Mgr Innovation

Consumers Energy•Jackson, MI

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Innovation leads the development and execution of enterprise innovation and transformation initiatives to advance operational excellence, asset performance, workforce productivity, safety, reliability, customer experience, and financial outcomes. The role establishes governance, standards, and frameworks for identifying, prioritizing, and implementing high-value solutions across planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, asset management, field operations, and support functions. It is accountable for transformation initiatives with significant operational, workforce, and financial impact, including innovation strategies capable of generating more than $480 million in cumulative enterprise value. The Manager independently engages with and influences Officers, Vice Presidents, and senior leaders to shape strategic priorities, accelerate organizational change, and drive adoption of solutions that deliver sustainable business results. This is a hybrid position with required onsite work Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at the Parnall Office in Jackson, Michigan. Other locations may be considered, with travel to Jackson expected once a week. The selected candidate must live within commuting distance or be willing to relocate; a relocation package is available for those who qualify. The role is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship, including H-1B or TN sponsorship, or participation in the H-1B lottery program. Candidates with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT are not eligible.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field and at least 4 years of experience in operations, operational innovation, continuous improvement, or related operational leadership roles; alternatively, an associate degree in one of these fields and at least 6 years of relevant experience; or a high school diploma or GED and at least 8 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience leading large-scale change initiatives, establishing governance frameworks, and driving measurable improvements in reliability, safety, productivity, and cost performance.
Ability to apply independent judgment to complex operational problems, considering reliability, safety, and regulatory implications.
Ability to adapt to changing grid conditions, regulatory requirements, workforce constraints, and operational priorities.
Experience implementing and sustaining continuous improvement practices.
Ability to collaborate with field, engineering, operations, safety, and corporate partners.
Ability to use operational, financial, and performance data to support investment decisions and innovation priorities.
Strategic thinking to support organizational strategy through innovation initiatives that contribute to operational performance and investment effectiveness.
Ability to support change initiatives by aligning stakeholders, addressing barriers, and facilitating adoption.
Ability to build effective partnerships with field leaders, crews, and cross-functional teams to ensure innovations are practical and sustained.
Knowledge of innovation governance frameworks, including intake, prioritization, and performance tracking.

Responsibilities

Lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives and innovation portfolios that drive measurable business value, including opportunities capable of generating more than $480 million in cumulative enterprise value through operational improvements, cost optimization, risk reduction, and enhanced business performance.
Implement and maintain innovation governance processes, including opportunity intake and prioritization, performance tracking, and standards for moving pilots to scale and operational adoption.
Engage and influence Officers, Vice Presidents, and senior leaders to align priorities, evaluate opportunities, secure organizational commitment, and advance transformational business outcomes.
Identify, evaluate, and scale innovative solutions, emerging technologies, and leading practices to improve operational effectiveness, workforce capabilities, customer outcomes, and long-term business performance.
Lead cross-functional teams and stakeholders across planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, asset management, operations, safety, supply chain, technology, and support functions.
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, industry organizations, regulators, and peers to identify opportunities, influence industry direction, and accelerate innovation adoption.
Drive operational, workforce, and business performance outcomes by identifying opportunities, assessing risks, validating results, and guiding high-impact innovation investments.
Lead organizational change and adoption efforts to modernize business processes, operating models, and ways of working, ensuring sustainable implementation and realization of expected benefits.
Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability by building organizational capability, strengthening problem-solving practices, and fostering adoption of new ideas across field and office-based teams.
Perform other non-essential duties as assigned or necessary.