Operations Manager

Date Posted: 10/02/2026 Minimum Date Posted: 10/09/2026

Location: Multiple Locations Across North Carolina (including Asheville, Burnsville, and surrounding areas)

The salary range for this position is $160,000-$168,000. Final compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the position.

Benefits:

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options where applicable; 401(k) with company match; paid time off; company-paid holidays; and short and long-term disability.

How to Apply:
Candidates may apply by clicking the "apply" button in this posting which is hosted on our careers page at https://unitedutility.com/careers

Internal Employee Notice:

This opportunity is being communicated internally in accordance with the Company's Recruiting Transparency and Opportunity Notice process. Current employees are encouraged to apply through our careers page at https://unitedutility.com/careers

About the Role

The Operations Manager, Street Lighting is responsible for overseeing all aspects of street lighting construction, maintenance, repair, and service operations within an assigned geographic area. This position provides leadership for field personnel, ensures safe and efficient project execution, manages customer relationships, and drives operational and financial performance. The Operations Manager is responsible for maintaining compliance with utility standards, municipal requirements, company safety policies, and contractual obligations while supporting business growth and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily street lighting construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair operations.
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture consistent with company and customer requirements.
• Monitor productivity, quality, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure operational goals are achieved.
• Oversee field crews, supervisors, foremen, subcontractors, equipment, and project resources.
• Ensure work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with customer specifications.
• Develop staffing plans and assist with recruiting, training, mentoring, and employee development.
• Conduct field observations, safety audits, and quality inspections.
• Manage departmental financial performance, including labor, equipment, materials, and contract costs.
• Review project schedules, status reports, and customer deliverables.
• Work closely with estimating and project management teams to support bids, proposals, and contract execution.
• Coordinate with Fleet, Purchasing, Safety, and Human Resources departments to support operational needs.
• Maintain strong relationships with utility customers, municipalities, developers, and other stakeholders.
• Respond to customer concerns and service-related issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Support emergency restoration efforts and after-hours response activities as required.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement best practices to enhance operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, NESC standards, local codes, and company procedures.

Key Qualifications
Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 8+ years of experience in street lighting, electrical utility, utility contractor, or related field operations.
• 3+ years of supervisory or management experience leading crews and operational teams.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, and financial performance.
• Strong understanding of street lighting systems, electrical distribution systems, and underground/overhead construction practices.
• Knowledge of utility safety practices, OSHA regulations, and industry standards.
• Strong leadership, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Key Nice-to-Haves

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working with municipal street lighting programs and utility-owned lighting systems.
• Experience estimating, bidding, or managing service contracts.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• Project Management experience.

Application Deadline:

This posting will remain open for a minimum of five (5) calendar days. The Company reserves the right to extend or close the posting based on business needs and applicable policy requirements.

Important Information:

Applicants may be asked:
"Are you currently employed by the Company?"

For standard external opportunities, this question is used for applicant classification, reporting, and workforce analytics purposes only.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruiters or staffing firms. Resumes submitted without a signed, written agreement with the Company and outside the approved HR/Recruiter process will not be reviewed or considered, and the Company will not be responsible for any associated fees.