Engineering Manager or Engineering Senior Manager - Resource Center Operations

NW Natural•Happy Valley, OR

4d•$135,550 - $224,600•Hybrid

About The Position

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry. In addition to environmental stewardship, we’re also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility. Employees based at our Headquarters are required to work on-site a minimum of two days per week. Specific in‑office days may vary by team and business needs. This hybrid schedule supports collaboration, connection, and engagement while also offering flexibility for remote work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education/experience leading to proven skills to perform the essential functions of the position.
Minimum of 10 years of current experience in gas operations which includes a minimum of 3 years in leadership.
Knowledge of company engineering design standard practices as well as federal, state, and local jurisdictional regulations and requirements
Experience in the natural gas industry and pipeline safety regulation highly desirable.
In-depth knowledge of industry codes and standards or a technical background desired.
Must be able to work with technical experts and have a high level of ability to translate technical information into non-technical terms in order to identify options and facilitate decision making.
Committed to training, coaching, mentoring and developing employees. Provides ongoing performance feedback; recognizes accomplishments and cross-training opportunities when applicable.
Requires demonstrated leadership experience in directing and leading a team; delegating and coordinating team activities with a strategic focus; skill and commitment to coaching and developing team members.
Technical and writing skills needed to prepare summary reports, write company policy, and provide information to senior management.
PC skills including spreadsheet, database, word processing and presentation applications to compile, maintain, and present information. This includes the ability to learn Company proprietary applications.
Requires excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills with the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of employees.
Communication skills to negotiate with various stakeholders: company employees, contractors, engineers, agency personnel to ensure cooperation and timely project completion. Ability to handle/diffuse difficult conversations and negotiations with tact and diplomacy.
Ability to diffuse conflict, and handle sensitive situations with confidentiality, tact, and discretion while providing clear and concise direction.
Demonstrated skill and ability in delegating and coordinating employee activities consistent with Company strategy to balance customer satisfaction with shareholder value.
Systemic and critical thinking skills and ability to use logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. Demonstrated problem solving, creative thinking and analytical related skills.
Ability to demonstrate a strong commitment to working in a highly collaborative team environment and coordinate responsibilities openly with others within the organization.
Possess/maintain a valid Oregon/Washington Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record.
Subject to random drug testing.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (P.E.) designation preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage engineers, technical staff and support staff as required.
Leads the development and use of engineering standards, processes and procedures. Monitors industry best practice, regulatory change and new product evaluation.
Oversees design engineering, planning, budgeting, coordination, and monitoring of large construction projects.
Responsible for managing the development and implementation of capital construction projects. This includes providing direction to individual project engineers / construction managers regarding individual project plans, budgets and schedules, as well as establishing project goals, negotiates timelines/schedules, and develops overall project plans.
As Portfolio Manager oversees and manages the capital project management activities of engineering staff and project managers.
Prepares and monitors the capital budget for all resource center-based engineering work.
Builds and maintains favorable working relationships with other utilities, contractors and governmental permit & regulatory agencies to protect the Company's interests and coordinate construction activities.
Responds to a variety of inquiries from customers, Company personnel and the general public. Coordinates necessary resources to resolve problematic issues.
Participates in the development and maintenance of Engineering standards and and specifications.
Participates in the development and maintenance of Company Standard Practices and contributes to company regulatory compliance standards.
Coordinates with internal departments including Customer Acquisition, Resource Management, Field Operations, Training, Rates/Regulatory and Gas Supply, and others to ensure engineering standards are followed and to assist in daily support operations as necessary.
Serves as the liaison to Customer Acquisition department to provide solutions to issues that impact customer growth.
Participates in after-hour emergency response program in conjunction with other operation supervisors and Incident Command as required.
Authors and reviews Gas Operations Procedures, and trains and mentors staff in safe operating practices
Responsible for developing staffing needs and participates in employee selection processes.
Assists in preparing budget, analyzing costs/benefits; continuously evaluates cost reduction and revenue enhancement opportunities.
Review and approve procedures to ensure safe and efficient work methods are used.
Responds to and evaluates situations, analyzing required action and directing appropriate response.
Supervises staff in their assigned tasks and job functions including training, mentoring, and performance.
Manages staffing needs, participates in employee selection keeping EEO and Affirmative Action goals in mind.
Adheres to and promotes the philosophies and directives of the Joint Accord.
Supports Company’s commitment to a culture of safe work practices.

Benefits

Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Up to 23 Vacation Days
80 Hours of Sick Time
10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
Flexible work arrangements
3 weeks paid parental leave
Be part of a workplace where your voice matters. Engage with our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and a variety of Employee Resource Groups that support community and growth.
1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
Competitive 401K company contribution and match
15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
Wellness incentive program
20% off natural gas service
Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless