Lead Operations Planner - Strategic Scheduling & Coordination

Xcel Energy; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 51,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Spot On Bonus

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Parental Leave

Job summary

Xcel Energy in Fort Collins is seeking an experienced Operations Planner Team Lead to guide scheduling, coordination and readiness across multiple regions. You will oversee 0–12+ week schedules, ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and optimal use of resources while mentoring planners and aligning work with field operations and external stakeholders.

The role emphasizes process improvement, performance analysis, and strong communication to maintain outages readiness and customer service.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8 years of experience in construction, design, maintenance, or operations, with 3 years in a senior planning role.
• Demonstrated mastery in scheduling, planning, and operational coordination within utility or construction industries.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and manage complex work activities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-team collaboration.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet tools; ability to retrieve and manipulate data from reporting tools.
• Knowledge of a wide range of computer applications, including Microsoft products, work management, mapping, and scheduling/project management tools.
• Valid Driver’s License

Responsibilities

• Strategic Scheduling & Planning: Oversee a rolling 0–12+ week schedule for regions/areas, resolve gaps, and forecast resource needs.
• Operational Readiness & Coordination: Ensure prerequisites are met and coordinate equipment, materials, and services.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Mentor planners and provide guidance on scheduling practices and system use.
• Resource Management & Optimization: Forecast personnel, equipment, and material needs and optimize allocations.
• Performance Analysis & Continuous Improvement: Analyze scheduling performance and drive process changes.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Customer Focus: Maintain partnerships and communicate schedule status with customers.
• Accountability for Results: Ensure timely job closeout, documentation, and safety/compliance.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Excel

Data retrieval from reporting tools

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Scheduling tools

Work management tools

Job description

Xcel Energy in Fort Collins is seeking an experienced Operations Planner Team Lead to guide scheduling, coordination and readiness across multiple regions. You will oversee 0–12+ week schedules, ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and optimal use of resources while mentoring planners and aligning work with field operations and external stakeholders.

The role emphasizes process improvement, performance analysis, and strong communication to maintain outages readiness and customer service.