Operations Manager - Substation

Substation Operations Manager

 

Location: Indiana / Illinois Region
Compensation: Up to $180,000 base salary + annual bonus opportunity, vehicle stipend, and company stock
Industry: Electrical Utility Construction / Substation Infrastructure
 

Position Summary

A leading billion-dollar electrical infrastructure contractor is seeking an experienced Substation Operations Manager to oversee and drive operational excellence across a growing portfolio of substation construction projects throughout Indiana and Illinois.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity with a company supporting a $100M+ project portfolio with NIPSCO tied to significant utility infrastructure expansion supporting one of the largest data center growth footprints in the region. The successful candidate will play a critical role in scaling operations, leading field teams, strengthening customer relationships, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and profitably.

The Substation Operations Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple projects, working closely with executive leadership, project management teams, safety personnel, and field operations. This role requires a proven utility construction leader with extensive substation experience and the ability to manage complex, large-scale infrastructure programs.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall operational leadership for substation construction activities throughout Indiana and Illinois.
• Oversee project execution, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and to customer expectations.
• Lead and develop project managers, superintendents, foremen, and field personnel across multiple active projects.
• Establish operational strategies to support continued growth and successful execution of a $100M+ utility construction portfolio.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop business plans, resource strategies, and operational goals.
• Manage workforce planning, equipment allocation, productivity, and project staffing requirements.
• Monitor financial performance, including labor productivity, cost controls, forecasting, and profitability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with utility customers, including NIPSCO and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA standards, utility specifications, and industry best practices.
• Support project planning, estimating, scheduling, and execution strategies.
• Identify operational risks and implement solutions to maintain project performance.
• Promote a strong safety culture through visible leadership and accountability.
• Support storm response and emergency restoration activities as required.

 

Required Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing electrical utility construction operations, specifically substation projects.
• Proven leadership experience overseeing large-scale utility construction teams and complex projects.
• Prior experience as an Operations Manager, Construction Manager, Senior Project Manager, Superintendent, or similar leadership role.
• Strong understanding of substation construction, including foundations, electrical equipment installation, steel erection, grounding, controls, and commissioning activities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, schedules, manpower, and customer expectations.
• Experience developing and mentoring field leadership teams.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to drive operational and financial results.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to travel throughout Indiana and Illinois as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with investor-owned utilities (IOUs) or major utility providers.
• Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure projects tied to power generation, transmission, or data center growth.
• Background with a major electrical contractor or EPC organization.
• Experience managing operations exceeding $50M+ in annual volume.
• Strong knowledge of utility construction safety standards and best practices.

What We Offer

• Base salary up to $180,000
• Annual performance-based bonus opportunity
• Vehicle stipend
• Company stock ownership opportunity
• Comprehensive benefits package
• 401(k) and retirement benefits
• Opportunity to join a financially strong, billion-dollar contractor
• Leadership role supporting one of the region’s largest utility infrastructure growth initiatives
• Long-term career advancement with a nationally recognized industry leader

This is a unique opportunity for a proven substation leader to take ownership of a rapidly expanding operation and help shape the future of critical power infrastructure supporting the next generation of energy demand.