Operations Manager

Job DetailsJob Location: Stroud, OK 74079-4256Position Type: Full TimePosition Summary The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective operation and maintenance of natural gas pipeline, compression, and related facilities within an assigned operating area. This position provides leadership and oversight for daily field operations, maintenance activities, employee performance, safety, regulatory compliance, asset reliability, financial performance, emergency response, and project execution. The Operations Manager leads frontline operational teams, establishes area priorities and performance expectations, and works closely with other departments, customers, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure the prudent operation and maintenance of Company assets. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Provide overall leadership and management of daily pipeline, compression, and facility operations within the assigned operating area. Ensure safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant operation and maintenance of Company assets. Provide visible safety leadership and promote a strong culture of employee, contractor, and asset safety. Ensure compliance with Company safety policies, procedures, training requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. Develop, implement, and monitor the Area Safety Action Plan and other safety improvement initiatives. Coordinate emergency preparedness, emergency response activities, drills, and operational response efforts. Lead, coach, and develop Operations Supervisors and other assigned personnel. Manage employee performance, including establishing performance goals, conducting performance reviews, providing coaching and development, and addressing disciplinary matters when necessary. Participate in hiring, promotions, compensation recommendations, succession planning, and workforce development for assigned personnel. Monitor employee workloads, staffing levels, and work assignments and adjust priorities, schedules, and resources to ensure work is completed safely and efficiently. Develop short- and long-range operational plans, goals, and objectives for the assigned area. Manage Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Sustaining Capital expenditures, including annual budget preparation, cost control, forecasting, variance analysis, and management of emergent costs. Monitor operating expenses and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost performance. Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance activities to support pipeline, compression, and facility reliability. Monitor asset condition and operational performance and develop corrective action plans when performance or reliability concerns are identified. Oversee inspections of pipeline, station, compression, and related facilities to ensure compliance with maintenance, housekeeping, environmental, regulatory, and safety requirements. Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations governing pipeline and facility operations. Support regulatory inspections, audits, documentation requirements, investigations, and corrective actions. Manage operational and maintenance projects within the assigned area, including scope development, scheduling, resource allocation, contractor coordination, and execution. Oversee third-party contractors performing work on Company property or within Company rights-of-way to ensure Company assets and interests are protected. Review proposed third-party activities and agreements affecting Company facilities, including foreign crossings, leases, roadway or highway expansions, construction activities, and other right-of-way encroachments. Coordinate with Damage Prevention, Land, Engineering, Safety, Measurement, Commercial, and other departments regarding activities affecting Company facilities and operations. Establish work plans, priorities, staffing assignments, and resource allocations necessary to accomplish operational goals. Identify operational issues, evaluate root causes, gather relevant information, and develop and implement appropriate corrective actions. Make timely and informed operational decisions using Company policies, procedures, technical expertise, available data, and input from appropriate subject matter experts. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management, customers, landowners, vendors, contractors, governmental agencies, and regulatory authorities. Communicate operational, technical, financial, safety, and regulatory information clearly and effectively to appropriate stakeholders. Promote accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and adherence to Company policies and core values. Support continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, reliability, productivity, cost management, and operational performance. Participate in after-hours operational support and emergency response as required. Perform other duties as assigned. Benefits:  Potential annual performance bonus based on company and individual performance  401(k) with 5% company contribution  Medical, dental, vision, life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance  Disclaimer:  The information contained in this job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.  QualificationsEducation High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate or bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Construction Management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant industry experience may be considered. Experience Significant experience in natural gas pipeline, compression, gathering, or related midstream operations required. Previous leadership or supervisory experience managing field operations personnel required. Experience with pipeline operations, compression equipment, maintenance programs, and asset reliability preferred. Experience managing operational budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditures preferred. Experience working within a regulated pipeline environment and supporting regulatory compliance activities required. Experience managing contractors and operational projects preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Strong knowledge of natural gas pipeline, compression, and facility operations and maintenance practices. Working knowledge of applicable pipeline safety, environmental, occupational safety, and other regulatory requirements. Strong leadership and employee development skills with the ability to establish expectations, coach performance, and hold personnel accountable. Strong financial acumen with the ability to develop budgets, manage costs, evaluate variances, and forecast operational expenditures. Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize personnel, equipment, and resources across multiple operational needs. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions. Sound judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in operational and emergency situations. Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and respond to changing operational conditions. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships across departments and with external stakeholders. Ability to read and interpret technical documents, procedures, contracts, maps, drawings, and regulatory requirements. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and conversions applicable to pipeline and facility operations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and applicable operational, maintenance, financial, and reporting systems. Demonstrated ability to work independently while effectively contributing to cross-functional teams. Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, accountability, and respect when representing the Company. Supervisory Responsibilities This position has direct supervisory responsibility for Operations Supervisors and may provide direct or indirect leadership to Operations Crew Leaders, Operations Specialists, Mechanics, and other field personnel within the assigned operating area. Responsibilities include staffing, employee development, performance management, training, coaching, succession planning, compensation recommendations, and disciplinary action as appropriate. Working Conditions Combination of office and field environments. Regular travel throughout the assigned operating area and to Company facilities. Frequent exposure to pipeline rights-of-way, compressor stations, construction areas, operating equipment, and industrial environments. May be exposed to varying weather conditions, noise, moving equipment, and other conditions typical of natural gas operations. Must be available to respond to operational emergencies and after-hours situations as required. Physical Requirements Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and navigate industrial facilities and pipeline rights-of-way. Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain and outdoor work environments. Ability to occasionally lift and carry equipment or materials associated with field inspections and operational activities. Ability to safely operate a Company vehicle. Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE). Candidates must be able to successfully pass a background check and drug screening prior to employment.