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.
Location: This position is onsite at the Royal Oak Service Center located in Royal Oak, MI. 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 Senior Manager of Gas Operations leads a team of Managers responsible for safe and efficient operations of the distribution natural gas system infrastructure. The incumbent will have oversight of program budgets and monthly forecasting of units and dollars. They will be required to leverage their knowledge of PHMSA and MPSC Regulation to navigate the 2500+ code compliance requirements. Senior Managers are responsible for Gas Operations Specialty functions such as commercial and industrial, welding, regulation, cathodic and control work. They will provide guidance on escalated items concerning gas related incidents and coworker engagements . This position will develop and implement high-level, long-term strategic and tactical plans to ensure corporate objectives are met, and financial programs are adhered to. They will also support and lead large statewide projects, safety actions, lean initiatives, strategic planning, and emergent situations. This position will also represent the company at industry events while fostering relationships internally and externally to establish and execute companywide planning to ensure compliance while delivering on commitments to our regulator and communities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Industry Leadership & External Engagement - Represent the company on a national scale through active participation in gas industry forums such as; AGA, MEA , and other industry leadership forums. Lead and support regulatory rate cases, risk management initiatives, tariff compliance, and media engagement efforts.
Lean Coaching & Organizational Development (CE Way) - Coach and sponsor Lean methodologies-including visual management, standard work, problem-solving, and continuous improvement-while mentoring and guiding Managers through complex escalations and cross-functional leadership challenges.
Labor Relations & Union Partnership - Collaborate with Labor Relations and union leadership to resolve contract disputes and grievances while strategically supporting contract negotiation and implementation across zonal areas.
Enterprise Metrics & Performance Reviews - Own and manage critical company and MPSC metrics such as EICP, Leak Backlog, NSIF, and safety performance, presenting operating reviews at executive levels to drive transparency and accountability. Align departmental actions with broader business objectives and cross-functional interdependencies to ensure cohesive organizational success.
Safety & Crisis Response Management - Champion a statewide safety culture by developing and executing strategic safety plans and incident countermeasures across multiple zones. Serve as Incident Commander during critical events, leading the creation and implementation of Incident Action Plans to advance ICS protocols and training programs.
Strategic Oversight & Regulatory/Compliance Excellence - Ensure compliance with over 2,500 federal and state gas code requirements through meticulous planning, execution, and oversight, while interpreting complex engineering designs, procedures, and load calculations to drive operational excellence. Lead investigations into process and standard violations, implementing corrective actions aligned with code interpretation and regulatory compliance.
Operational & Financial Leadership - Oversee specialty gas operations spanning welding, control systems, industrial and commercial service, regulation, and cathodic protection, while leading multi-million-dollar financial programs through KPI-driven forecasting and budget management. Authorize operational and maintenance requisitions and steer statewide strategic initiatives with clearly defined milestones and performance metrics.
Emergency Response and Preparedness - Coordinate and execute emergency response plans for natural gas utility incidents, ensuring rapid containment, public safety, and regulatory compliance. Develop and maintain preparedness strategies, including training, drills, and interagency collaboration, to enhance readiness for critical events and system disruptions.
Other duties as assigned or may be necessary
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Apply corporate safety protocols and lead statewide safety initiatives with a deep understanding of environmental compliance requirements in the gas utility sector.
This role requires the ability to make high-stakes decisions under pressure, communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, and ensure operational continuity through strategic preparedness initiatives and real-time crisis management.
Expert level knowledge of incident command systems (ICS), regulatory compliance standards and utility-specific emergency protocols. They must demonstrate advanced skills in developing and executing coordinated and comprehensive emergency response plans.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including executive-level presentation capabilities, enable effective engagement with senior leadership and BOD. Recognized as a trusted advisor in rate case ruling, media engagement, tariff... For full info follow application link.
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, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.
