Director Process Improvement Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Are you a collaborative and supportive individual looking to lead process improvement initiatives? Join the Connexus Energy team as a Project Manager, Process Improvement and lead cross-functional initiatives that improve operational performance and support the organization’s strategic objectives. This role works closely with business leaders, stakeholders, and operational teams to identify improvement opportunities, define project scope, manage execution, and implement sustainable solutions that deliver measurable business value. Using project management best practices and continuous improvement methodologies, the Project Manager, Process Improvement streamlines processes, reduces waste, improves member experiences, and increases organizational effectiveness. This role is accountable for delivering measurable process improvements that improve operational efficiency, strengthen project execution, and support a consistent continuous improvement culture across the organization.

Location:

Work for this position can be performed both on-site at our campus located at 14601 Ramsey Blvd, Ramsey, MN 55303, and from your local home office, as duties require. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements, hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota.

Compensation:

The anticipated hiring range is between $101,100 - 132,720. The final compensation offered is based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience and skill level. In addition, this position is eligible for an annual bonus with a target payout of 8% based on company performance.

In this position, you will:

Project Management

• Lead multiple process improvement projects in partnership with functional owners.
• Develop project charters, project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource requirements.
• Develop metrics and methodologies that support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Facilitate project meetings, communicate status updates, and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and proactively address issues.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Monitor project performance using key metrics and reporting tools.
• Identify and facilitate change management activities as required by project scope, in partnership with the Technology Adoption Leader.
• Document project outcomes, lessons learned, and sustainment plans to support benefit realization after implementation.

Project Management Office (PMO) Support

• Support the intake of new project requests and prioritization.
• Partner with business stakeholders to develop project charters and scoping documentation for further evaluation.
• Ensure project work is aligned with strategic initiatives.
• Support PMO reporting by maintaining accurate project data, status information, and benefit tracking for leadership review.
• Perform cost-benefit analysis across multiple process improvement opportunities.
• Lead Process Improvement Committee work in support of corporate scorecard goal achievement.
• Develop course content, teaching tools, and training materials.
• Provide formal and informal improvement training to employees and leaders.

Need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 3+ years of experience leading cross-functional projects, process improvement initiatives, or operational transformation.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects through the full project lifecycle, including planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Experience applying continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar frameworks.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and executive reporting capabilities.

Nice to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or Project Management.
• 5+ years of experience leading cross-functional projects, process improvement initiatives, or operational transformation efforts at an electric utility.
• PMP certification, or similar.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience with change management and business transformation initiatives.
• Experience using AI tools to aid in project planning & controlling and process improvement initiatives.

About Connexus Energy:

Based in Ramsey, Connexus Energy is Minnesota’s largest electric cooperative, providing electricity, renewable energy alternatives and related services to 150,000 residential and commercial members just north of the Twin Cities. We offer a collaborative work environment with challenging and rewarding work, which provides for professional development and work-life balance in a highly technical, stable and innovative industry. We give back to the communities we have served for more than 80 years by embracing opportunities to volunteer, donate and support economic development. Our talented and friendly staff focuses on achieving our mission of powering our members and communities toward a smarter energy future with a passionate focus on affordability, innovation, safety, and grid reliability.

Connexus Energy’s benefits package includes medical/dental/vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with generous company matching and non-matching contributions and independent investment advisory services, accrued PTO, holiday pay, tuition reimbursement, recognition program, employee referral program, and employee activities. Company paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability is also provided.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability status, veteran status, or other legally protected status.