Strategic Operations Planning Lead

Xcel Energy; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 5,138,000 - 7,205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Spot On Bonus

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Xcel Energy in Denver is seeking an Operations Planner Team Lead to oversee scheduling, readiness, and coordination across regions. The role mentors planners, optimizes resources, and enforces safety and regulatory standards while driving improvements and customer satisfaction.

The position requires 8+ years in utility operations, strong analytical and leadership skills, and expertise in Excel. You'll collaborate with field operations, design, and external stakeholders while guiding outages and

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8 years of experience in construction, design, maintenance, or operations (utility experience strongly preferred), 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 to meet operational deadlines and customer expectations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to foster collaboration across teams and departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet tools; ability to retrieve and manipulate data from reporting tools.
• Knowledge of and ability to use 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 development and maintenance of a rolling 0–12+ week schedule for designated regions or commodity areas, ensuring alignment with priorities, compliance, and resource availability.
• Operational Readiness & Coordination: Review all aspects of projects prior to assigning work, ensuring prerequisites (permits, locates, traffic control, vegetation management) are met.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Mentor and train Operations Planners/Sr. Operations Planners and other team members, providing guidance on scheduling practices, system use, and operational standards.
• Resource Management & Optimization: Monitor and forecast personnel, equipment, and material needs across multiple areas.
• Performance Analysis & Continuous Improvement: Analyze scheduling and work execution performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Customer Focus: Build partnerships with supervisors, field leaders, and external stakeholders; communicate scheduling and outages.
• Accountability for Results: Ensure timely job closeout, accurate documentation, and financial stewardship of O&M and capital work.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Scheduling & planning

Operational coordination

Microsoft Excel

Communication

Problem solving

Team mentorship

Driver’s license

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Scheduling software

Job description

Xcel Energy in Denver is seeking an Operations Planner Team Lead to oversee scheduling, readiness, and coordination across regions. The role mentors planners, optimizes resources, and enforces safety and regulatory standards while driving improvements and customer satisfaction.

The position requires 8+ years in utility operations, strong analytical and leadership skills, and expertise in Excel. You'll collaborate with field operations, design, and external stakeholders while guiding outages and