Contracting and Utility Services Manager

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

1d•$97,600 - $138,600•Hybrid

About The Position

Manages the administration and coordination of new business gas and electric contract contractors across the contractor work-to-pay lifecycle, ensuring contractor work is properly authorized, funded, executed, invoiced and paid in accordance with company policies, financial controls and regulatory requirements. Oversees purchase requisition, purchase order and Service Entry Sheet (SES) processes, vendor onboarding, invoice exception management, accruals and vendor payment support while maintaining audit-ready records and SOx compliance. Provides guidance and consultation to Business Operations leadership, Supply Chain and Finance for the administration of contractors providing ancillary services including boring, restoration and barricading. Administers the policies and procedures of Business Operations to ensure financial stewardship and accurate, timely financial reporting while ensuring customer satisfaction.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a technical or business field or a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge.
Eight years of experience in construction, operations or contract administration, including two years management/supervisory experience.
Working knowledge of gas/electric system construction, operations and maintenance standards, procedures and governmental regulations.
Knowledge of union labor agreements is required.
Experienced with PC and mainframe computer applications and analytical software desirable.
Capable of handling several activities and interacting with many diverse work groups in a broad setting.
Knowledge of codes/regulations including FERC, DOT, NEC, OSHA, EEO/AA, EPA, PUC, OPS, SOx, environmental, ROW, land use, franchise and local building codes.
Subject to all applicable Federal, State and Xcel Energy drug testing requirements.
Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience leading process transformation, automation, or operational excellence initiatives.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data and performance metrics to drive business decisions.
Proven ability to influence outcomes and build effective partnerships across multiple business functions and leadership levels.
Experience managing vendor performance scorecards, service-level expectations, invoice exceptions, and supplier escalations.

Responsibilities

Review, analyze, and recommend contract and process modifications as needed to ensure emphasis on common language, expectations and competitive costs.
Lead contract administration activities supporting the contractor work-to-pay lifecycle, including vendor onboarding, training, system access, billing support and payment issue resolution.
Oversee vendor transitions, pricing changes and new agreement implementation to ensure business continuity and timely supplier payment.
Manages level of service for both contractors and Utility Services.
Continually provides for the effective and efficient use of contractor and Utility Services distribution crews, including the overall management of and responsibility for financial objectives, performance goals, administration and coordination of work activities to ensure unit costs, in-service dates, safety expectations and services are in line with company expectations.
Create, analyze and forecast budgets for contracting, Utility Services and boring activities as needed to determine effectiveness and efficiency of negotiated services and company resources.
Daily management of a diverse portfolio of service providers including contractors, Utility Services and bore crews, supervisors, associates and administrative assistants.
Determines whether work is to be performed by contractor, Utility Services or Company Bore crews to ensure the best value is achieved for the assigned segments of work.
Manage the deployment of New Business contractors, Utility Services and bore crews throughout Xcel Energy's service territory to maximize work efficiency and maintain expected work production to meet customer expectations.
Establish clear goals, promote knowledge sharing and build organizational capability to meet evolving business needs while fostering accountability and continuous learning.
Provide leadership and oversight for purchase requisition, purchase order, SES, invoice and payment processes, and lead reporting, reconciliation, accrual and funding review activities.
Implement plans, programs, contingencies and recommendations as necessary to meet budgetary goals and track construction expenses.
Consistently communicate and monitor quality, public safety, customer satisfaction and cost goals with contractors to meet goals and objectives (KPIs) and as a basis for Score Card Meetings for contractors, track and monitor work expectations of utility workers.
Work closely with contractor management and Union Business Agents on an ongoing basis to promote continuous improvement.
Resolve variances and provide assistance to improve project and work performance when necessary.
Implement periodic checks to ensure contractors and utility workers performing work for Business Operations are knowledgeable and in compliance with Xcel Energy standards, policies, and procedures; and with Federal, State and Local regulations.
Champion initiatives that strengthen internal controls, reduce invoice exceptions and improve efficiency through standardization, automation and process redesign, leveraging performance metrics and data analytics to drive measurable results.
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Accounts Payable, project teams and external contractors.
Serve as a trusted advisor and escalation point for complex business issues, balancing operational priorities with financial and compliance requirements.
Facilitate collaboration across organizations to improve accountability and address systemic challenges.
Responsible for daily management activities to ensure that decisions are thoughtful, well defined, easily understood, process driven and defensible.
As needed, hire, develop, motivate, coach and counsel management, bargaining and performance level employees to promote job satisfaction and efficiency.
Establish and maintain operational controls and audit-ready documentation required to meet SOx Key Controls, financial governance requirements, compliance with Xcel Energy electric and gas standards, Federal, State and Local regulations as well as bargaining unit agreements.
Contribute to the ongoing development, monitoring and monthly reporting of O&M budget dollars and spending.
Offer suggestions for spending reductions as necessary.
Consistently manage departmental spend to ensure budget remains within approved spending limits.