Vice President - Risk Operations (Electric Utility)

If you need assistance with the application process, please notify IB Abel’s Human Resources Department. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

About Us

IB Abel’s 110-year history is a testament to its adaptability, forward-thinking leadership, commitment to safety, and stellar service and project delivery process. Our core values—Responsible, Integrity, Results-Oriented, Ownership, and Professional—shape everything that we do at all levels of the company and are purposefully incorporated into all company communications, meetings, and strategic planning. Our use of the EOS model (Entrepreneurial Operating System) also provides structure and clarity among all levels of the company to maintain focus on our shared goals.

IB Abel (IBA) is committed to providing ample learning and career development opportunities to its team members via our Associate's Program in Project Management, Estimating, and Accounting and our growing Learning Management System.

The Opportunity 

We are seeking an experienced Vice President of Risk Operations who is responsible for identifying, assessing, mitigating, and monitoring enterprise-wide risks across the organization. This role provides strategic leadership over safety, regulatory, environmental, and reputational risks, ensuring the company maintains compliance while supporting growth and operational excellence. This position works closely with executive leadership, operations, legal, safety, finance, and compliance teams to embed risk management into business planning, project execution, and decision-making processes.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) - Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework aligned with the company’s strategic objectives; identify and assess current and emerging risks across all business units, geographic regions, and project types; establish risk appetite, tolerance levels, and escalation protocols in collaboration with executive leadership; and provide regular risk reporting, dashboards, and briefings to the CRO.

Operational & Project Risk - Partner with operations leadership to identify and mitigate risks related to: Transmission, distribution, and substation construction; Electrical construction and maintenance; and Subcontractor performance and labor availability. Review high-risk projects, bids, and joint ventures to evaluate exposure and recommend mitigation strategies; and support standardized project risk assessments and go/no-go decision processes.

Safety, Environmental & Regulatory Risk - Oversee Safety, Risk and Compliance teams to ensure alignment between risk management and - OSHA, DOT, EPA, and state regulatory requirements; utility owner standards and safety programs; and environmental permitting and compliance obligations. Monitor trends in safety incidents, near misses, and regulatory findings to proactively reduce exposure; and support crisis management and incident response planning.

Financial, Insurance & Contractual Risk - Oversee risk related to insurance programs, bonding, and surety relationships; and partner with Finance and Legal to assess contractual risk, including: Indemnification clauses; Liquidated damages; Force majeure and change order risk; and Claims, disputes, and litigation exposure. Evaluate financial risks related to cash flow, credit, project margins, and client concentration.

Cybersecurity, Data & Business Continuity - Collaborate with IT leadership to manage risks related to: Data security and privacy; Operational technology (OT) and field systems; and Ransomware and cyber threats. Lead development and testing of business continuity, disaster recovery, and crisis response plans and ensure preparedness for major operational disruptions, natural disasters, or large-scale incidents.

Who We’re Looking For

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Engineering, Construction Management or a related field required; or an acceptable combination of education and/or work experience within the Electric Utility industry.

Master’s degree (MBA or similar) preferred.

Certified Risk Manager (CRM) certification preferred.

15+ years of progressive leadership experience in risk management, safety, operations, finance, legal, or compliance.

Proven experience within electric utility construction, heavy civil construction, engineering, or infrastructure services.

Experience leading enterprise-wide risk initiatives in a multi-region organization.

Proficient in MS Office applications with strong skills in Excel, Word, and MS Project.

Local to Pennsylvania (preferable) but with regular travel to other offices, customer facilities, jobsites and yard locations for offsite meetings (flexibility to work from home when appropriate).

A “can-do” attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to collaborate effectively with various teams.

Why Choose IBA 

Culture of Growth: Many of our leaders started in entry-level field roles and advanced within the company.

Flexibility & Autonomy: We empower our team to succeed without micromanagement.

Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Includes competitive salary, vehicle allowance program, 401(k) with company matching, tuition reimbursement, and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision.

Stability & Variety: Work for multi-generational family-oriented business on diverse, fast-paced projects without the stress of a large corporate structure.

Incentives: Performance-based bonuses/incentives and a progressive PTO programs that grows with your tenure!

Collaboration: A team environment where we work together to solve challenges and celebrate wins.

Step Into a Career That Powers the Future!

IB Abel is an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.