Director, Utility Operations – FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company Location: State College, PA Position Summary The Director oversees 24/7 electric utility operations for a designated service area, leading distribution line operations. This role is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of electricity while ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting long-term operational sustainability. Key responsibilities include managing T&D construction and maintenance programs, partnering with engineering and operations teams, overseeing emergency response activities, managing capital and O&M budgets, leading capital project execution, and maintaining relationships with regulators, public officials, customers, and community stakeholders. Key Responsibilities • Lead and promote a strong culture of safety, compliance, inclusion, and accountability. • Manage utility operations, maintenance, construction, and reliability performance. • Develop and execute operational strategies, budgets, and capital improvement plans. • Lead, coach, and develop managers, supervisors, and staff. • Ensure regulatory, environmental, and reliability compliance. • Collaborate with union leadership and stakeholders to support operational excellence. • Drive continuous improvement, workforce planning, and process standardization. • Oversee contractor performance and resource allocation. Leadership Competencies • Operational Expertise • Change Leadership • Strategic Thinking • Execution & Accountability • Communication & Collaboration Qualifications • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; MBA or PE preferred. • 10+ years of progressive electric utility experience, including 5+ years in management. • Experience in utility operations, construction, engineering, transmission/distribution, or related functions. • Strong leadership, financial, and technical acumen. • Proven ability to lead large teams, manage labor relations, and drive organizational change. Preferred Knowledge • Utility operations, engineering, maintenance, and system planning. • Regulatory, environmental, and reliability requirements. • Budgeting, capital planning, and contract management. • Labor relations and collective bargaining administration. • Strategic planning, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement. Key Skills • Strategic and analytical decision-making • Leadership and change management • Regulatory and operational compliance • Relationship building and communication • Problem solving and independent judgment