological changes (such as grid modernization, renewable energy integration, regulatory shifts) and position NEC accordingly.
- Lead and develop the senior management team and staff, shaping culture, accountability and performance excellence.
- Promote cooperative values, transparency and a member-first orientation across the organization.
- Oversee daily operations of the electric distribution system, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective service to members.
- Monitor system performance and direct investment in infrastructure upgrades, maintenance programs and line-work planning (consistent with NEC’s five-year work plan).
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, NESC, Illinois state utility commission regulations (as applicable), environmental requirements and other regulatory obligations.
- Foster a safety culture: ensure all employees understand and adhere to safety protocols, incident reporting, and continuous improvement.
Monitor financial performance (revenue, margins, cash flow, debt levels, key metrics) and implement corrective actions when needed.
- Serve as a public face of NEC: engage with members, member groups, local governments, business and community stakeholders.
- Promote member education on energy efficiency, cooperative services and evolving programs.
- Ensure high standards of member service, responsiveness to member inquiries, complaints and requests.
- Support local economic development efforts and represent NEC in industry/trade associations (e.g., National Rural Electric Cooperative Association/NRECA and the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives/AIEC) and regional forums.
- Report directly to the Board and provide timely, accurate and transparent information to enable effective governance.
- Recommend policy updates, operational changes and strategic…
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