Local Operating Area Line Manager - Electric

NiSource Inc.; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource Inc. is seeking a senior leader to head the Transmission and Distribution Operations and Maintenance organization.

You will direct a geographically dispersed team of Regional Managers, Supervisors, and Specialists to ensure safe, reliable operation of electric T&D assets within the service area. You will champion safety, coordinate with cross-functional groups, manage O&M and capital budgets, and support emergency/storm response to restore service quickly while maintaining regulatory

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 12 years in electric utility or similar field with increasing responsibility.
• 5+ years in T&D operations/maintenance.
• Experience leading teams, budgets, regulatory requirements, and safety metrics.
• Experience leading represented workforces is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead dispersed T&D operations and maintenance teams to ensure safe, reliable service.
• Drive safety culture and improve OSHA and field performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and utility practices.
• Coach and develop leadership and hourly staff; manage accountability.
• Oversee budgets, work plans, and resource allocation for reliability and cost control.
• Coordinate cross-functional work with engineering, maintenance, and project teams.
• Support emergency and storm response leadership as needed.
• Represent the organization on internal/external committees and audits.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Safety performance

Team development

Education

High school diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Job description

Job Summary

Leads the Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Operations and Maintenance organization within Power Delivery. Provides direction to a geographically dispersed leadership team (Regional Managers, Superintendents, and Supervisors) and is accountable for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of electric transmission and distribution assets within assigned service territories. This role reports to the Director, T&D Lines.

Serves as a key leader in emergency and storm response for T&D incidents, ensuring safe restoration of service and effective coordination with internal partners and external stakeholders.

Partners closely with other Power Delivery functions (e.g., Major Projects/TDSIC and related groups) to ensure operations, maintenance, construction support, safety programs, and regulatory requirements are executed consistently on local transmission and distribution systems.

Safety is a core value. The LOA Line Manager reinforces a strong safety culture by setting expectations, coaching leaders, and ensuring compliance with applicable standards, company procedures, and safe work practices to protect employees, contractors, and the public.

Essential Functions

• Lead geographically dispersed line operations teams to safely execute transmission and distribution operations, maintenance, and construction activities.
• Champion a strong safety and human performance culture; drive continuous improvement in safety metrics (e.g., OSHA recordables, lost work time), motor vehicle incidents, and field execution.
• Ensure work is performed in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements (e.g., OSHA, EPA), company procedures, and accepted utility practices.
• Establish clear expectations for accountability and authority; coach, develop, and evaluate leadership and hourly employees; recognize performance and address performance gaps.
• Oversee operating and maintenance plans, work prioritization, schedules, milestones, and resource allocation to optimize reliability, risk reduction, and cost.
• Drive reliability and customer performance outcomes, including restoration commitments, CAIDI/ETR performance, and customer satisfaction objectives.
• Provide 24/7 leadership readiness and escalation support; coordinate restoration activities during outages, storms, and other emergencies, including major equipment or system events.
• Develop, manage, and control O&M and capital budgets, including overtime and expense management; ensure financial stewardship and alignment to the strategic plan and Power Delivery mission.
• Partner with engineering, maintenance, and project teams to balance scope, schedule, and budget decisions and to ensure cross-functional alignment for system improvements and new business.
• Support workforce planning by participating in selection and hiring decisions; recommend corrective action and separation when appropriate and consistent with policy and labor agreements.
• Represent the organization on internal and external committees, audits, and working groups; attend training and seminars as required.
• Serve as acting leader for the Director, T&D Lines as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in the electric utility industry or a comparable technical field with increasing responsibility.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in electric transmission and distribution operations and/or maintenance.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and leaders, managing budgets, meeting regulatory requirements, and driving safety performance.
• Experience leading an environment with represented employees.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of experience interacting directly with regulatory agencies.
• Project management experience, including scope, schedule, cost, and risk management.

This position may require extended hours, including nights, weekends, and emergency/storm response. Additional physical demands and working conditions will be provided or discussed based on operational needs.

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position.

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 respe