Local Operating Area Line Manager - Electric
About The Position
Leads the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Operations and Maintenance organization within Power Delivery. The role provides direction to a geographically dispersed leadership team of Regional Managers, Superintendents, and Supervisors, and is accountable for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electric transmission and distribution assets within assigned service territories. The position reports to the Director, T&D Lines. The Local Operating Area Line Manager is a key leader in emergency and storm response for T&D incidents, ensuring safe service restoration and effective coordination with internal partners and external stakeholders. The role partners with other Power Delivery functions, including Major Projects/TDSIC and related groups, to ensure operations, maintenance, construction support, safety programs, and regulatory requirements are executed consistently on local transmission and distribution systems. Safety is a core value. The manager reinforces a strong safety culture by setting expectations, coaching leaders, and ensuring compliance with applicable standards, company procedures, and safe work practices to protect employees, contractors, and the public. The position may require extended hours, including nights, weekends, and emergency or storm response. As a public utility providing essential services 24/7, NiSource may require employees to support emergency response outside normal hours or assist with tasks outside typical responsibilities. Additional physical demands and working conditions will be provided or discussed based on operational needs.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- At least 12 years of progressive experience in the electric utility industry or a comparable technical field, with increasing responsibility.
- At least 5 years of experience in electric transmission and distribution operations and/or maintenance.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and leaders, managing budgets, meeting regulatory requirements, and driving safety performance.
- Experience leading in an environment with represented employees.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or a related technical discipline.
- At least 2 years of experience interacting directly with regulatory agencies.
- Project management experience, including scope, schedule, cost, and risk management.
Responsibilities
- Lead geographically dispersed line operations teams in safely executing transmission and distribution operations, maintenance, and construction activities.
- Champion a strong safety and human performance culture and drive continuous improvement in safety metrics, motor vehicle incidents, and field execution.
- Ensure work complies with applicable local, state, and federal requirements, company procedures, and accepted utility practices.
- Establish expectations for accountability and authority; coach, develop, and evaluate leaders and hourly employees; recognize strong performance and address performance gaps.
- Oversee operating and maintenance plans, work prioritization, schedules, milestones, and resource allocation to optimize reliability, risk reduction, and cost.
- Drive reliability and customer performance outcomes, including restoration commitments, CAIDI/ETR performance, and customer satisfaction objectives.
- Provide 24/7 leadership readiness and escalation support, coordinating restoration during outages, storms, emergencies, and major equipment or system events.
- Develop, manage, and control O&M and capital budgets, including overtime and expense management, while ensuring financial stewardship and alignment with the strategic plan and Power Delivery mission.
- Partner with engineering, maintenance, and project teams to balance scope, schedule, and budget decisions and ensure cross-functional alignment for system improvements and new business.
- Support workforce planning by participating in selection and hiring decisions and recommending corrective action or separation when appropriate and consistent with policy and labor agreements.
- Represent the organization on internal and external committees, audits, and working groups, and attend training and seminars as required.
- Serve as acting leader for the Director, T&D Lines, as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
High school or GED
