Director, Pipeline Safety Management & Quality Assurance

Eversource Energy•Berlin, CT

11d

About The Position

The Director, Pipeline Safety Management and Quality Assurance provides compliance, technical, and risk management support to mitigate risks across Eversource’s Gas Business Unit. The position partners with project teams, subject matter experts, and other departments to develop and implement Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS), Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC), and Process Safety initiatives. Reporting directly to the President, Gas Operations, the Director provides strategic and operational leadership for these programs across Connecticut and Massachusetts, and leads a team that includes the Program Manager, PSMS; QA/QC Supervisor; Process Safety Lead; and Competence and Awareness resources. The role works with cross-functional partners to strengthen compliance, reduce operational risk, drive continuous improvement, and advance a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence. The Director leads implementation of the Pipeline Safety Management System (API RP 1173), develops risk-based assurance programs, conducts gap analyses, oversees mitigation plans, monitors operational and compliance trends, and supports senior leadership in identifying and reducing risk. The position oversees QA/QC activities, including field inspections, audits, re-digs, post-construction reviews, and compliance monitoring. It also develops and monitors process safety metrics, leads incident investigations and risk assessments, coordinates Safety Excellence Team initiatives, and applies industry lessons learned to Gas operations. The position builds and develops a high-performing team; collaborates with Safety, Engineering, Operations, and other business partners; leads internal and external committees and meetings; and represents the company in industry forums such as the American Gas Association and Northeast Gas Association. The Director communicates performance metrics, risks, compliance matters, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership and supports safe work practices and environmental protection in accordance with company policies, regulations, and industry standards. The role is performed primarily in an office environment and also includes field visits to construction sites, rough terrain, and production facilities. Travel to operating districts and companies within and outside the state is required, including travel between Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire as necessary. The Director must be available for emergency storm assignments and may be called to assist during emergencies outside normal responsibilities, work hours, and location. Eversource does not offer immigration-related sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Management or Administration, Accounting/Finance, or a related degree.
At least 12 years of utility or related industry experience.
Ability to provide strategic insight and perform detail-based analysis.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to communicate and interact effectively with employees, contractors, customers, municipal officials, business organizations, environmental groups, and community-based organizations.
Understanding of federal and state compliance requirements in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Valid driver’s license.
Availability for emergency storm assignments as required.
Ability to travel between Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire as necessary.
Ability to travel to other operating districts and companies within and outside the state.
Ability to perform work involving sitting, standing, walking, and climbing stairs, with field visits that may involve construction sites, rough terrain, and production facilities.
Ability to analyze, plan, organize, evaluate, and document work, manage multiple simultaneous activities, meet deadlines, and work under pressure while handling significant business commitments and results.

Nice To Haves

Experience in project management and/or compliance and risk management.

Responsibilities

Lead implementation of the Pipeline Safety Management System (API RP 1173) across the Gas Business.
Develop and execute risk-based assurance programs, including audits, inspections, and analyses, to assess compliance and risk mitigation.
Conduct gap analyses and oversee mitigation plans to drive continuous improvement and organizational resilience.
Monitor operational and compliance trends and implement corrective and preventive actions to reduce risk.
Support senior leadership in identifying risk areas, developing mitigation strategies, and implementing risk reduction initiatives.
Monitor industry best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory and legislative developments affecting pipeline safety, compliance, and risk management, and implement necessary organizational changes.
Oversee quality control functions, including field inspections, audits, re-digs, post-construction reviews, and compliance monitoring.
Ensure adherence to operating procedures, construction standards, and regulatory requirements through quality assurance programs.
Identify systemic issues, evaluate root causes, and recommend corrective actions, process improvements, and training opportunities.
Develop, implement, and monitor process safety metrics and performance indicators.
Lead incident investigations, hazard analyses, risk assessments, and corrective action planning.
Coordinate Safety Excellence Team initiatives and support human performance improvement programs.
Monitor industry events, trends, and lessons learned and incorporate applicable improvements into Gas operations.
Build, develop, and lead the PSMS, QA/QC, Process Safety, and Competence and Awareness team resources.
Partner with Safety, Engineering, Operations, and other business partners to drive improvement and advance a zero-incident culture.
Lead internal and external committees and meetings focused on compliance, pipeline safety, and risk management.
Represent the company in industry organizations and forums, including the American Gas Association (AGA) and Northeast Gas Association (NGA).
Communicate key performance metrics, risks, compliance matters, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership.
Ensure safe work practices and environmental protection in accordance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
Communicate with employees, contractors, regulators, industry organizations, and other stakeholders to support business objectives and compliance.
Respond to emergency storm assignments as required and travel between operating areas as necessary.