Chief Operating Officer

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Posting Dates: April 17 - May 15, 2026

Competitive compensation and benefits package offered, designed to attract and retain top talent.

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and serves as a central authority over all utility operations for Lincoln Electric System, providing strategic and operational leadership across generation, transmission, distribution, and field services. The COO translates organizational strategy into operational execution, ensuring alignment between long-term goals and daily performance. Success in this role requires visionary, progressive leadership to shape LES’s grid modernization and resource strategy—anticipating industry change while balancing fundamental operational priorities to maintain reliable, resilient, and cost effective service to our customers. This role oversees all day-to-day utility operations while driving continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, system resiliency, asset reliability, and overall performance—and ensures the future-readiness of LES’ utility operations. The COO works in close partnership with the CEO and executive peers, and maintains strong, collaborative relationships with the governing board, regulatory agencies, and external partners to ensure operational excellence and service to the community. The successful candidate will be a strategic, community-focused leader who drives operational excellence, safety, and reliable utility service for Lincoln Electric System and the Lincoln community.

ABOUT LINCOLN ELECTRIC SYSTEM (LES)

Lincoln Electric System, based in Lincoln, Nebraska, is the second largest retail electric utility in the state and the 23rd largest public power utility in the U.S. LES provides electric services to Lincoln and the surrounding communities of Prairie Home, Waverly, Walton, Cheney, and Emerald, serving over 153,000 customers—88% residential and 12% commercial and industrial—across approximately 200 square miles.

A municipal utility owned by the city of Lincoln, LES employs around 560 people, with 27% represented by two IBEW unions. Guided by the LES Administrative Board, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council, the utility has a 60-year legacy of reliability, affordability, and sustainability under local control. LES is deeply engaged in the community, delivering safe, resilient, and cost-effective electric services while supporting the growth and vitality of Lincoln and the surrounding region.

Learn More: Your Public Power Partner | Lincoln Electric System

ABOUT LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

Lincoln, Nebraska offers an exceptional quality of life, combining the accessibility and affordability of a mid-sized city with the cultural, educational, and economic opportunities of a larger metropolitan area. As the state capital and home to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the community is vibrant, growing, and deeply connected through strong civic engagement and local pride. Residents enjoy a welcoming, family-friendly environment with excellent schools, diverse neighborhoods, and a cost of living that supports both comfort and opportunity.

Lincoln is known for its extensive park system, miles of connected trails, and year-round recreational opportunities, making it easy to enjoy an active lifestyle. The city also boasts a dynamic arts and entertainment scene, locally owned restaurants and businesses, and a thriving downtown that continues to evolve. With a stable economy, low unemployment, and a strong sense of community partnership, Lincoln is an ideal place to live, work, and lead—especially those passionate about serving the public and making a meaningful impact in the community.

Learn More: Lincoln The Place to Be

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND CORE COMPETENCIES

• Provides executive oversight of day-to-day utility operations, which includes generation, transmission, distribution and storage resources and all aspects of system planning, design, engineering, and field operations. Defines, in conjunction with CEO, utility operations philosophy, values, priorities and operating environment.
• Leads operational planning for normal operations, emergency response, storm restoration, and disaster recovery.
• Develops and implements operational strategies that reflect the utility’s long-term sustainability, resiliency and dependability objectives and ensures safe, reliable, and resilient operation of the electric system.
• Maintains awareness of industry and broader trends shaping the future of utility operations and champions innovation to develop and implement improvements that ensure LES is prepared for evolving operational demands.
• Anticipates, recommends and implements strategic plan directions and initiatives; develops means and methods for benchmarking and performance measurement.
• Leads strategy for long-term infrastructure planning, capital project execution, and system modernization initiatives.  Communicates and builds commitment to corporate strategic direction.
• Manages operations of the company in ways consistent with strategic goals by establishing organizational structure, operating systems, and core business processes to support internal operational needs and measures performance by tracking performance metrics.
• Oversees Energy Delivery and Power Supply division executive staff including prioritizing and assigning objectives; providing developmental opportunities, support and feedback; conducting performance evaluations;  and making hiring, termination and disciplinary recommendations. Ensures workforce readiness through talent development, succession planning, and knowledge transfer.
• Collaborates with executive leadership to develop strong labor and employee relations, including collaboration with union leadership where applicable.
• Directs and participates in the preparation of LES budgets, financial reports, and operational and capital improvement budgets; monitors revenues and expenditures; participates in bond issuance and financial disclosures where applicable.
• Represents LES in various roles with local, regional and national regulatory and industry bodies such as SPP, NERC and FERC.
• In alignment with industry standards and best practices, ensures compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and standards.

Communication - Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner whether verbally, written, or other means; tailors message to fit the interests and needs of the audience; delivers information in a manner that is interesting and compelling. 

Conflict Resolution - Builds consensus across individuals with different viewpoints; helps people find common goals and interests; finds mutually agreeable solutions to problems; addresses conflicts so they do not escalate into more major problems. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, public administration, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in electric utility operations or a closely related infrastructure environment.
• Executive-level experience overseeing multiple operational functions preferred.
• Experience in a public power, municipal utility, or regulated utility environment strongly preferred.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or utility-related certifications preferred but not required.

LES BENEFITS - click on the link below to explore the outstanding benefits available to LES employees!

LES Benefits Overview

• LES is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States.
• LES is unable to sponsor employment-based immigrant or non-immigrant visas.
• This is not a remote position and requires residency within a reasonable commuting distance to LES in Lincoln, Nebraska.

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