SDG&E is an innovative San Diego-based energy company that provides clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by providing its electricity from renewable sources; modernizing natural gas pipelines; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; supporting numerous non-profit partners; and, investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region’s infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE).

Our highly trained and responsive employees with their diverse skills, talents and ideas are the reason we can deliver on our commitment and are building America’s best energy company. They are also the reason why we have been recognized with the industry’s most coveted awards. Our employees undertake challenging work, and receive highly competitive compensation and benefits. As one of the region’s largest employers, we’re always searching for talented and bright people to join our team. After all, it takes the best to build the best. Learn more about benefits HERE.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of SDG&E. Empowering our employees to be their whole selves at work is our competitive advantage. This is where new ideas come from and meaningful collaboration gets an authentic start. By bringing together people with different perspectives, diverse backgrounds and real commitment to their own individuality, we have built a stronger business. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion HERE.

For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on Twitter (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook.

Primary Purpose

Responsible for overseeing the Damage Prevention strategy for SDG&E through managing multiple workgroups within Gas Field Operations across all district operating centers. Provides overall leadership and management of supervisors, administrative and represented employees in a strategic manner that produces industry leading results in safety, compliance, and employee engagement while meeting operational and financial objectives. Is responsible for pipeline safety and risk mitigation, gas emergencies, construction and maintenance of gas distribution, and support of civil and electric operations through internal and external partnerships. Manages and has oversight of regulatory compliance, business optimization development and execution, customer service, employee development, and ensuring financial goals are met for Capital and O&M budgets. Develops operational and safety strategies on behalf of the company, while collaborating with industry partners and State Regulators in the development of gas distribution pipeline regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manages Gas Operations personnel and field activities simultaneously specific to the Locate & Mark function and overall damage prevention. Responsible for ensuring gas and electric compliance in accordance with Company policies, procedures, and state (CPUC) and federal (PHMSA/DOT) regulations. Ensures proper record-keeping practices are followed for locating gas and electric underground infrastructure . Develops, implements and oversees strategies and tactics designed to optimize field resources to achieve organizational and corporate level business goals. Drives and facilitates creative and innovative continuous improvement in technology, work methods, and process advancements throughout the organization.
• Develops and implements regional safety and employee engagement strategies and programs designed to ensure a strong safety culture, inclusion and high employee morale. Primary point of contact for both gas and electric damages, providing critical information for outward and upward communications including data requests and reports to the CPUC and DOT as well as monthly updates to senior leadership. In emergency situations maintains appropriate public contact with federal, state, county and local agencies.
• Generates regular reports of cost, quality, and KPIs. Develops and implements strategies and tactics to manage regional department and workstream spending associated with workload, work allocation, tooling, equipment and vehicle expenditures.
• Oversees and supports internal and external regulatory audits conducted by State Regulators and Corporate auditors. Responsible for safety and environmental (ESCMP). Responsible for adherence to Record Retention and Business Resumption Plans and ensures SOX 404 compliance.
• Manages performance and provides counseling, coaching and professional developmental opportunities for personnel. Actively promotes workplace diversity and inclusion throughout the organization. Collaborates with Labor Relations on performance issues, and CBA negotiations. Coordinates with HR to develop staffing strategies and ensures timely execution.
• Performs other duties as assigned (no more than 5% of duties).

Required Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma/GED required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, business administration or relevant field or equivalent field operations experience and applicable field technical training required.
• 8+ years – Related experience, including at least 5 years experience in leadership and oversight required.
• Must have a valid California Drivers License required.
• Requires being available to respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays and may require extended work hours.
• Extensive knowledge of field safety policies and practices including emergency incident response, Incident Command System (ICS), emergency communications, Message Center Reporting and leak investigation/repair.
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Thorough understanding of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), labor practices, the ability to engage represented employees, deal effectively with performance problems and thrive in a union environment.
• Ability to analyze and utilize complex data to formulate strategies and tactics, manage multifaceted projects, effectively collaborate with internal and external business partners.
• Strong listening, verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated leadership ability to effectively work with employees at all levels, as well as to lead and inspire a diverse workforce through a dynamic work environment.
• Display versatility, quick problem solving, handle multiple demands, and ability to work effectively with a variety of individual personalities and organizations.
• Knowledge of company budgeting practices including financial systems such as SAP and Business Warehouse as well as knowledge of Scheduling and Dispatching systems, and MS Office.
• Requires being available to respond to emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays and may require extended work hours.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.

Note: SDG&E strives to ensure that employees are paid equitably and competitively. Starting salaries may vary based on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, and education.

SDG&E offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond base salary. This position is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive (bonus) as well as other merit-based recognition. Company benefits include health and welfare (medical, dental, vision), employer contributions to retirement benefits, life insurance, paid time off, as well as other company offerings such as tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, and employee assistance programs.