Manager, Operations - Altoona, PA

Manager, Operations - Altoona, PA

First Energy

First Energy is a forward‑thinking electric utility powered by a diverse team committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better, and our communities stronger. This open position, located at First Energy Pennsylvania Electric Company, a subsidiary of First Energy Corp, seeks a Manager, Operations to oversee Altoona and McConnellsburg locations. The manager reports to the Altoona Service Center.

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, First Energy includes one of the nation’s largest investor‑owned electric systems, over 24,000 miles of transmission lines, and a regulated generating fleet that exceeds 3,500 MW. This role is responsible for the safe and reliable delivery of electricity within regulatory compliance, ensuring operational excellence and future sustainability.

The Manager leads the area’s 24/7/365 electric utility operations, managing the lines organization and providing leadership consistent with First Energy’s core values—safety, DE&I, ethical behavior, stewardship, and customer service.

• Foster a high‑performing safety culture where employees own, promote, and reinforce safe behaviors.
• Establish and develop substantive working relationships with peers, staff, and union leadership, creating environments that enhance safety, compliance, inclusion, accountability, and innovation.
• Initiate and monitor implementation of appropriate safety and environmental safeguards in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Serve as a member of the management team and participate in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Plan, organize, control, integrate, and evaluate the work of the operational group; compile data to review progress and advise staff.
• Engage employees to establish and achieve milestones and benchmarking measures for safety, reliability, customer service, financial performance, and compliance.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements and company policies.
• Respond to customer complaints and formal regulatory authority inquiries.
• Oversee preparation and subsequent control of the area budget for personnel, materials, equipment, construction, operations, and maintenance.
• Develop and monitor performance of supervisors and staff, set performance requirements, provide direction for improvement, and implement development plans.
• Engage with employees and union leadership to create a culture of inclusion and teamwork.
• Recommend staffing levels and promote developmental assignments for high‑potential employees.
• Coordinate response efforts and assist in the emergency outage restoration process.

• Highly motivated, approachable leader with a proven track record of safe operations excellence and people leadership.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, communicating and driving positive change and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated learning agility and ability to develop technical acumen in distribution operations.
• Seven years’ experience in the electric utility industry (distribution engineering, transmission, line construction, maintenance) highly preferred; equivalent training and progressive leadership experience considered.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent training/experience acceptable.
• Experience administering collective bargaining agreements and HR policies fairly and equitably highly desirable.

• Lead by example, facilitate change, and promote trust and integrity.
• Analyze complex issues and recommend sound, fact‑based conclusions.
• Evaluate departmental practices and recommend improvements; develop and implement procedures and controls.
• Exercise expert judgment and political acumen within policy guidelines.
• Maintain effective relationships with all employee levels.
• Operate and learn various computer applications.

First Energy rewards individual and team efforts through a total rewards philosophy that includes competitive pay, incentive compensation, a company‑sponsored pension plan, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, and a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs. Tuition reimbursement is also available. First Energy proudly supports workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

Safety is a core value for First Energy. We dedicate ourselves to achieving world‑class safety standards, ensuring a safe work environment and promoting public safety.

Exempt

Director

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing

Utilities