Manager of Engineering- Lea County Electric Cooperative

Manager of Engineering Lea County Electric Cooperative - Lovington, NM

Lea County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) in Lovington, NM is seeking a collaborative, technically strong, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Manager of Engineering . This critical leadership role will guide engineering strategy, system planning, and infrastructure development to ensure the continued reliability, safety, and long-term success of the cooperative's electric distribution system. LCEC has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process for this position.

The Manager of Engineering will lead engineering operations with a strong focus on system performance, distribution reliability, long-range planning, and technical excellence. This leader will play a key role in strengthening internal engineering capabilities, mentoring developing talent, and supporting the cooperative's commitment to operational excellence, accountability, and service to its members.

This position is especially important as LCEC continues to manage system growth, evolving energy demands, infrastructure investment, and succession planning needs. The successful candidate will bring a balance of technical expertise, leadership ability, strategic thinking, and cooperative values to help position the organization for long-term success.

About Lea County Electric Cooperative

Established in 1949, Lea County Electric Cooperative in headquartered in Lovington, New Mexico. The cooperative plays a vital role in powering communities across Southeast New Mexico and West Texas, encompassing portions of Chaves, Eddy, and Lea Counties in New Mexico, as well as Cochran, Gaines, and Yoakum Counties in Texas. Our dedicated team of nine trustees, in collaboration with our skilled management and workforce, has successfully navigated through periods of change and expansion.

Key Statistics about LCEC

* 230 MW system peak

* 1.4+ billion kWh annual sales

* Over 4,300 miles of energized line

* 53 owned substations, switch stations and transmission interchange stations

* 70 MW renewable portfolio
* $100M+ annual revenue
* $300M+ total utility plant

* Full transmission and distribution operations

* Central operations hub with multiple satellite locations

The cooperative has a full requirements contract with its G & T - Western Farmers Electric Cooperative located in Anadarko, Oklahoma.

Key Responsibilities System Analysis and Strategy

* Lead engineering efforts to improve reliability, safety, efficiency, and long-term performance of the electric distribution system

* Design and implement a four-year maintenance and construction plan to optimize system operations.

* Conduct and oversee system analysis, load forecasting, and infrastructure planning

* Evaluate future capital investments and engineering priorities that align with cooperative objectives

System Studies & Technical Oversight

* Oversee studies on voltage regulation, arc flash safety, and system coordination to enhance network performance

* Partner with the engineering team to analyze load flow, short circuit scenarios, and protective relaying schemes.

* Ensure sound engineering design and technical decision-making across distribution projects

* Maintain strong working knowledge of regulatory and industry requirements impacting engineering operations

Project & Infrastructure Delivery

* Support development and execution of maintenance, construction, and capital improvement plans

* Partner with operations and construction teams to ensure engineering standards are maintained

* Improve engineering processes, documentation, and project coordination

* Monitor system demands and identify infrastructure upgrades needed for future growth

Leadership & Team Development

* Lead, mentor, and develop engineering staff, including early-career engineers

* Build internal technical depth and support succession planning efforts

* Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement

* Promote strong communication and effective teamwork across departments

* Encourage innovation, initiative, and sound problem-solving

* Provide engineering insight and recommendations to leadership

The Ideal Candidate

The…