Client Relationship Manager

Utility Client Relations & Contract Development ManagerLocation: San Antonio, TX - Remote with frequent travels to other regional locations The Utility Client Relations & Contract Development Manager builds and maintains trusted relationships with gas, water, and electric utility clients across core and non-core work. This role is not a sales position and does not involve quotas or commissions. Instead, it focuses on long-term partnership development, client education, and supporting the development of utility contracts that align operational needs, safety requirements, and regulatory expectations.This role serves as a key interface between utility stakeholders and internal operations, engineering, safety, and project teams—helping shape work programs before contracts are executed. Responsibilities:Utility Client Relationship ManagementDevelop and maintain strong working relationships with utility operations, engineering, planning, and procurement teams.Serve as a trusted, consistent point of contact for gas, water, and electric utility clients.Understand utility-specific drivers including safety, reliability, outage risk, regulatory compliance, and cost control.Support both core utility programs (O&M, emergency response, system hardening) and non-core work (capital projects, replacements, expansions, specialty services).Client Education & Capability RepresentationEducate utility stakeholders on company capabilities, workforce qualifications, safety culture, and compliance programs.Clearly communicate how the company performs utility work safely, reliably, and in alignment with utility standards.Support client understanding of delivery approaches, resourcing models, and execution strategies.Participate in planning meetings, job walks, and program reviews as a subject-matter resource.Contract & Program DevelopmentSupport the development of:Master service agreements (MSAs)Unit-price contractsTime & material agreementsEmergency response and on-call contractsAssist with defining scopes of work, service boundaries, performance expectations, and risk allocation.Collaborate with internal teams to ensure contract language reflects realistic field execution.Support proposal development by providing client insight and operational alignment.Internal Coordination & AlignmentWork closely with operations, engineering, safety, compliance, and estimating teams.Ensure client expectations are clearly understood before work begins.Communicate utility feedback, concerns, and evolving needs to leadership.Support smooth transition from contract development to field execution.Core vs. Non-Core Utility Work SupportCore Work SupportO&M programsEmergency response readinessLeak repair, line maintenance, and system reliabilityStorm response and restoration planningNon-Core Work SupportCapital improvement programsSystem replacement and modernizationNew service installations Required:8+ years of experience in utility operations, construction, engineering, or utility-facing roles.Experience with gas, water, and/or electric utility systems.Strong understanding of utility contract structures and work programs.Demonstrated ability to build trust with utility operations and leadership teams.Excellent communication skills across field, technical, and executive audiences.High credibility in safety, compliance, and operational execution.Specialized construction and inspection servicesStrategic & Regulatory AwarenessMaintain awareness of utility regulatory environments, safety requirements, and compliance obligations.Support alignment with OSHA, DOT, PHMSA, CPUC/PUC, and utility-specific standards.Contribute to long-term client account strategies and work program planning.Key CompetenciesUtility client relationship managementContract and scope developmentSafety and compliance awarenessCross-functional leadershipOperational credibilityStrategic communicationMeasures of SuccessStrength and longevity of utility client relationshipsClient confidence in company capabilitiesQuality and clarity of developed contracts and scopesAlignment between utility expectations and field executionGrowth in repeat utility work and long-term programsWhat This Role Is NotNot a sales or quota-driven positionNo cold calling or commission incentivesNo pricing authority unless delegatedNot responsible for closing contracts independently