Mgr Innovation

Consumers Energy•Jackson, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, serving 6.8 million residents across all 68 Lower Peninsula counties with natural gas and/or electricity. The company is committed to providing reliable, clean, and affordable energy around the clock. 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 initiatives with significant operational, workforce, and financial impact, including strategies capable of generating more than $480 million in cumulative enterprise value. The manager independently engages and influences Officers, Vice Presidents, and senior leaders to shape priorities, accelerate change, and support adoption of innovative solutions that deliver sustainable results. This is a hybrid position with required onsite work on 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 be within commuting distance or willing to relocate; relocation assistance is available to those who qualify. The position is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship, including H-1B or TN sponsorship, and is not eligible for CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT employment. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field and at least four years of relevant experience; an associate degree and at least six years of experience; or a high school diploma or GED and at least eight years of experience. Candidates must have demonstrated experience leading large-scale change initiatives, establishing governance frameworks, and achieving measurable improvements in reliability, safety, productivity, and cost performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field and four or more years of experience in operations, operational innovation, continuous improvement, or related operational leadership roles; OR an associate degree in one of these fields and six or more years of relevant experience; OR a high school diploma or GED and eight or more 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 while considering reliability, safety, and regulatory implications.
Ability to adapt to changing grid conditions, regulatory requirements, workforce constraints, and operational priorities.
Ability to implement and sustain 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.
Change management skills, including aligning stakeholders, addressing barriers, and facilitating adoption.
Ability to build effective partnerships with field leaders, crews, and cross-functional teams.
Knowledge of innovation governance frameworks, including intake, prioritization, and performance tracking.
Must be within commuting distance of the Jackson, Michigan office or willing to relocate; travel to Jackson once a week is expected if another location is selected.
Must not require current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa; CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT employment are not eligible.

Responsibilities

Lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives and innovation portfolios that deliver measurable business value, including opportunities capable of generating more than $480 million in cumulative enterprise value.
Implement and maintain innovation governance, 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 commitment, and advance transformational outcomes.
Identify, evaluate, and scale innovative solutions, emerging technologies, and leading practices to improve operational effectiveness, workforce capabilities, customer outcomes, and long-term 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 that modernize processes, operating models, and ways of working and ensure sustainable implementation and realization of expected benefits.
Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability by building organizational capability, strengthening problem-solving practices, and fostering adoption across field and office-based teams.
Perform other non-essential duties as assigned or as necessary.