Vice President of Continuous Improvement

JOB TITLE: Vice President of Continuous Improvement

DEPARTMENT: Continuous Improvement

REPORTS TO: Chief Business Officer

SUPERVISES: Director of PMO, Manager of Data Solutions

If Invited To Interview, We Ask That You Come Prepared To Present a Set Of Deliverables You Have Developed, Which Should Include

• A 30-60-90 day plan
• An organizational influence strategy
• An approach to driving enterprise performance through metrics
  
  

You will have approximately 20-25 minutes to present your materials, followed by a brief period for clarification and short follow-up questions.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Continuous Improvement is a visionary and relational leader responsible for driving innovation, operational efficiency, and strategic project execution across Ozarks. This role leads the Project Management and Data Solutions teams and works closely with business units and strategy management to ensure the successful planning and delivery of technology- and data-enabled initiatives.

Acting as a connector across departments, this leader builds trusted internal relationships to identify opportunities where strategic projects and process enhancements can deliver measurable impact. They guide the organization in adopting new ways of working that improve service delivery, strengthen decision-making, and align with OECC's long-term goals. By fostering a culture of engagement and collaboration, the Vice President of Continuous Improvement ensures that continuous improvement evolves from a functional capability into an organizational mindset.

Job Qualifications

EDUCATION: Requires bachelor's degree with a master's degree preferred. Certifications such as PMP, Prosci Change Management, or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt are a plus.

EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in areas such as process improvement, enterprise project or program management, and data analytics or digital initiatives. Experience working in or with utilities, cooperative, or regulated industries strongly preferred.

PREFERRED SKILLS: Exceptional relationship building skills and a strong communicator with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders. A deep understanding of continuous improvement methodologies and proficiency in project portfolio management.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong cross-functional partnerships with business unit leaders to understand needs, co-develop solutions, and enhance enterprise performance.
• Develop and champion a forward-looking continuous improvement strategy that aligns with OECC's business goals, operational priorities, and member needs.
• Provide executive leadership for OECC's data strategy, with a focus on growth and innovation in data-driven services that support enterprise decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Champion the use of emerging technologies, programs, applications and software that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and insights across departments.
• Serve as an executive advisor on project governance, change leadership, and innovation best practices.
• Promote a data-informed culture by embedding analytics into project planning, performance monitoring, and innovation efforts.
• Ensure effective use of data platforms, reporting tools, and visualizations that support enterprise insight and continuous feedback loops.
• Foster a culture where business functions proactively engage with the Continuous Improvement team to initiate and accelerate high-impact projects.
• Prepare executive updates and board-level reporting on CI performance, strategic initiative progress, and value delivery.
• Provide strategic direction and coaching to the Project Management and Data Solutions teams, fostering professional growth and innovation.
• Represent OECC externally with peer utilities, industry groups, and vendor partners as needed.
• Own the development, accuracy, and communication of enterprise performance metrics that directly impact OECC's strategic goals and employee incentive compensation
  
  

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. The Vice President of Continuous Improvement shall be required to perform any other duties assigned to fulfill the objectives of the Cooperative.

External Relationships

This role engages with a variety of external stakeholders including technology vendors, implementation partners, peer utilities, and industry associations. The Vice President of Continuous Improvement builds strategic partnerships that enhance OECC's ability to innovate, improve performance, and stay ahead of emerging trends in data, process, and project excellence.

Other Requirements

The individual in this role must be able to operate effectively in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment, bringing strong interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate diverse teams and perspectives. Clear and persuasive communication - both written and verbal - is essential, with the capacity to engage audiences ranging from front-line staff to executive leadership. This role requires a high degree of adaptability, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and adjust quickly as organizational needs evolve.

The Vice President must be comfortable balancing strategic leadership with hands-on involvement, especially when guiding complex initiatives or supporting enterprise-level decisions. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential in preparing documentation, reporting, and performance insights that inform key organizational actions. The position requires a valid driver's license and insurability under the Cooperative's policies. Occasional irregular hours or overnight travel may be necessary to support strategic initiatives, attend industry events, or engage with external partners.

Physical Requirements

This position is primarily performed in an office environment with extended periods of desk work, computer use, and collaboration through digital platforms. The role requires the ability to communicate effectively in person and virtually, participate in meetings, and deliver presentations. Occasional lifting or carrying of materials weighing up to 20 pounds may be necessary. The employee must be able to concentrate, analyze information, and interact with others in a dynamic and fast-paced setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Ozarks provides its employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive wages, fully paid medical and dental coverage for both you and your dependents, a defined benefit pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with employer matching contributions. Additionally, we provide paid time off, nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

Ozarks Electric is an EOE/AA/W/M/VETERAN/Disability employer

Job Posted by ApplicantPro