Senior Manager - Electric Operations

Consumers Energy•Kalamazoo, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Electric Operations within Low Voltage Distribution and Customer Field Services holds statewide or large geographic responsibility for leading a technical workforce composed of unionized labor. This role sets operational expectations across the state and owns key companywide performance metrics. The position also represents the company at industry events and on national teams, while fostering strong relationships internally (e.g., Legal, Design, Finance, Regulatory, Fleet, Supply Chain, Training) and externally (e.g., government ICS structures during storm events, leaders of other utilities, EEI, MEA, AGA). The Senior Manager plays a critical role in strategic planning and execution to ensure regulatory compliance and deliver commitments to regulators and communities.

Requirements

Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and utility operations.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills at a functional and strategic level.
Ability to lead statewide initiatives that drive rate competitiveness and operational efficiency.
Commitment to maintaining a state-recognized Apprentice Program.
Skilled communicator capable of managing company perception, risk, and community relations.
Ability to inspire leadership and drive results across multiple functions.
Expertise in identifying process gaps, eliminating waste, and mitigating reputational risks.
Experience negotiating with union leadership to resolve barriers and support employee and customer needs.
Ability to recommend solutions to executive leadership and manage conflict across multiple zones.
Capacity to manage additional projects that impact statewide or companywide metrics.
Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a similar field with seven (7) or more years of experience leading an exempt and union workforce in a competitive market with construction management, project management, finance and goal development with comprehensive knowledge of utilities operations.
Associate’s degree in business, engineering, or a similar field with nine (9) or more years of experience leading an exempt and union workforce in a competitive market with construction management, project management, finance and goal development with comprehensive knowledge of utilities operations.
High school diploma with eleven (11) or more years of experience leading an exempt and union workforce in a competitive market with construction management, project management, finance and goal development with comprehensive knowledge of utilities operations.

Responsibilities

Represent the company on national industry teams including EEI (Edison Electric Institute), EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute), and MEA Energy Association.
Lead transformational initiatives using Utilities Lean Methodology, project and change management tools, and data analysis.
Coach and develop leaders to operate strategically and influence companywide outcomes.
Lead departmental operations across multiple headquarters, regions, or the entire state to enhance reliability and resiliency.
Establish operational plans and align cross-functional efforts with Fleet, Supply Chain, Engineering, Statewide Planning, and third-party utilities for joint construction initiatives.
Oversee electric construction and maintenance activities, including outage restoration and rest periods.
Manage statewide storm restoration efforts and coach leaders in emergency response using the Incident Command System (ICS).
Own and drive performance for key metrics such as EICP, SAIDI, and Safety, reporting results to executive leadership.
Contribute to rate cases through testimony, risk ownership, regulatory rule compliance, media engagement, and tariff adherence.
Resolve escalated issues, allocate resources, and communicate with senior leadership—often outside normal business hours.
Collaborate with Finance and Plant Accounting to address budget shortfalls, drive cost savings, and ensure regulatory and legal compliance.
Perform other duties as assigned.