SUBSTATION OPERATIONS MANAGER
Location: Minnetonka, MN | Hybrid | Remote
Schedule: Full-Time
Salary: $140,000 – $187,000 (based on experience)
The Substation Operations Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for EVS’s Substation Engineering department, overseeing project planning, design, execution, team development, client relationships, and financial performance. This role is responsible for driving departmental goals, maintaining high-quality engineering deliverables, and ensuring projects are completed efficiently, on schedule, and in alignment with client expectations.
Working closely with the Director and other Substation department leaders, this position collaborates across multiple disciplines, including PV and BESS, Civil, Geotechnical, Survey, Structural, and the Project Management Office (PMO). The Substation Operations Manager plays a key role in driving business growth, strengthening client relationships, developing employees, and establishing operational standards that support long-term success.
This role is ideal for an experienced substation engineering leader who combines strong technical knowledge with strategic thinking, financial accountability, and a commitment to building a collaborative, high-performing team.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Lead the planning, design, and execution of substation engineering projects, ensuring alignment with departmental objectives, project scopes, budgets, and schedules.
- Partner with the Senior Director and other Substation leaders to establish, execute, and monitor departmental goals, strategies, and operational priorities.
- Oversee the development of substation engineering drawings, calculations, and technical deliverables to ensure accuracy, quality, and compliance with applicable codes, standards, and safety requirements.
- Establish and improve departmental workflows, procedures, quality control measures, and project delivery practices to enhance efficiency and productivity.
- Monitor project progress, resource allocation, and performance to ensure commitments are met and client expectations are exceeded.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, technical standards, and overall project execution.
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, training, and professional development initiatives to build and maintain a strong substation engineering team.
- Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to support employee growth, career development, engagement, and retention.
- Conduct performance reviews, address team challenges, and resolve conflicts while promoting a positive and accountable work environment.
- Stay informed about emerging substation technologies, engineering practices, industry trends, and regulatory developments, sharing relevant knowledge with the team.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture that emphasizes technical excellence, accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.
- Build and maintain strong client relationships, serving as a trusted partner and ensuring satisfaction with EVS’s engineering services.
- Participate in client meetings, project discussions, business development activities, client visits, and industry tradeshows as needed.
- Serve as a client champion when assigned, helping strengthen relationships, understand client needs, and identify opportunities for continued partnership.
- Collaborate with PV and BESS, Civil, Geotechnical, Survey, Structural, and PMO leaders to coordinate interdisciplinary project requirements and support successful project delivery.
- Develop scopes of work, prepare pricing proposals, and support project budgeting and financial planning.
- Participate in client negotiations and help establish project expectations, deliverables, schedules, and commercial terms.
- Monitor project financial performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability, resource utilization, and operational efficiency.
- Ensure departmental work complies with applicable engineering standards, regulations, safety requirements, and internal quality procedures.
- Encourage employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention through effective leadership, communication, and professional development.
- Provide hands-on leadership and support during critical project deadlines, motivating the team and helping resolve challenges while maintaining a positive and professional environment.
- Balance technical priorities, client needs, employee development, and business objectives to support the continued growth of EVS’s Substation Engineering department.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
- Proven experience in management or leadership role within a substation engineering department or a closely related electrical engineering environment.
- In-depth knowledge of substation engineering principles, design practices, project execution, and quality control.
- Strong understanding of project management, including scope development, scheduling, resource planning, budgeting, and financial performance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, manage multiple projects, and deliver high-quality work within established timelines and budgets.
- Professional Engineering (PE) licensure preferred.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, including experience with recruitment, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across departments, project teams, clients, and leadership.
- Experience developing scopes of work, preparing proposals, supporting pricing decisions, and participating in client negotiations.
- Strong client relationship management skills and the ability to identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships and support business growth.
- Ability to establish effective workflows, implement process improvements, and promote consistent engineering and project delivery standards.
- Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to balance project quality, client satisfaction, profitability, and resource utilization.
- Proactive problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to navigate complex technical and operational challenges.
- Commitment to developing employees, promoting accountability, and fostering a positive, collaborative team culture.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and provide additional support during critical project deadlines when needed.
- Willingness to travel for client meetings, client visits, and industry tradeshows.
- Ability to work in person at the Minnetonka office a minimum of two days per week.
WHY EVS
- Join a growing multidisciplinary engineering organization with decades of industry experience.
- Play a key leadership role in shaping the direction, growth, and operational success of EVS’s Substation Engineering department.
- Work alongside experienced professionals across substation engineering, renewable energy, civil, geotechnical, survey, structural, and project management disciplines.
- Influence engineering standards, project delivery practices, and operational strategies across a growing portfolio of projects.
- Build strong client relationships and contribute to long-term business growth and customer satisfaction.
- Lead and mentor talented engineering professionals while supporting career development, team engagement, and succession planning.
- Help drive continuous improvement, technical excellence, and consistent quality across substation engineering projects.
- Be part of a collaborative leadership team that values accountability, innovation, professional growth, and a positive work culture.
- Make a meaningful impact on the success of EVS’s projects, employees, clients, and long-term business objectives.
BENEFITS FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEES
Health Insurance (Medical through United Healthcare/UMR)
Dental and Vision Insurance
STD (Short-Term Disability) and LTD (Long-Term Disability) Insurance
Life Insurance
EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
Paid Time Off
401k Match
Choice Benefit
Flexible Work Time
Performance-Based Bonus
Point-Based Recognition
Parental Benefits
Referral Bonus
Certification Bonus
Hybrid / Remote Culture
These benefits not only enhance the overall compensation package but also contribute to creating an inviting and supportive work environment. They play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent, promoting employee satisfaction, and nurturing a positive company culture that values its employees' well-being and contributions.
