Substation Superintendent
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
Job Summary
We are seeking a Substation Superintendent to plan, coordinate, and supervise field construction activities for electrical substation projects. This role ensures safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of work according to project specifications, schedules, and productivity goals.
The Substation Superintendent provides leadership over field operations while serving as the primary project manager for assigned work, including project planning, execution, cost control, client coordination, and delivery. This position is also involved in pre-construction planning, bid oversight, process improvement, and business development support.
The role operates in a union workforce environment, requiring effective collaboration, communication, and adherence to collective bargaining agreements while maintaining productivity and safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
Field Operations Leadership
- Lead and supervise General Foremen across multiple scopes including electrical, relay & SCADA, and civil work.
- Provide direction, priorities, and accountability without direct involvement in day-to-day execution.
- Build and mentor field leadership, promote a culture of safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Work extended hours, including nights and weekends as required.
Project Execution & Client Management
- Act as primary project manager for assigned substation projects from award through completion.
- Manage project scope, schedule, and budget through General Foremen and field crews.
- Coordinate with clients, utilities, vendors, and external engineering resources.
- Ensure constructability and sequencing align with field conditions and project goals.
- Resolve field issues that impact project delivery or client satisfaction.
Schedule & Productivity
- Develop short-term and look-ahead field schedules.
- Plan manpower, equipment, and material requirements.
- Monitor crew productivity and labor efficiency; resolve scheduling conflicts.
Operational Performance Management
- Cost Control: Monitor performance against budgets and identify inefficiencies.
- Safety: Ensure expectations are communicated and enforced; maintain accountability.
- Quality: Ensure work meets project specifications and industry standards.
- Production: Ensure proper planning, staffing, and execution to meet project goals.
- Documentation: Oversee reporting, timesheets, field documentation, and change orders.
Pre-Construction, Bid Oversight & Business Development
- Review bid packages for accuracy, constructability, and alignment with field execution strategies.
- Evaluate subcontractor and vendor proposals for technical compliance and pricing.
- Provide guidance on means, methods, labor assumptions, and scheduling during estimating.
- Approve bids for projects exceeding $1M and ensure consistency with operational capacity.
- Support business development efforts and collaboration with leadership to secure new projects.
Union / Labor Relations Experience
- Lead operations in a unionized workforce environment (IBEW preferred).
- Maintain strong relationships with union representatives; ensure compliance with CBAs.
- Support workforce planning and coordination with union labor.
Experience Required
- 10+ years of electrical construction experience.
- 5+ years in a leadership role managing field supervisors.
- Proven experience with substation construction projects.
Technical Expertise
- Substation civil and structural work
- Ground grid installation
- Bus installation and high-voltage equipment
- Transformer and breaker installation
- Cable tray and control wiring
- Substation commissioning support
Key Competencies
- Operational and project management
- Customer and stakeholder management
- Cost and performance management
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Communication and leadership
- Field leadership and team development
- Schedule coordination and execution
- Safety leadership
- Process improvement mindset (Lean/Six Sigma)
Typical Span of Control
- 3 General Foremen (union)
- 15–50 union field personnel
- Multiple concurrent substation work fronts
Success Metrics
- Safety performance across all crews
- Production and schedule performance
- Quality of installations and maintenance work
- Cost control and operational efficiency
- Customer satisfaction
- Performance and development of field leadership
- Estimating accuracy and bid competitiveness
