SMS Strategy Lead

NiSource•Columbus, OH

6d•$96,600 - $144,900•Hybrid

About The Position

The SMS Strategy Lead supports and drives Safety Management System (SMS) strategy in collaboration with Element Owners across key annual initiatives. The role participates in strategy planning related to SMS maturity, roadmap development, and conformance assessments, and facilitates the Element Owner model through alignment meetings and meeting documentation. It tracks Element Owner execution of defined initiatives and identifies interdependencies. The role helps prepare the Gas Segment organization for external and internal assessments, audits, and evaluations of SMS health and maturity. It also reviews and drafts changes to NiSource SMS governance and process documents in alignment with NiSource SMS maturity and API RP 1173. The SMS Strategy Lead collaborates with Element Owners, Initiative Owners, SMS governance and execution leaders, SMS Data Analytics and Reporting, SMS State Leads, and Asset Program Owners. This is a hybrid position based in Columbus, Ohio, with three days onsite and two days working from home; other locations may be considered for the right candidate. Because NiSource is a public utility, employees may be called upon to support emergency response efforts outside normal working hours or assist with tasks beyond typical responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
Experience with project planning and execution.
Knowledge and understanding of American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 1173.
Ability to facilitate meetings and achieve group consensus.
Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to coach and provide guidance to State SMS teams on CAP processes and tools.
Ability to drive and monitor continuous improvement and associated change management.
Proactive collaboration and strong interpersonal skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Proven ability to prepare and present presentations to all levels of the internal organization and external associations.
Ability to support SMS process consistency across the organization.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Access, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to learn new systems and become proficient with them, such as the CAP Tool, Tableau, and think-cell.
Analytical and critical-thinking skills, with proven business acumen.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Ability to work independently, with a strong work ethic and attention to detail.
Excellent planning, organization, and verbal and written communication skills.
Effective project management skills and ability to drive execution.
Ability to manage multiple projects and participate on teams at various stages concurrently, ensuring timely delivery and desired outcomes.
Ability to collaborate for success, create and maintain critical internal stakeholder relationships, and contribute to team success.
Knowledge of NiSource gas utility and field operations.
Familiarity with the Corrective Action Program and process.
Legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Continuous improvement experience.
Experience with NiSource business processes and tools or technologies.
Experience developing, implementing, or executing a corrective action program or continuous learning program.

Responsibilities

Aggregate and prepare updates, reports, and presentations for Gas Segment Leadership based on Element Owner initiatives.
Ensure the Element Owner model is being matured and follows a cycle of continuous improvement.
Maintain the organization, discipline, and structure of essential conformance documents, including an inventory of identified API RP 1173 gaps.
Support alignment of SMS strategic goals and initiatives through key stakeholder engagement.
Track Element Owner progress in executing identified initiatives.
Support a culture of safety and risk identification and mitigation.
Participate in SMS maturity strategy planning, roadmap development, and conformance assessments.
Facilitate Element Owner alignment meetings and develop meeting documentation.
Identify interdependencies among Element Owner initiatives.
Prepare the Gas Segment organization for external and internal assessments, audits, and evaluations of SMS health and maturity.
Review and draft changes to NiSource SMS governance and process documents in alignment with NiSource SMS maturity and API RP 1173.