Director, Utility Construction & Maintenance

Connexus Energy is seeking a Director of Utility Construction & Maintenance in Ramsey, MN. The role requires a proven leader with experience in the electric utility industry to oversee a team of 45 employees and contractors. Key responsibilities include strategic leadership, safety culture promotion, budget management, and fostering relationships with stakeholders. The position offers a salary of $160,000 - $195,000 plus a performance-based bonus.
Connexus Energy is seeking a visionary and dynamic leader to join our team as Director of Construction and Maintenance. We’re looking for someone who brings proven leadership, a passion for excellence, and experience in the electric utility industry. This role is instrumental in ensuring exceptional service, reliability, and value to our members, while leading a high-performing team of approximately 45 employees and multiple contractors.

Compensation:

Anticipated hiring pay is between $160,000.00 - $195,000.00, with eligibility for a 14% annual company performance-based bonus. Final compensation is based on qualifications, experience, and skills.

Key Responsibilities:
• Provide strategic leadership to construction and maintenance operations, setting clear goals and driving continuous improvement.
• Champion a strong safety culture, collaborating with safety leadership to implement and enhance programs and policies.
• Lead, manage, and evaluate the vegetation management program to maintain system reliability.
• Drive and collaborate through enterprise-wide projects with a strategic, results-oriented mindset.
• Develop and manage budgets and resource planning effectively.
• Foster positive labor relations, working closely with union stewards, business agents, and management.
• Build strong relationships with members, contractors, developers, and public agencies to enhance service delivery.

Required Qualifications:
• A proven leader with a bachelor’s degree in business, construction management, engineering, or a related field (or 10+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree).
• At least five years of experience in construction and maintenance, preferably within an electric utility.
• Track record of leadership, including personnel management, project execution, and financial oversight.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead teams and collaborate across departments.
• Familiarity with enterprise systems (e.g., work management, GIS, AVLs, vegetation management).
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Direct experience in the electric utility industry.
• Experience leading in a unionized environment.

Pre-Employment Requirement: Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a pre-employment background check and drug screen

Based in Ramsey, Connexus Energy is Minnesota’s largest electric cooperative, providing electricity, renewable energy alternatives and related services to 146,000+ residential and commercial members just north of the Twin Cities. We offer a collaborative work environment with challenging and rewarding work, which provides for professional development and work-life balance in a highly technical, stable and innovative industry. We give back to the communities we have served for more than 80 years by embracing opportunities to volunteer, donate and support economic development. Our talented and friendly staff focuses on achieving our mission of powering our members and communities toward a smarter energy future with a passionate focus on affordability, innovation, safety, and grid reliability.

Connexus Energy’s benefits package includes medical/dental/vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with generous company matching and non-matching contributions and independent investment advisory services, accrued PTO, holiday pay, tuition reimbursement, recognition program, employee referral program, and employee activities. Company paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability is also provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability status, veteran status, or other legally protected status.