5.3 ERMUSR 06-09-2020UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING
TO: FROM:
ERMU Commission ERMU GM Search Committee
MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER:
June 9, 2020 5.3
SUBJECT:
Leadership Transition Search Committee Update
ACTION REQUESTED:
Receive the ERMU General Manager Job Description
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
With the recent resignation of the General Manager, the commission has appointed a search
committee to work with a search consultant, Debra Englund, CEO HRExpertiseBP.
Following last months commission meeting, the General Manager job description was finalized.
The job description is attached and should be formally received by the commission. Also
attached for reference is the general manager selection process dashboard, and a list of the
desired qualities in the new General Manager.
Debra will provide a verbal update at the commission meeting on the status of the search
process and any other pertinent information. The proposed pay range for the position will also
be discussed.
ATTACHMENTS:
ERMU General Manager Job Description
General Manager Selection Process ERMU
Qualities in the New General Manager ERMU
______________________________________________________________________________
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General Manager
Position Description
Department:Immediate Supervisor:
N/A Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
Pay Group: Management FLSA Status: Last Updated:
Pay Grade: N/A Exempt 5/11/2020
Direct Reports:
Operations Director, Administrations Director, Engineering Manager,
Executive Administrative Manager, Human Resources Manager
Position Summary
General Manager of the utilities reporting to the Utilities Commission and accountable for
producing the desired results for the intended recipients through acceptable means. As directed
by commission policy, oversee all operational and personnel aspects of the organization. Lead a
collaborative work environment and leadership team in the strategic planning and
implementation of initiatives to achieve results aligned with the organizational mission, vision,
and values. Participate in and manage government relations and advocacy activities. Closely
work with the city on opportunities and alignment of goals. Serve as external public relations
representative. Provide leadership within the organization and community with the highest
degree of integrity.
Essential Functions
1.Responsible to the commission; responsible for performance of organization and all
employees. Implement policy and produce results through an acceptable manner. Provide
commission with accurate and timely information regarding the utility and industry;
advise during decisions and policy development.
A.Implement policy and carry out direction from commission.
B.Assist the commission in development of policies.
C.Participate in commission created committees and workgroups to research issues,
analyze data, and provide focused information for commission decisions.
D.Report information needed by commission to govern organization effectively.
E.Advise on relevant issues and provide timely legislative and regulatory updates.
F.Proactively communicate on potential issues, advise on options for mitigation of
risks, and generally keep commission informed on industry best practices.
G.Responsible for all personnel, resources, facilities, and equipment.
H.Serve as information officer and spokesperson; publicly represent organization.
2.Ensure successful implementation and communication of organizational goals aligning
resources with the organizational mission, vision, values, and fundamentals:
A.Oversee leadership team’s execution of commission policies, management
policies, procedures, and legal and regulatory requirements.
B.Communicate and support organizational positions and goals with employees.
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C.Lead strategic planning and the organization’s alignment with adopted mission,
vision, values, and fundamentals.
D. Drive implementation and management of strategic initiatives and projects
approved through strategic planning and budgeting process.
E. Oversee scheduled labor and resources for assigned initiatives within the strategic
plan to ensure critical and organizational wide initiatives are given priority and
are successful.
F. Manage relationship and actively participate in governance of power agency.
G. Communicate and coordinate with the city to promote growth and collaborate in
planning financially and structurally for future development.
3. Through a collaborative work environment, lead organization with ongoing development
of leadership team:
A. Clearly communicate expectations, provide feedback, and hold accountable.
B. Perform employee performance evaluations, coaching, and development.
C. Delegate and coordinate projects, preparation of information, and data analysis.
D. Develop leadership team through collaborative work environment allowing
participation organization strategic planning and policy development.
4. Responsible for oversight of utility operations. Provide leadership for Operations
Director. Manages technical aspects of all operations and resources:
A. Oversee all aspects of electric distribution, electric generation, water production,
water distribution, and metering ensuring safety and reliability of services.
B. Drives organization’s safety culture and industry training. Lead by example.
C. Manage equipment specification and procurement objectives.
D. Lead system planning and forecasting. Develop short and long-term capital plans.
E. Promote environmental responsibility through policy and practice.
5. Responsible for the oversight and management of the Engineering function along with
the information and operations technology plan and activities, including cyber security.
Provide direction and leadership to the Engineering Manager.
A. Oversee all aspects of the engineering function to ensure that engineering work is
sufficient and appropriate to provide the best service and safety throughout our
systems.
B. Ensures information, cyber, and physical security policies are strong, effective,
and adhered to for the protection of the utility’s information and assets.
6. Responsible for the oversight and management of the communications plan and activities,
including Commission support and social media, by providing direction and leadership to
the Executive Administrative Manager.
7. Responsible for organization’s financial health and stability. Provide leadership for
Administrations Director. Act as steward for community owned assets in a fiscal
responsible manner:
A. Oversee all aspects of the organization’s administrative functions.
B.Responsible for billing, customer account, and accounting processes.
C. Lead the development of annual business plan, budgets, rates, reports, and key
performance indicators.
D. Objectively review forecasting, methodologies, and process employed.
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General Manager
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Required Skills and Abilities
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Comprehend goals, implement action plans, and produce desired results.
Confidentially manage sensitive information.
Demonstrate and promote professional behavior consistent with organizational values.
Professionally, courteously, and efficiently interact with others.
Effectively evaluate and resolve issues.
Lead a collaborative team environment.
Effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Make decisions within policy and position parameters.
Exercise initiative, discretion, and independent judgement.
Efficiently use technology, software, and office equipment.
Perform all required physical work which may include sitting, standing, stooping, kneeling,
crouching, walking, crawling, and climbing.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Business or Public Administration, a closely
related degree, or equivalent experience.
Technical and operational knowledge of electric and water distribution.
Administrationand financial accounting knowledge.
Minimum of 10 years of related utility experience.
Minimum of 5 years progressive supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Municipal utility experience.
Professional certification in area of discipline.
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within Elk River Municipal Utilities’
discretion to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
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General Manager
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2020
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2
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6
Completed
Status
Updated
Chair
GM
Resources DebraGMDebraCommissionDebraDebraSelection CommitteeDebraDebraSelection CommitteeCommissionDebraCommissionSelection CommitteeDebraTBD/DebraDebraTBDDebraCommission ChairCommission
Outgoing GMLeadership Team
Commission
130
Defined
review
GM
ERMU
interview of final candidate
Screen
outgoing
working on strategic initiatives
submittal and
GM
CommissionEmployment Physical
-
Process
Description Organizational Effectiveness SurveyStrategic Initiatives DefinedRole DefinitionCandidate Qualifications DefinedPerformance MeasurementPost the position with deadlineResumes
directly to HRExpertiseBPResume Phone Screens beginCommission MeetingSelection of Candidates to interviewInterview TrainingFull Selection of final CandidateApproval of the offer range
from the Commission MeetingInitial Offer craftedOffer negotiated Offer Acceptance receivedBackground CheckPreMandatory Drug Last date to announcePress ReleasesOnboardingEmployment BeginsSupport
from New
Date
6/308/7
-
--
2419
--
1514
--
Sub Day12135/18614207/2711717TBDTBD1st1st
BP
Selection
xpertise
Milestone MonthMayMayMay/JuneJulyJulyJulyJuly/AugustAugustAugustAugustSeptemberOctoberOctoberOctober
HRE
GM
HRExpertiseBP
Qualities in the New GM:from the Elk River Commission
Ability to understand the technical and business elements of leading an electric
and water utility.
Ability to articulate concepts well (exceptional communication skills)
Ability to develop leaders and strives for continuous learning (self and others)
GMthat drives forward the organization and the Commission
Ability to provide vision as Utility enters into a new era of growth and change
Demonstrated Ethics/Integrity/Honesty
Exceptional business acumen: Results oriented with a strategic focus
Strong ability to influence and persuade
Ability to problem solve: identify and find strategic alternatives with the ability to
motivate the organization to act upon alternative solutions that fall outside of the
status quo.
Ability to be the voice of Utilityand to effectively engage the community,
customersand employees
Ability to effectively implement strategic change
Strategic change agent with the ability to create and lead change
Dynamic and innovative
Exceptional negotiation skills
Politically astute
Updated 5-11-2020
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