Director Electric Distribution and Gas Planning (Integrated System Planning)

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

14d

About The Position

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for. Position Summary Provides strategic leadership for long range, cross commodity planning of the natural gas and electric distribution systems within Integrated System Planning (ISP). Leads the development of forward looking, integrated system plans that extend beyond the near-term operational horizon and support jurisdictional and corporate business objectives, including the Company’s Net Zero vision. This role provides enterprise level leadership for gas and electric distribution system visioning, strategic scenario development, and integrated solutions analysis, ensuring alignment with resource, transmission, decarbonization, and growth planning. The position fosters a culture of cross collaboration, analytical rigor, and accountability while translating complex technical analysis into clear strategic insights to support executive decision making and regulatory filings. Works closely with Operating Companies, Regulatory, Electric and Gas Operations and other ISP functions to ensure coordinated planning, synchronized filings, and defensible long range investment strategies that balance reliability, affordability, customer needs, and system transformation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Math/Finance, or related field
At least 10 years of experience in electric distribution system planning or gas system planning
Demonstrated success in a supervisory or lead role overseeing complex technical projects and relationships
Strong relationship building abilities and partnership skills, including the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization and achieve results with a largely virtual and distributed team
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to quickly synthesize data and develop recommendations for senior leaders
Strong problem-solving ability: both business and technical

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Math/Finance, or related field.
Experience with planning methods in gas and electric distribution areas
Comfort with ambiguity, able to effectively create the practical from the conceptual
Experience developing long-term plans and strategy based in engineering analysis, such as multi-value planning activities
Experience with optimization methods

Responsibilities

Long Range Gas & Electric Distribution Planning – Lead long range strategic planning for gas and electric distribution systems beyond the 0–5-year horizon. Develop integrated planning frameworks that identify future system needs, risks, and opportunities and align distribution planning with enterprise system plans and infrastructure strategies.
Integrated Solutions Analysis – Lead integrated solutions analysis for gas and electric distribution, including evaluation of impactful projects such as major load growth, system reinforcement, and gas supply driven needs. Assess infrastructure and non-infrastructure alternatives using cross commodity perspectives to identify optimal system level solutions.
Grid of the Future & Cross Commodity Strategy – Develop and advance Energy Delivery System of the Future strategies for gas and electric distribution systems, balancing reliability, affordability, and decarbonization objectives. Define cross commodity strategies addressing electrification, gas system evolution, distributed energy resources, clean fuels, and emerging technologies.
Strategic Planning Scenarios & Jurisdictional Plans – Lead strategic planning scenario definition for gas and electric distribution in alignment with enterprise ISP frameworks. Support jurisdictional strategic plans by tailoring analyses to OpCo and regulatory requirements while maintaining enterprise consistency and defensibility.
Long Range Growth Analysis – Coordinate and lead long range growth analysis for gas and electric distribution systems, evaluating factors including customer demand growth, electrification trends, large customer requests, and regional development. Identify long lead infrastructure needs and proactive strategies to address future growth.
Non-Traditional Solutions Strategy – Define and advance nontraditional solutions strategies, including non-pipeline alternatives, non-wires alternatives, targeted demand areas, and DER enabled approaches. Lead market analysis and support solicitation and procurement frameworks in coordination with Regulatory and Operations partners.
Forecast Integration & Regulatory Synchronization – Ensure integration and alignment of forecasting inputs and planning assumptions across gas, electric distribution, transmission, and resource planning. Ensure synchronization of regulatory filings and support development of planning narratives, exhibits, and testimony. Coordinate with ISP jurisdictional counterparts - Facilitate alignment of long-term, enterprise-wide strategies for gas and electric distribution systems where applicable and possible.
Organizational Effectiveness & Leadership – Lead and develop a high performing planning organization, fostering cross functional collaboration, technical excellence, and a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.