General Manager of Reading Municipal Light Department

Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) seeks a General Manager with exceptional leadership, management, communication, negotiation and strategic planning skills to lead the operations of a progressive utility with annual revenues of $82 million.

The General Manager is responsible for all functions of the RMLD including Energy Services, Engineering and Operations, Human Resources, Accounting, Customer Service, Community Relations, and Information Technology. The General Manager reports to an elected Board of Commissioners and works with the Citizens’ Advisory Board, which is an appointed board representing the towns served by RMLD. The position is subject to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 164 and interacts with elected officials and utility-related organizations at the federal, state and local levels.

The General Manager is responsible for developing and presenting the annual Operating and Capital Budgets, recommending electricity rates, ensuring reliable delivery of electric power, ensuring a diversified energy portfolio including renewable energy sources and developing short and long-term strategic plans. Operational oversight includes personnel management, including union negotiations, monitoring the power supply market and executing power supply purchases, capital project planning and maintenance, purchasing and bid oversight, and directing the use of legal and consulting services. It is critical that the General Manager have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to forge strong relationships with employees, commissioners, government officials and the general public at all levels.

RMLD is a municipal electric utility located 11 miles north of Boston serving 29,000 customers in four communities: Reading, Wilmington, North Reading, and Lynnfield Center. The Department has 75 employees, who are predominately union employees.

Candidates should be able to show significant experience in leading an electric utility with a minimum of 10 years’ experience at a senior level management position. Industry experience should include technical understanding of all aspects of electric utility, union and contract negotiation and strategic planning. Municipal experience is a plus with a good understanding of local, state and federal requirements. Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is required. A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Management or Public Administration is desired. Candidates’ names will not be made public until final round of interviewing.

The RMLD offers a comprehensive benefit package. Qualified in-house applicants must submit resume, references and salary requirements to Janet Walsh, Director of Human Resources, RMLD, 230 Ash Street, Reading, MA 01867, e-mail: jwalsh@rmld.com.

Minimum of 10 years’ experience at a senior level management position.

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is required.

A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Management or Public Administration is desired.