Mgr Real Estate

Consumers Energy•Multiple Locations, MI

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

Consumers Energy is Michigan’s largest energy provider, providing natural gas and/or electricity to 6.8 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Consumers Energy knows job number one is to keep the lights on for customers. We are committed to delivering reliable, clean, and affordable energy to our customers 24/7. This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa. Location : This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and may be assigned to any Consumers Energy Service Center located throughout Michigan's lower Peninsula.  The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify). General Summary of Job Responsibilities The Manager, Real Estate, is responsible for leading a team of supervisors and/or professionals within the Real Estate function. This role requires deep knowledge of departmental processes and ensures that project and departmental milestones and goals are achieved while maintaining adherence to approved budgets. The Manager, Real Estate, plays a critical role in driving the success of real estate projects and initiatives across land acquisition, project management, project controls, agreements management, transactions, land management, permitting, zoning, land surveying, technology, data management, and records management. The role collaborates with cross‑functional teams and leaders to ensure the successful delivery of projects and contributes to the overall performance of the Real Estate function by effectively managing team performance and resources. The Permit and Zoning Manager leads a team of permit and zoning agents supporting HVD, LVD, Gas Transmission and Distribution, and Clean Energy workstreams. This role provides day‑to‑day leadership for a team responsible for high‑impact permitting and zoning activities, including railroad permitting, state and federal land permitting, substation zoning, and renewable energy zoning. The Manager focuses on work prioritization, stakeholder communication, workload planning, problem solving, training, and oversight of contractor activities aligned with each function. #LI-TR1

Requirements

Knowledge of real estate strategies, concepts, transactions, documents, processes, records, and property rights.
Ability to lead teams in project management, work plan execution, and risk management.
Strong critical thinking, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities, including alternatives analysis and business case development.
Knowledge of complex contracts, agreements, and other legal documents.
Stakeholder management expertise, including negotiation, customer and community engagement, influencing, and conflict management.
Knowledge of culture, talent, and performance management, including coaching and mentoring.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and collaborate in decision‑making to execute strategies and business priorities.
Knowledge of Lean systems and their implementation.
Bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field, and four (4) or more years of experience in real estate or land assets, including leadership experience.
[OR] Associate’s degree in business, management, or a related field, and six (6) or more years of experience in real estate or land assets, including leadership experience.
[OR] High School Diploma/GED and eight (8) or more years of experience in real estate or land assets, including leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Manage the team and support program budgets, analyzing forecast‑to‑actual variances and providing insights to support strategic decision‑making, predictability, and budget adherence.
Communicate regularly with cross‑functional leaders (typically front‑line) across multiple forums, including operating reviews and formal presentations.
Manage a team of real estate professionals with oversight across Permit & Zoning workstreams including, but not limited to, Railroads, FAA, MAC, FFS, MDNR, State of Michigan, Substation Zoning, and Renewable Energy Zoning.
Collaborate with cross‑functional leaders and teams to deliver on shared objectives.
Manage operational performance, resources, and workload prioritization across the team.
Motivate, lead, coach, and develop the team to achieve departmental goals.
Interface regularly and maintain positive relationships with external customers, vendors, and other stakeholders (industry peers, regulators, community officials) as a representative of the company to ensure effective execution of department and team strategies and work plans.
Develop and execute team strategies, goals, and priorities in support of multiple workstreams.
Perform other duties as assigned or as necessary.