Central Utility Plant Manager

DTE Vantage; Kokomo (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DTE Vantage in Kokomo, IN, is hiring a supervisor for their Utility and Energy Assets at Stellantis’ Kokomo Engine Plant. The role entails overseeing daily operations, managing budget, and ensuring safe asset utilization.

The ideal candidate will have extensive supervisory and technical experience in utility systems and must demonstrate effective communication and budget management skills.

Application of energy efficiency practices and commitment to safety are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years supervisory experience in utility operations or plant assets.
• Experience with medium-voltage electrical equipment required.
• Ability to manage operational budgets and oversee maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and maintenance of utility assets.
• Supervise all plant personnel and maintain safety standards.
• Develop and manage the annual O&M budget.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Knowledge of powerhouse equipment

Excellent communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Budget management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree or certificate

Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline

Tools

Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Job Summary

Location: Kokomo, IN.

This position is responsible for overseeing, managing, and directing the day-to-day operations and maintenance activities for the Utility and Energy Assets located within the central utility complex and the manufacturing area at Stellantis’ Kokomo Engine Plant (KEP). Assets include 4 chillers, 4 low‑pressure air compressors (90 PSI centrifugal) with a total capacity of 18,800 CFM, 39 rooftop air‑handling units (gas‑fired), high‑bay lighting and electrical distribution systems, wastewater holding tanks (100,000 gallon capacity) that pump to an onsite treatment facility, and a cooling tower that supports several of these systems.

Utility systems and powerhouse infrastructure experience is required, particularly in the competitive, non‑regulated energy market. Experience supervising unionized labor is important. Work involves performing difficult and complex services requiring a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion. Work is mainly self‑directed, with work results reviewed through the achievement of set goals and adherence to policies and procedures. This position reports to a regionally located General Manager.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure that the company‑owned utility assets are operated in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner while satisfying the utility and energy requirements of the customer (Stellantis).
• Supervise and direct the daily activities of all plant personnel, including an hourly, unionized workforce consisting of 4 operating engineers and 3 skilled tradespersons, all of whom are Stellantis employees.
• Understand and adhere to all commercial and contractual obligations.
• Act as the onsite liaison between the company and the customer.
• Ensure that all financial goals are met.
• Develop and manage annual O&M budget and cost‑savings measures.
• Manage site purchasing and inventory control processes.
• Manage employee time entry and work schedules.
• Develop and lead continuous improvement activities.
• Prepare and issue weekly and monthly reports in a timely, consistent manner.
• Support the development and implementation of all onsite energy business unit initiatives and best practices.
• Develop and maintain a close working relationship with key customer personnel.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least 7 years supervisory or managerial experience in the operation, maintenance and administration of powerhouses, utility systems, chemical processes, or similar plant assets.
• Associate’s degree or industry‑recognized certificate and at least 5 years supervisory or managerial experience in the same field.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and at least 3 years supervisory or managerial experience in the same field.

Other Qualifications

• Understanding of the technology utilized by the customer and how it relates to the commodities and services provided by DTE Vantage.
• Knowledge of the regulatory processes under which the facility operates.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of powerhouse equipment and systems, including but not limited to chillers, electrical distribution, heat exchangers, hot water distribution, chemical treatment equipment, transformers, motors, pumps, piping/valves, instrumentation, control systems, etc.
• Direct experience with the switching, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of medium‑voltage electrical equipment.
• Understanding of energy efficiency practices and energy conservation techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively at all levels of staff and management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Work independently or as part of a team without significant supervision.
• Ability to develop and manage operating & maintenance budgets.
• Promote and maintain strong, positive relationships with coworkers, suppliers, contractors, vendors, and customers.
• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with both functional and business leaders, who collaborate on employee issues and decisions (including performance management, compensation, and development).

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Occasionally stand or walk, stoop or kneel.
• Frequently sit.
• Frequently lift objects of up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift or move objects of up to 25 pounds.
• Talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use wrists, hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion; and reach with hands and arms extensively.
• Use computers with exposure to video display terminals; and some repetitive motion associated with data entry, the use of a computer mouse, and while using other office equipment.
• Possess the following vision requirements: close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work both in a business office setting and a plant site. Occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, and may work near moving mechanical parts and/or machinery. Occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration. Be in a work environment that is usually moderate but may become loud at the plant site.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.