General Manager - Substations & BESS - Michels Power, Inc. (Saint Paul)
General Manager – Substation & BESS Full-Time | Travel Required | Otsego, MN Lead the Teams Powering the Energy Transition Strengthening and modernizing America's electric grid requires more than technical expertise. It requires visionary leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to developing people while delivering safe, profitable, and successful project outcomes. Every day, utilities, developers, and communities depend on resilient electrical infrastructure to deliver reliable power. Behind that reliability are the substations and battery energy storage systems (BESS) that support grid stability, renewable energy integration, and growing energy demand. At Michels Power, Inc., we help build and modernize the electrical infrastructure that powers homes, businesses, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and critical services across North America. Michels Power, Inc. is one of the largest and most sought-after power delivery contractors in the United States. We perform the full spectrum of electrical infrastructure work, including transmission lines, substations, distribution systems, renewable energy facilities, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and critical utility infrastructure. Our teams are trusted by some of the nation's largest utilities, developers, and energy providers to safely deliver complex projects that strengthen the grid and support the future of energy. If you're a strategic leader who thrives on building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and growing client relationships, find out how a career at Michels Power, Inc. can change yours. Position Summary As a General Manager – Substation & BESS, you will provide leadership and oversight for regional operations while fostering an environment focused on safety, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and profitability. This position is responsible for project success and financial performance across the region's Substation and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. You will establish strategic goals in partnership with the Regional Vice President and collaborate with Regional Managers, Project Managers, and operational leaders to execute those objectives. This role requires a strong focus on relationship management, workforce development, business growth, operational execution, and financial stewardship. Success in this role requires a proven leader who can effectively balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational support while building strong teams, maintaining customer relationships, and driving sustainable growth. Executive Leadership & Regional Operations Direct and oversee regional Substation and BESS operations, ensuring alignment with company and divisional objectives. Establish and execute strategic initiatives in partnership with the Regional Vice President and senior leadership team. Provide leadership and direction to Regional Managers, Project Managers, and operational teams. Ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, and profitably while maintaining the highest levels of quality and customer satisfaction. Support project teams in resolving operational, staffing, scheduling, and project-related challenges. Lead and support troubled project recovery efforts when necessary. Assume direct project management responsibilities when required. Directly manage regional personnel and carry out leadership responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws. Participate in interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, development, performance management, and employee engagement initiatives. Mentor and develop leaders across the organization, supporting professional development and certification achievement opportunities. Build high-performing teams by attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional talent. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Client Relations & Business Growth Develop and maintain strong relationships with utility, renewable energy, battery storage, and infrastructure customers. Partner with Business Development to identify new customers, expand regional market presence, and support long-term growth strategies. Ensure projects are managed with a focus on maximizing customer satisfaction. Represent Michels Power at customer meetings, trade organizations, industry conferences, and networking events. Monitor industry trends and emerging opportunities to support regional growth and operational planning. Preconstruction & Project Delivery Lead regional preconstruction efforts and RFP pursuits for substation and battery energy storage projects. Review and support bid strategies, project execution plans, staffing requirements, and resource allocation efforts. Collaborate with estimating, engineering, and operational teams to support successful project pursuits and execution. Provide leadership and support to project teams throughout the project lifecycle to ensure successful outcomes. Workforce Planning & Operational Support Work with field leadership to forecast labor, equipment, and resource requirements based on current and projected workloads. Support staffing strategies that align regional resources with business demands and future growth. Regularly visit project sites to engage with field personnel and reinforce Michels Power's safety culture. Assist operational leaders with workforce development, succession planning, and long-term talent growth initiatives. Provide leadership and oversight for regional financial performance. Manage forecasting, budgeting, cash flow, backlog, cost projections, revenue forecasts, and profitability objectives. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs across the region while maintaining quality and safety standards. Monitor project and regional performance and implement corrective actions as needed. Safety & Culture Maintain and promote a strong safety culture for employees, customers, subcontractors, and vendors. Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and operational policies and procedures. Lead and support safety and environmental investigations, including implementation of effective corrective actions. Build strong partnerships with Safety, Equipment Operations, Human Resources, Finance, Business Development, and other Michels Family of Companies teams. Promote the Michels Family of Companies culture, values, and commitment to excellence throughout the region. Engineering News-Record ranks us as the No. 1 Electrical Transmission & Distribution Contractor. Our steady, strategic growth revolves around a commitment to quality. We are family owned and operated. We invest an average of $5,000 per employee in training each year. We perform challenging, meaningful work that improves the world. We believe everyone is responsible for promoting safety, regardless of job title. We are part of the Michels family of companies, one of North America's largest and most diversified energy and infrastructure contractors. Benefits We offer a comprehensive benefits program, including: Health Insurance Life Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Health Savings Account (HSA) Short-Term Disability Insurance Long-Term Disability Insurance 401(k) Retirement Plan Legal Plan Identity Theft Protection and Monitoring Plan Benefits may vary based on position and location. What It Takes Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field and 10 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proven leadership experience managing substation, utility, battery energy storage (BESS), renewable energy, power delivery, or EPC construction operations. Demonstrated success leading regional operations, project portfolios, and multidisciplinary teams. Strong understanding of substation construction, battery energy storage systems, project delivery methodologies, resource planning, and risk management. Proven financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, cash flow, backlog, profitability, and operational performance. Experience leading preconstruction efforts, RFP pursuits, estimating collaboration, and strategic planning initiatives. Exceptional leadership, communication, organizational, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Ability to develop teams, build customer relationships, and drive regional growth initiatives. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with project controls, estimating, and job cost tracking software is preferred. Advanced industry certifications, licenses, or credentials are preferred. Willingness to travel as required. A valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record. Why You? You like to surround yourself with dedicated, value-driven people. You relish new challenges and evolving technology. You cringe when you hear: “Because that's the way we've always done it.” You like to know your efforts are noticed and appreciated. You want to make your own decisions, but know support is always available. You want to work to make a difference in people's lives. Join a company that powers progress. Be a part of Michels Power, Inc.—where you don't just bui
