SMS Strategy Lead

012 NiSource Corporate Services Co; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource in Columbus, OH is seeking an SMS Strategy Lead to drive the SMS strategy across Element Owners and support annual initiatives. This role includes governance updates, interdependency tracking, and facilitating alignment meetings to ensure conformance with SMS maturity goals.

You will prepare for external/internal assessments, guide governance documents, and collaborate with analytics, state leads, and asset owners to advance safety culture and process maturity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with project planning and execution.
• Knowledge of API RP 1173.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and achieve group consensus.
• Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Ability to coach State SMS teams on CAP processes and tool.
• Ability to drive and monitor continuous improvement and change management.
• Proactive in collaborating and leveraging interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication skills both written and oral.
• Proven ability to present to all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of NiSource gas utility and field operations.
• Familiarity with Corrective Action Program and process.

Responsibilities

• Aggregates and prepares updates for Gas Segment Leadership.
• Ensures Element Owner model structure is matured.
• Maintains conformance documents including API RP1173 gaps.
• Supports alignment of SMS strategic goals through stakeholder engagement.
• Tracks Element Owner progress and interdependencies.
• Supports audits and assessments related to SMS maturity.

Skills

Project planning

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Meeting facilitation

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Independent work

Change management

Continuous improvement

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

Microsoft Access

Excel

PowerPoint

CAP Tool

Tableau

think-cell

Job description

Way of Work: Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days WFH) Reporting Location: Columbus, OH (other locations may be considered for the right candidate)

Job Summary

The SMS Strategy Lead is responsible to support driving SMS strategy through collaboration with Element Owners across key annual initiatives. Participate and support strategy planning sessions related to SMS maturity, road mapping development and conformance assessments. Facilitation of the Element Owner model through collaborative alignment meetings and development of meeting documentation. In accordance with the Element Owner model, SMS Strategy Lead will be responsible for the tracking of Element owner execution on defined element initiatives and identification of interdependencies. The SMS Strategy Lead will play a key role preparing Gas Segment organization for external/internal assessments, audits, and evaluations pertaining to health and maturity of SMS. SMS Strategy Lead will also be responsible for reviewing and drafting changes to NiSource SMS governance/process documents in accordance for NiSource SMS Maturity and API RP 1173. SMS Strategy Lead will collaborate with Element Owners, Initiative Owners, SMS Governance Manager, Manager SMS Execution, SMS Data Analytics and Reporting, SMS State Leads, Asset Program Owners.

Essential Functions

Aggregates and prepares updates, reports, and presentations for Gas Segment Leadership based up Element Owner initiatives. Ensures Element Owner model structure is being matured and follows a cycle of continuous improvement. Ensures organization, discipline and structure of essential conformance documents including inventory of identified API RP1173 gaps. Supports the alignment of SMS strategic goals and initiatives through key stakeholder engagement. Tracks Element Owner progress through the execution of the identified initiatives. Supports maintaining a culture of safety and risk identification/mitigation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
• Experience with project planning and execution
• Knowledge and understanding of American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 1173
• Ability to facilitate meetings/tables and achieve group consensus
• Ability to build strong relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally
• Ability to coach and provide guidance to State SMS teams on CAP processes and tool
• Ability to drive and monitor continuous improvement and associated change management
• Proactive in collaborating and leveraging interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication skills both written and oral.
• Proven ability to prepare and present presentations at all levels of the internal organization and external associations
• Support SMS process consistency across the organization
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Access, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to learn new systems and become proficient with them (e.g., CAP Tool, Tableau, think-cell, etc.)
• Analytical/critical thinking with proven business acumen
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to work independently with strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Excellent planning, organization, and verbal/written communication skills
• Effective project management skills and ability to drive execution
• Ability to manage multiple projects and team participation at various states concurrently ensuring timely delivery and desired outcomes
• Collaboration for success
• Creating, maintaining and enhancing critical internal stakeholder relationships
• Contribution to team success
• Knowledge of NiSource gas utility and field operations
• Familiarity with Corrective Action Program and process

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Continuous Improvement experience
• Experience with NiSource business processes and tools/technologies
• Experience developing, implementing, and/or executing a corrective action program or continuous learning program

Physical Demands

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

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

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*: $96,600.00 - $144,900.00 *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): 2026-11-06 Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers. We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.