Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors of PKM Electric Cooperative, located in Warren, MN is searching for qualified candidates for the position of Chief Executive Officer. Candidates must have the following qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years electric utility experience and 5 years upper level management, preferably with a rural electric cooperative.
• Experience in electrical finance, system operations, member relations or engineering.
• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Business Administration or Accounting is preferred, and certain required knowledge, skills and abilities that are necessary to carry out the duties of the CEO.
• Strong people and communications skills plus leadership ability.

Position Summary

The CEO of PKM Electric Cooperative works with the Board of Directors and staff to achieve the Cooperative’s vision for the future while following the seven cooperative principles. This includes meeting the electrical transmission and distribution needs, and working regionally and nationally on key resource issues. The CEO provides leadership and implements strategic plans to ensure the Cooperative is responsive to its customers, employees and the changing demands of the electric utility industry. The CEO ensures the Cooperative conducts its business in accordance with sound financial management practices, follows the policies and objectives established by the Cooperative Board, Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Cooperative.

The CEO provides direct supervision to the CFO, Operations Manager and Member Service Manager. The CEO reports to an elected nine-member Board and is responsible for keeping the Board informed of regulatory and political issues affecting the Cooperative, the financial health of the Cooperative, staffing adequacy and system reliability.

  Essential Responsibilities

1. Overall management of PKM Electric Cooperative departments.  Ensures that all departments maintain a high level of expertise. Makes decisions with recommendation from staff in matters relating to the electrical power supply, financial policies, the electrical system, procurement, staffing and administrative policies.
2. Responsibility to the Board of Directors: Attends regular meetings of the Board. Submits items of business to be considered. Administers policies of the Board and carries out its directives. Educates or arranges for education of Board members on subjects of importance to the Cooperative. Recommends short- and long-range strategies to maintain financial health, adequate power supply, sufficient physical plant and efficient operation. Administers a wage and salary plan and recommends compensation levels, employee benefits, training and development programs to the Board for approval.
3. Develops and fosters a positive work environment. Encourages staff participation and suggestions. Utilizes appropriate delegation methods. Provides necessary training for staff growth & development, succession planning and safety practices.
4. Responsible for development and management of the annual budget; assists in all phases of the budget process. Works with department heads for departmental budget planning, with the office staff for overall budget planning monitoring and presentation to the Board. Works with other entities acting as financial advisors to the Cooperative.
5. Labor and employee relations: Participates in contract negotiations, labor/management meetings and the administration of Collective Bargaining Agreements.
6. Meeting attendance: Represents the Cooperative at meetings of subsidiaries and other local, regional and national organizations as appropriate.
7. Professional relationships: Maintains positive working relationships with appropriate officials at the local, county, state and federal level to promote the needs and objectives of the Cooperative.
8. Community relations: Ensures the Cooperative effectively communicates, pro-actively with and is responsive to the needs of a diverse population of member owners. Establishes Cooperative presence in appropriate community service organizations. Encourages utility participation in selected community activities.
9. Responsibility for confidential matters: Routinely handles information related to personnel records, salaries and labor negotiations. Works in a confidential manner and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.

Qualifications

1. Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Must have a comprehensive knowledge of electric utility systems including financing, system operations, power resources, management, planning, maintenance, construction and personnel administration.
• A thorough understanding of the current issues of the electric utility industry northern Minnesota is desirable.

• Other skills include effective oral and written communication, ability to make public presentations to a variety of audiences, proven leadership and independent judgment.
• Maintains trust and a positive working relationship with the board, cooperative members, employees, consultants, other utilities, agencies and other community leaders.

1. Experience/Education:
   • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Business Administration or Accounting is preferred, and certain required knowledge, skills and abilities that are necessary to carry out the duties of the CEO.
   • Five (5) years’ experience in electric utility finance, system operations, member relations or engineering.
   • Five (5) years’ experience in upper level management.
   • Strong people and communication skills plus leadership ability are important aspects of this position.

To Apply

PKM Electric Cooperative offers an excellent benefit package, with salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Applications are accepted by Minnkota Power Cooperative, our wholesale electric provider at www.Minnkota.com. 

Please include a cover letter, resume and three professional references. Applications accepted thru July 15, 2022.

PKM Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Additional Information

Must have the ability to obtain a valid Minnesota State Driver’s License. Travel is required to meet the requirements of the Cooperative. The CEO’s presence is required at meetings locally, regionally and nationally. The above is not meant to be all-inclusive and requirements may change according to the demands of this position.