Director, Portfolio Planning & Origination (hybrid)

NiSource Inc.; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Inc. in Columbus, OH is seeking a Director, Portfolio Planning & Origination to lead a multi-disciplinary team and drive strategic energy sourcing through 2030.

You will oversee RFP design, negotiations, and market analytics, coordinating with Regulatory, Finance, and Risk teams to optimize capacity and value for customers. The role requires 10+ years in electric or gas utilities, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of wholesale markets, fuel supply, and project development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, finance, business, or equivalent.
• 10+ years in electric or gas utility with origination and regulatory work.
• Experience leading a multi-disciplinary department and complex negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise department personnel and manage the O&M budget.
• Mentor and develop direct reports.
• Lead short- and long-term generation capacity replacement activities.
• Lead RFP design and commercial negotiations for assets or PPAs.
• Manage existing generation supply agreements (3,400 MW, $5B capex).
• Provide testimony in CPCN, FERC, or other filings as needed.
• Support tax equity financing and asset acquisition due diligence.
• Onboard and register new generation assets in markets.

Skills

Wholesale electric market operations

Gas trading

Commercial negotiations/origination

Renewable energy

Battery storage deployment

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Finance, Business Admin, or equivalent

Master's Degree in Business Administration or equivalent

Job description

Director, Portfolio Planning & Origination

We are looking to hire someone to work in either our Columbus, Ohio or Merrillville, IN office (3 days/week hybrid schedule)

Job Summary

The Director, Portfolio Planning & Origination is responsible for leading and maintaining a goal-driven, team-oriented culture within the department when interfacing with other departments, and with external stakeholders. The Director will deliver the required origination, energy supply planning, and regulatory support to meet the needs of all stakeholders within NiSource/NIPSCO. The Director will be the lead commercial contact in constructing RFP's (Request for Proposals) for electric capacity to meet the needs of NIPSCO's customers. The Director will select winning bidders and will engage in arms-length negotiations for all long-term supply deals required by the utility as defined within the Integrated Resource Plan or other long-term planning endeavors/construct. The Director will be responsible for managing the capacity position of the utility by purchasing in the open market, via RFPs, or through the applicable auction processes so the company will remain balanced between necessary supply and existing demand. The Director will lead, direct, and oversee existing generation commercial agreements representing over $5 Billion of capital investment across Indiana and Kentucky to meet NIPSCO's near-term capacity needs through 2030. Further, the Director will lead, direct, and oversee the Operations & Market Support, Regulatory Support, Market Settlements (MISO, RTO/ISO, and Bilateral settlements), and Commercial Support departments, and will partner with internal stakeholders to achieve the business objectives of the organization. These groups provide market and technical support to departments including Regulatory, Regulatory Policy, Financial Planning, Accounting, Risk, Environmental, Tax, Legal, etc. as well as ad hoc requests by any other department.

Essential Functions

• Supervise department personnel, manage the O&M budget and communicate applicable impacts to corporate O&M/CAPEX.
• Mentor, coach, and provide training to direct reports to ensure on-going development of the department.
• Lead all short-term and long-term generation capacity replacement activities.
• Lead the design and review of Requests for Proposals to address changing electric capacity needs. Lead commercial negotiations for asset acquisitions, purchase power agreements, or other off-take/M&A transactions to meet the energy supply needs of the Company and its Customers.
• Lead the on-going management of existing generation supply agreements (3,400 MW) totaling over $5 Billion in capital investment and $2 Billion in utility rate-base.
• Provide and support required testimony in CPCN, FERC, or other filings to support energy supply needs.
• Support tax equity financing and the due-diligence of asset acquisition constructs.
• Support the successful onboarding and market registration of new generation assets.
• Partner with Risk, Credit, and Treasury groups to creatively address potential counterparty and deal risk.
• Partner with necessary internal/external business partners in the creation of Board of Director materials, resolutions, and approvals.
• Direct the development and support of production costing computer models (PROMOD-Electric, Plexos – Gas).
• Provide and coordinate testimony and forecasts as required to support NiSource/NIPSCO’s involvement in the broader energy markets (e.g. FAC, GCA, RA, RTO, etc. – cost recovery trackers).
• Respond to Data Requests as required pursuant to audits, regulatory proceedings, or government investigations; participate in internal and external audits as required.
• Lead and coordinate all Energy Supply & Optimization related NIPSCO Gas and Electric Rate Case activities; write and review Rate Case testimony and provide timely responses to Rate Case Data Request Items.
• Interface with Regulatory, Finance, and Regulatory Policy departments in the development and review of Tariffs and Riders and in some instances lead the development of market-facing Tariffs and Riders.
• Assist Regulatory, Finance, and Accounting in performing the gas and electric monthly closing processes to include Resource Cost and Allocation, MISO Market Settlements, Gas Settlements and Planning.
• Provide forecast updates to Financial Planning to include Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).
• Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation and verification of all market settlement activity.
• Provide ad hoc analysis and forecasting in support of the Hedging Policy and lead the development of applicable hedging programs.
• Lead certain applicable market-facing interventions/engagement pursuant to FERC matters, MISO Market Stakeholder processes, Independent Market Monitor (MISO/PJM), etc.

Required Qualifications For Position

• Bachelor's Degree In Engineering, Finance, Business Administration, or equivalent.
• Extensive experience with wholesale electric market operations, gas trading, commercial negotiations/origination, renewable energy and deployment of battery storage.
• Minimum of 10 years of work experience in the electric utility, gas utility, or a related industry.
• Experience in leading a complex department covering a multitude of origination, market-facing, and regulatory-based processes
• Must have outstanding planning, organizational, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform duties effectively under normal, emergency, and contingency situations.
• Knowledge of regulatory processes, plant operations, fuel supply, project development (origination, permitting, and associated processes), rates, tariffs, State and Federal regulations, and gas operations.
• Financially competent in the areas of general accounting, financial statement analysis, general tax awareness (specifically renewable tax incentives) and an understating of credit ratings/other forms of securitization.
• Knowledge of rates, tariffs, cost allocation, and billing functions.
• Possess a working understanding of regulatory processes, bulk power generation, wholesale power markets, and renewable/thermal generation.
• Working understanding of market trends, deal structures, and legal “deal” making processes.
• Track record of commercial success from origination of commercial agreements and supporting those agreements through deal origination, regulatory approvals, construction, tax equity financing, asset in-service, and agreement tenure (10+ years or through applicable statute of limitations).

Preferred Additional Qualifications For Position

• Master's Degree In Business Administration or equivalent

As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection

We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.

We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [e-mail] or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*

$160,100.00 - $240,100.00

• The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date

2026-10-22

Posting End Date (if applicable)

2026-11-09

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.