District Manager - Northwestern Energy

District Manager

Work Location: Brookings, SD

Pay range: $99,200 to $130,000 per year

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

Responsible for managing, directing and supporting functions related to the operation and administration of the natural gas system. Provides direction and leadership. Responsible for overseeing the operations and budget of an operating area. Ensures the quality, effectiveness and consistency with regulatory and company standards. Maintains effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ensures best practices and continuous improvement methods that align with corporate strategies.

We offer great benefits:

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over 1,500 amazing people and serve 764,200 customers who are our neighbors in our communities. We are a top employer and offer competitive benefits, including:

• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial heath)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

About this job:

• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives
• Demonstrates leadership consistent with NorthWestern Energy's code, values, policies, processes and controls
• Utilizes effective management practices to maintain employee engagement and productivity
• Effectively manages budget, ensuring proper cost controls
• Leads special projects as required utilizing effective change and project management techniques
• Oversees and plans optimum staffing levels
• Provide oversight and direction in the operating area in accordance with the organization's goals, policies and procedures
• Coordinate or direct development of activities to ensure that operational needs and objectives are met
• Lead employees to meet the organization's expectations for productivity, quality, and goal accomplishment
• Plan and implement systems that perform the work and fulfill the mission and the goals of the department efficiently and effectively
• Plan, evaluate, and improve the efficiency of business processes and procedures
• Make business decisions that are financially responsible, accountable, justifiable, and defensible in accordance with organization policies and procedures
• Establish and maintain relevant controls and feedback systems to monitor the operation of the department
• Communicate regularly with other managers, the director, and other designated contacts within the organization
• This position will have direct responsibility for:
  • Ensuring that plans and work are executed in compliance with the NorthWestern Energy Safety Health and Environmental Handbook
  • Interacting effectively and working collaboratively with management and employees from various NorthWestern Energy work groups, including but not limited to Engineering, Construction, Safety, Customer Care, Finance, Fleet, Facilities, HR and Legal
  • Budgeting and scheduling of capital projects and expense activities in order to efficiently complete all work reflected in the annual Division/District work plan
  • Ensuring that all work is done in compliance with all federal, state and local rules and regulations as well as NorthWestern Energy Policies and Procedures
  • Overseeing day to day operations including project management, and directing contract and company construction crews
  • Supervising the Division/District workforce
  • Proactively contributing to a positive customer experience and assisting in conflict resolutions
  • Performing special assignments for new Company or Distribution Operations initiatives as assigned
• The District/Division Manager will have the responsibility to support the following:
  • Designing natural gas facilities to NorthWestern Energy standards, while following the Capital Business Processes
  • Required annual and periodic workforce training
  • DOT and DIMPS annual requirements assistance
  • Annual projects development and design
  • Long range system planning
  • Fleet and equipment operations and maintenance
  • Facilities operations and maintenance
• Local travel and outdoor environment up to 20%-40% of the time; overnight travel is required up to 20% of the time
• A significant amount of time is spent in an office environment with occasional lifting of products or material up to 35 pounds
• This position will also be required to be on-call for after-hours operations and emergencies as part of the Division/District Operations Supervisor-on-Call rotation

Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:

• An engineering or business degree preferred, or equivalent technical training required
• Professional Engineer's License or ability to obtain license is preferred
• A minimum of three years of responsible leadership experience
• Prior experience in management or supervisory positions preferred
• Knowledge of the functions, operation and mission of the department
• Strong leadership skills including interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a department and department staff members
• Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment
• Evidence of the ability to practice a high level of confidentiality
• Excellent organizational management skills
• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• A background in, or demonstrated practical knowledge of, all phases of division gas operations
• A general knowledge of the engineering, construction and operation of natural gas transmission and distribution systems
• Knowledge of utility regulation codes (DOT, etc.), and working knowledge of PSC rules and tariffs and their application to customers
• Working knowledge of Company safety and environmental policies and procedures and their application
• Labor relations experience is advantageous
• The ability to supervise and direct the activities of several functions and direct reports, coordinate diverse activities, delegate responsibilities efficiently, and promote and maintain a positive work environment
• Effective administrative and leadership skills are required as well as excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be proficient in computer skills for a variety of applications relevant to the planning and work management requirements of the position
• A proven track record as a change agent with skills and experience for innovation and implementation of new programs and procedures is essential
• Customer service skills

Requisition #4350

Posting Dates: April 11, 2024 through Open Until Filled

Department/Division: Distribution Operations

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: None

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at job.inquiries@northwestern.com.