Exec Dir Innovation

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.  

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location: This is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to the Parnall service Center located in Jackson, 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 Executive Director of Innovation leads development and deployment of innovation initiatives and drives transformational change to enable major improvements in Safety, Performance, Digital Tools, Standards, and Work Methods. The Executive Director of Innovation is responsible to develop and maintain a team with a deep understanding of the energy sector, emerging technologies, deployment of work methods and asset standards from research to implementation, and the ability to create and maintain a culture of innovation and collaboration across Electric Supply. The Executive Director will be responsible for defining and executing the innovation strategy, identifying and pursuing new opportunities, and fostering relationships with internal and external stakeholders to position the utility at the forefront of the industry's evolution. A critical focus of this role will be the digital product strategy, priorities, resource allocation, and solutions that drive operational excellence

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure implementation of the Consumers Energy Way and digital tools throughout Electric Supply leading to predictable outcomes, safer operations, lower costs and empowered teams.
• Recruit, engage, develop and lead a team of professionals who serve customers and coworkers in critical functions requiring compliance to standards, agility, creativity and precision execution.
• Maintain relationships across the management team of the business unit and peers in other business units to identify need for innovation to improve safety, quality, and cost and bring together teams to transform the way do work and the assets we construct and maintain.
• Continuously review industry best practices, new and emerging technology and concepts, internal business needs, and identified problems to both develop and implement new solutions and ensure effectiveness of existing tools and standards.
• Provide input to and collaboration with Operations and Engineering functions to ensure the needs of the business are identified and met, and innovation opportunities are both defined and implemented effectively and rapidly. Oversee the research, design, deployment, and utilization of innovations and technology to deliver safe, reliable, affordable, clean and equitable energy to current and new customers.
• Maintain awareness, understanding and connection with enterprise-wide issues, company financial performance, and company image in the public and collaborate with partners to deliver cross functional projects and outcomes for the enterprise.
• Other essential duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Ability to align with and contribute to the company's unique cultural and the Consumer's Energy Way plus digital strategic framework, fostering a positive work environment and effective team dynamics. Expert Knowledge
• Proven track record of leading and inspiring cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment. Expert Knowledge
• Strong strategic mindset with the ability to identify industry trends, anticipate future changes, and translate them into actionable innovation goals, including those related to safety, asset standards, and operational efficiency. Expert Knowledge
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills to engage with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership, coworkers, research institutions, partners, and external stakeholders. Expert Knowledge
• Creative problem-solving with the ability to navigate uncertainty, assess risks, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment. Broad Knowledge
• Managing and optimizing Asset and Engineering Standards Expert Knowledge

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering or related field and 10+ years of progressive experience in innovation, technology, or solutions development, preferably within the energy or utilities sector.
• [OR] Associate’s degree in Business, Engineering or related field and 12+ years of progressive experience in innovation, technology, or solutions development, preferably within the energy or utilities sector.
• [OR] High School diploma and 16+ years of progressive experience in innovation, technology, or solutions development, preferably within the energy or utilities sector.

#LI-RT1

Why should you join our team? 

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer: 

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: 

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don’t discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women in Energy (WE), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capABLE, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

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, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.