Exec Dir Electric Ops

Consumers Energy; Jackson (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest energy provider, seeks an Executive Director of Electric Operations to guide strategic planning, regulatory oversight, and high‑level direction for electric transmission and distribution activities. Lead Electric Field Leaders, ensure safety and compliance, oversee on‑call and storm response, and drive cost‑effective operations and reliability across the system.

Ideal candidates have 15+ years in utility leadership, strong labor‑management experience, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 12+ years of operational leadership experience.
• OR Associate's degree with 14+ years in operational leadership.
• OR High school diploma with 16+ years operational leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee proposed changes and enhancements to system and facility operations.
• Contribute to the recruitment, development, and performance of Electric Field Leaders.
• Participate in the on-call rotation for zone coverage and storm restoration response with 24/7 availability.
• Provide high-level oversight of Monthly Operating Reviews and safety/finance initiatives, ensuring metrics and Lean tools are applied.
• Oversee planning, organization, coordination, evaluation, and supervision of employees in electric distribution operations.
• Supervise Electric Field Leaders managing union-represented employees and ensure compliance with manuals and regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Skills

Safe work practices

Electric distribution

Leadership

Budget planning

Communication

Mentoring

Problem solving

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field

Associate's degree in business administration or related field

High school diploma with extensive operational leadership experience

Job description

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 onsite position may be based at any Consumers Energy Service Center throughout Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Weekly meetings will be held in Jackson, and attendance is required. 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 Executive Director of Electric Operations provides strategic planning, regulatory compliance oversight, and high-level direction to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of field construction, maintenance, service, and emergency work related to the company's electric transmission and distribution facilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee proposed changes and enhancements to system and facility operations.
• Contribute to the recruitment, development, and performance of Electric Field Leaders.
• Participate in the on-call rotation for zone coverage and storm restoration response. This includes 24/7 availability for emergent events and managing the company's High Load Response process in alignment with MISO Conservative Operations Guidelines. These responsibilities are in addition to standard duties.
• Provide high-level oversight of Monthly Operating Reviews, Rally Rooms, Problem Solving Events, Safety Health and Guidance Teams, Safety Culture Teams, Fix It Now Teams, Safety Grassroots Teams, and Financial Programs. Maintain a deep understanding of company and departmental metrics and financials, visual management systems, problem-solving methodologies, and Lean tools.
• Oversee the planning, organization, coordination, evaluation, and supervision of employees involved in the operation, maintenance, and construction of electric distribution systems, customer electric services, buildings and grounds, and utility support areas.
• Supervise Electric Field Leaders who manage OM&C bargaining unit employees. Ensure compliance with the Corporate Safety Manual, Electric Methods and Procedures Manual, Electric Distribution Manual, MIOSHA standards, OSHA standards, DOT regulations, Business Continuity Plans, Code of Conduct, and all employee policy and process manuals. Responsible for managing grievance procedures, conducting safety and disciplinary investigations, and administering appropriate disciplinary actions.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of safe work practices and procedures.
• In-depth understanding of electric distribution operations and construction.
• Proven leadership capabilities, including the ability to lead change in a competitive business environment.
• Strong knowledge of work methods, processes, and technologies related to electric transmission, distribution, metering, or generation operations.
• Effective problem-solving and presentation skills.
• Strong public speaking and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to mentor and transfer knowledge and experience.
• Proficiency in budget planning and financial oversight.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field with twelve (12) or more years of operational leadership experience.
  • ORAssociate's degree in business administration or related field with fourteen (14) or more years of operational leadership experience.
  • ORHigh school diploma with sixteen (16) or more years of operational leadership experience.

Preferred Experience

• 15+ years of utility operations leadership experience.
• Experience leading union-represented workforces and developing strong labor-management partnerships.
• Significant responsibility for fleet, facilities, logistics, materials management, inventory control, warehouse, or storeroom operations.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing enterprise operational strategies and transformational initiatives across a large, complex organization.

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY (Different Generations), capable (Different Abilities), Interfaith, People Planet Partners, and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.