Would you like a position helping provide the strategic direction and leadership to ensure continuous improvement of a progressive company that provides utility construction support an electric cooperative, commercial businesses, residential developers, and individual homeowners throughout Northwest Florida? Would you like to lead a team of professionals who works together to provide outstanding service to our customers based on a solid foundation of values and a commitment to excellence with respect and caring for our employees, the environment, and the community?

If so, you’ll be happy to know that Southland Utility Services (SUS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc. is accepting applications for Chief Operating Officer. If selected, you would provide that strategic direction and leadership in the areas of employee management and relations, customer service, marketing, communications, community relations, legislative activity, and economic development. For more details on specific positions, see Responsibilities and Authorities below.

Southland Utility Services, Inc., located in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, provides utility construction support for Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative (CHELCO), commercial businesses, residential developers and individual homeowners throughout Northwest Florida. The services provided include tree services, mulching, brush clearing, underground utility placement, joint trench installation, field inspections, energy code form calculations and underground utility locating.

Position Requirements:

Job Knowledge: Must have a working knowledge of the utility construction industry and a good understanding of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership techniques, production methods, and accounting principles and practices.

Education & Experience: Four year college or university program degree; and no less than two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  No less than five years of experience in a supervisory role with fiduciary responsibilities.

Abilities & Skills: Must have the ability to delegate authority and achieve results through the motivation and effective performance of others.  Must have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral form on an individual and group basis.  Must have strong mathematical abilities and the ability to perform responsibilities effectively and timely.  Individual must have the ability to perform multiple tasks and maintain a high degree of accuracy in projects and detail.  Must be proficient, or capable of demonstrating proficiency in a short time, the effective utilization and application of computerized and related technological methods to the duties of the position.  Must have the ability to work as a team in the promotion and accomplishment of the organization’s goals and objectives overall and as they relate to Southland. Must maintain current knowledge of computerized and technological means and methods of accomplishing the duties and responsibilities of the position. Must have the ability to interact positively with others, solve problems and communicate solutions to others constructively.

This exempt, executive level position requires travel within the cooperative territory and occasional travel outside of the area. The position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer of Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc.  If you are selected, we would like you to begin on or before May 31, 2022.

SUS proudly offers its employees a 401(k) retirement savings plan, holiday pay, paid time off, vehicle allowance, and voluntary life, AD&D, health, dental, and vision insurance products. For more details, see http://www.southlandutility.com/benefits.php

Applications accepted from February 18, 2022 through 8:30 am on March 11, 2022. Apply at http://www.chelco.com/careers. Resumes and cover letters only with completed application.  Questions? Call Susan Van Buren at 850-307-1137. Applicants selected for interview will be notified. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Specific Responsibilities and Authorities:

• Plans and directs all aspects of the organization's operational policies, procedures, objectives, and initiatives.
• Responsible for the attainment of short- and long-term financial and operational goals
• Directs the development and strategic planning of the organization to ensure future growth.
• Evaluates utilization of resources.
• Develops annual budget.
• Works closely with the SUS Director of Operations in all areas of field department operations to ensure quality, quantity, and safety.
• Works closely with the SUS Director of Human Resources in all areas of employment decisions, laws, policies, practices, procedures, culture, and pay & benefits, as well as general office management.
• Strategically assesses the current labor environment, along with the needs of the company, to make recruitment, pay, and benefit changes to attract and retain quality employees to ensure the long-term success of the company.
• Strategically evaluates company’s organizational structure and recommends changes to improve functionality.
• Works closely with the SUS Director of Safety and Inspections in all areas concerning the training and safe work practices of all employees.
• Works closely with CHELCO’s Accounting Department regarding all company finances, cash flow, income, expenses, taxes, reporting, and so forth.
• Researches, prepares, and presents purchase requisitions for consideration.
• Negotiates service and labor rates and recommends changes.
• Ensures organization is protected by purchasing all types of insurance coverage necessary.
• Ensures proper maintenance is being done on company’s facility and grounds and recommends upgrades/additions/improvements for continued high level functionality.
• Prioritizes projects to meet organization goals and mission.
• Prepares and presents reports to the CHELCO CEO, SUS Board of Directors, and the CHELCO Board of Trustees.
• In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to work safely and maintain a safe work environment.