Manager - Grid Innovation and Infrastructure Solutions

Xcel Energy • Saint Paul, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Grid Innovation and Infrastructure Solutions Manager will be responsible for leading a team in evaluating, delivering, and operating new distribution assets, including distribution electric delivery infrastructure and innovative technologies such as battery storage. Aligns all plans and activities with Corporate goals. Responsible for the oversight of project execution for on-budget, on-time, and on-scope delivery. Focuses on new and emerging industry policy and technology and responsible for planning and executing pilots and demonstrations for emerging technology. Oversees the distribution implementation plan and strategy of the Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) and other relevant operational impact initiatives. Oversees the engineering, construction, operations and maintenance of Company-owned distribution battery systems. Interacts with Regulatory, Planning, and Senior Business Leadership to develop and implement strategic plans and to advance the company’s policy and practices in order to safely and effectively interconnect and manage energy storage systems on the grid.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field required.
• 7 years of work experience within the electric delivery industry which includes 3 years of experience leading teams or projects.
• Ability to drive major initiatives, significant communication and influence skills (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated management history of cultivating positive operating cultures.
• Demonstrated leadership successes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of management systems, safety manual and labor agreement is essential.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in electric distribution preferred.
• Experience with battery energy storage systems, flexible interconnection, Distributed Energy Resources Management Systems (DERMS), or other similar emerging technologies preferred.
• Professional Engineer License from a state within the company’s service territory is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and implementation for emerging technologies to support distribution operations, such as battery storage, DER management, and electric vehicles and associated implementation.
• Understand financial impacts of decisions or policies and drive the development of operational and regulatory plans to gain approval and regulatory recovery.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders.
• Responsible for execution of distribution capacity projects.
• Works with planning to schedule projects for upcoming years and correspondingly plans for appropriate internal and external resources to carry out the work.
• Provides engineering and project management expertise.
• Utilizes corporate policies, standards, and best practices on project execution.
• Manage contracts and third-party contractors and their performance.
• Develop, construct, and operate battery storage systems.
• Develop integration and control strategies for battery storage systems.
• Analyze and evaluate energy storage value propositions and business cases.
• Maintain operations and maintenance best practices for the battery systems.
• Provide oversight and performance accountability to contractors and consultants as necessary.
• Lead and mentor a team of engineers, project managers, and technology specialists to accomplish the group’s mission.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Conducts performance reviews, recruiting, and hiring activities.
• Provide for ongoing, effective and clear communication of the organizational vision, mission, key objectives and individual roles to employees and leaders.
• Communicate with and establish effective working relationships to maximize efficiency, responsiveness and resource allocation.
• Manage development of Unit business plan and operating budget.
• Monitor results.
• Ensure alignment with organization and corporate objectives.
• Lead and participate in public and regulatory arenas to champion company’s commitment, concerns and position.
• Provide support to regulatory for cost & valuation analysis and testimony as may be necessary.
• Guide practices and procedures such as interconnection guidelines.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and current industry practices.
• Represent Company in Regional/National organizations
• Guide research investments through EPRI, NREL and similar entities in order to gain value and insights necessary to inform and guide the company.

Benefits

• Annual Incentive Program
• Medical/Pharmacy Plan
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Health Care Reimbursement Account
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan)
• Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA)
• Transportation Reimbursement Account
• Short-term disability (STD)
• Long-term disability (LTD)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit programs
• Employee recognition program
• Pension
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)
• Parental Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager