Contract Operations Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.

Position Summary

The Manager, Talent Acquisition Operations & Enablement oversees the analytics, operations, technology and vendor management functions for Talent Acquisition. This role provides insights, operational leadership, and decision support to Talent Acquisition leaders while driving continuous improvement, process excellence, compliance, AI enablement, and operational effectiveness. Through strong partnership, innovation, and change management, the role develops and implements scalable solutions that enhance recruiter effectiveness, candidate experience, and business outcomes.

Essential Responsibilities

• Functional Leadership: Lead Talent Acquisition operations, including vendor management, talent technology, operational programs, and process improvement initiatives. Oversee vendor performance, contract utilization, spend optimization, and business case development. Drive the implementation, optimization, governance, adoption, and responsible use of recruiting technologies, including AI-enabled solutions, while establishing operational standards, service level expectations, and scalable processes that enhance efficiency, compliance, and stakeholder experience.

• Projects & Initiatives: Manage the portfolio of TA strategic initiatives and ensure successful execution, stakeholder alignment, adoption, and measurable business outcomes. Benchmark industry best practices and recommend operational enhancements that improve efficiency, quality, and candidate experience.

• System Management: Ensure compliance, data integrity, audit readiness, process controls, and effective system governance across recruiting technologies.

• Partnership: Build strong partnerships across Talent Acquisition, HR, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure effective execution, governance, and continuous improvement of recruiting processes, technologies, and operational programs.

• Talent Management: Hire, lead, and develop team, including management of performance and supporting their career development. Foster a culture that supports and drives collaboration and employee development.

• Analytics: Develop and deliver dashboards, workforce insights, recruiting analytics, forecasting, and executive reporting to support strategic decision making and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field (or a combination of education and experience).

• 7 years of experience in talent acquisition, HR operations, or related roles

• 3 years of experience leading complex operational programs, process improvement initiatives, and change management efforts.

• 3 years of experience leading cross-functional projects and operational initiatives, including vendor management, contract administration, RFP processes, technology evaluations, and implementation of talent acquisition solutions.

• 3 years of experience managing recruiting technologies, system governance, business process optimization, and operational controls.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading a Talent Acquisition Operations or HR Operations function.

• People leadership experience, including coaching, performance management, team development, and workload prioritization.

• Experience with Workday Recruiting or comparable ATS platforms.

• Experience implementing AI-enabled recruiting tools, automation solutions, or advanced talent acquisition technologies.

• Experience developing executive-level dashboards, workforce insights, and recruiting analytics.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.

Non-BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $112,200.00 to $159,400.00 per yearThis position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 08/07/26

EEO is the Law |EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.