Electric Operations Zone Manager

NiSource•Valparaiso, IN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Zone Manager is responsible for overseeing and providing operations and maintenance services to electric facilities in a defined region, which includes multiple Local Operating Areas (LOAs). The Manager is responsible for safely and efficiently executing annual Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and Capital budgets. The region is comprised of dedicated employees working as a team to achieve the strategy and mission of the organization while returning a profit to NiSource shareholders. This Senior Manager Line role has responsibility for either the West End or East End of the State. This position leads the Transmission and Distribution Operations and Maintenance organization within Power Delivery. The supervision team of the LOAs, which consists of Regional Managers, Superintendents, and Supervisors, reports to this position. The role reports to the Director, T&D Lines. The Senior Manager Line is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electric assets within their designated service territories. This position plays a critical role in leading emergency response activities for electric transmission and distribution incidents. The organization’s team is primarily comprised of Regional Managers, Superintendents, Supervisors, administrative staff, and hourly Lineman employees responsible for day-to-day operations of Electric Transmission and Distribution Systems. This position also works with other Power Delivery departments and organizations, such as Major Projects/TDSIC, within the company to ensure appropriate operations, maintenance, safety, and regulatory work is conducted on local transmission systems. Safety is a core company value at NIPSCO. Our Vision and Values statement outline that, “We are accountable for all of our own actions; these include safety, protecting the environment, and supporting our communities.” The company drives safety priority and awareness through daily communication, weekly reporting throughout the organization, and major programs, events, and initiatives. Protecting the safety of employees and the public is a value lived both at work and at home.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
10+ years of utility experience or equivalent experience in a technical field like the utility industry.
4+ years of experience in electric transmission and distribution operations.
Direct experience managing and leading teams, monitoring budgets, meeting regulatory requirements, and leading with safety.
Experience managing and leading a union environment.
A business leader who understands broader implications and opportunities and translates that understanding into effective strategies.
Demonstrated commitment to the success and development of team members.
Skilled in forging alignment, relationships, and communication across the organization and with external entities.
Proven experience driving continuous process improvement and behavior change management.
Demonstrated commitment to company values regarding safety for employees and the public.
Passion for excellence and superior customer service standards.
Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability.
Ability to create an environment supportive of diversity and inclusion.
Strong written, oral, and presentation communication skills.
Experience successfully managing large budgets.
Ability to influence and inspire others to perform at their full potential.
Operates in an accountable and transparent manner.
Commitment-oriented and results-driven.
Proven track record of driving a strong safety culture.
Forward-thinking with advanced strategic and critical thinking skills and the ability to develop and implement strategies to address complex issues.
Valid driver's license

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or higher in technical discipline.
5+ years leading large Operational team members with Union and Management Employees.
1+ years of experience interfacing directly with regulatory agencies.
Project management experience.

Responsibilities

Manages geographically dispersed teams in the safe and timely completion of transmission and distribution operations, maintenance, and construction activities.
Improves Safety and Human Performance, including OSHA Recordable Rate, Days Away from Work (Lost Work Time), Motor Vehicle Incident Rate, performance management, and process improvements and execution.
Implements and delivers on the Strategic Plan, budget, and Power Delivery mission statement.
Oversees and controls O&M and Capital budgets, overtime, project schedules, milestones, and maintenance plans.
Manages improvements in reliability, drives customer satisfaction, and completes improvement projects, system improvements, and new business.
Maintains 24/7 responsiveness to customer needs.
Accountable for West or East End LOA execution on CAIDI, ETR, and customer commitments.
Manages customer service responsiveness and ensures teams deliver on the NiSource commitment.
Responsible for employee leadership development within the team.
Participates in the development and execution of the annual Operating and Maintenance budget for their respective LOA.
Provides oversight of all time sheets, vacation schedules, and expense accounts within the area of responsibility.
Manages resolution efforts for emergencies pertaining to major equipment and system issues.
Coordinates with appropriate groups for restoration of service.
Participates in interviews of prospective employees and recommends hiring and discharging decisions.
Periodically assumes the duties of the Director.
Participates on committees and attend seminars as required.
Participates in all storm and/or emergency activities across the territory as needed, may require extended hours and off shift times.
Provides leadership to individuals and the operations team as a whole to ensure safe work practices, compliance with regulations and company procedures, correction of unsafe equipment conditions, proper use of personal protective equipment, clear understanding of individual and team accountabilities and authorities, evaluation and reward of performance, enhancement of leadership skills and Power Delivery knowledge, understanding of department direction and management philosophy, prioritization of benefits and cost, balanced decision-making utilizing engineering and maintenance resources, management of conflicts in scope, schedule, and budget for the overall benefit of Power Delivery, and compliance with local, state, and federal standards (OSHA and EPA) as well as corporate policies.

Benefits

Continuous service to customers at all times.
Employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.
Work Authorization: Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.
Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.
Treat others with respect and consideration.
Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity: NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law.
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program.
Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries.
Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers.
Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.
E-Verify: NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program.
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