JD - COO Power Distribution

Qualification - BE Electrical Engineer (An MBA or advanced degree in Business/Operations Management is highly desirable)

Experience - 20 years + (At least 8-10 years in a senior executive or leadership role like VP of Operations, Technical Director)

Reporting To - MD / CEO

Role Summary

- The Chief Operating Officer acts as the chief executor of the company's vision, translating strategic objectives-such as grid modernization, loss reduction, and reliability improvement-into actionable, measurable operational plans.

- The incumbent will lead all aspects of the electricity distribution network, from high-voltage substation connections down to the last-mile consumer meter, driving performance excellence, safety culture, and regulatory compliance.

Job Responsibilities:

- System Performance: Oversee the 24/7 operations of the entire distribution network, including substations, feeders, and distribution lines, ensuring peak reliability, minimal system losses (AT&C losses), and stable power quality.

- Outage & Emergency Management: Lead the development and implementation of robust emergency response plans (ERP) to handle major power outages, natural disasters, and grid crises, ensuring the fastest possible service restoration.

- Maintenance Strategy: Develop and enforce effective predictive and preventive maintenance programs to maximize asset life, reduce equipment failure, and minimize unanticipated downtime.

- Operational Technology (OT): Drive the deployment and optimization of advanced technologies like SCADA, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI/Smart Meters), and Distribution Automation (DA) systems to enhance real-time monitoring and control.

- Distribution Network Development: Lead the strategic planning for network expansion, reinforcement, and smart grid initiatives. Conceive and execute capital projects (CAPEX) to upgrade outdated infrastructure and integrate Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) like solar and storage.

- Budget Management: Collaborate with the CFO to develop and manage the multi-year operational (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX) budgets for all engineering and field operations departments.

- Performance Metrics (KPIs): Define, monitor, and report on critical distribution utility performance indicators, such as SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) and SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index).

- Safety Culture: Instill and champion a world-class safety (HSE) culture across all field and engineering teams, ensuring absolute compliance with all local, state, and national safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, Electrical Safety Codes).

- Regulatory Liaison: Act as the primary technical interface with regulatory bodies (e.g., Electricity Regulatory Commissions) on technical performance, tariff filings, project approvals, and compliance matters.

- Customer Service: Work closely with the Commercial/Customer Service departments to ensure that operational decisions support high levels of customer satisfaction, including managing supply quality and complaint resolution processes.