Careers in Quality

The Position

The General Manager, as chief executive, provides leadership and direction for the overall business operation of Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) in collaboration with the RPU Board. This position provides guidance for day-to-day decision-making processes and direction for coordinated and collaborative service delivery of municipal utilities. The General Manager ensures RPU’s core values of safety, integrity, service, stewardship, accountability, and skill are realized. The General Manager is also an active member of the City’s Leadership Team and collaborates to develop, support, and execute the City’s strategic plan and vision.

A seasoned executive, the General Manager is a strategic leader who easily sees the big picture and long-term vision for Rochester Public Utilities and uses the information to anticipate internal and external needs. The successful candidate recognizes reliability as an important driver in future decisions and strategic investments and supports a culture of environmental stewardship that promotes the conservation of resources. With a successful track record of producing results-oriented outcomes, the General Manager is excited by the opportunity to lead the organization into the future.

The General Manager appreciates the role of a public utility and the value of partnering across the City to share knowledge and resources. A natural convener and collaborator, the General Manager recognizes the importance of relationships and partnerships at all levels and navigates political, community, and multi-sector relationships with ease. The General Manager supports strong positive relationships with City leadership, policymakers, neighborhoods, other utilities, and other industry coalitions and ensures RPU is engaged with the community and viewed as a trusted professional resource. The successful candidate is a responsive and transparent communicator and enjoys representing RPU and the City of Rochester at all times.

The successful candidate is a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented leader that leverages new and innovative approaches and best practices to ensure safe, secure, reliable, and resilient utility services for the community. With an eye toward the future, the General Manager brings a modern perspective and new ideas to RPU initiatives. The ideal candidate easily identifies trends and problems hindering progress and develops and implements best practices to drive necessary change. The General Manager is an active listener who values the diversity of thought and experiences of others to deliver solutions and achieve desired results. Listening to, balancing, and respecting a variety of views during the decision-making process is essential.

Compensation and Benefits

The 2023 pay range established for the RPU General Manager position is $166,528 - $237,896 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. In compliance with the Minnesota 2023 statutory waived salary cap, compensation paid above $223,440 occurs in the form of deferred compensation which is received when the employee leaves employment.

The City of Rochester offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life, and long-term disability coverage. A pension plan, deferred compensation programs, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, the City has competitive provisions for vacation, holidays, sick, other types of paid and unpaid leaves, and relocation support.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.hire.trakstar.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning March 20, 2023.

Qualifications

Progressively responsible experience in an electric utility setting with at least ten years in a senior or executive leadership role. Public utility experience is highly beneficial with knowledge of the electric utilities market from generation to transmission to distribution required. Water utility knowledge is desired. Strong business acumen, including financial expertise, is essential. Effective change management coupled with experience leading and managing in complex environments is ideal. Knowledge of and interest in sustainable and/or renewable energy is preferred.

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, or a closely related field from an accredited institution is required. An equivalent combination of experience and education that enable success as the General Manager will be considered.

About Rochester Public Utilities

The Novak Consulting Group, now Raftelis, provides executive search, facilitation and strategic planning, and organizational assessment and optimization to local governments and nonprofit organizations nationwide.

Connections working at Rochester Public Utilities