Utility Operations Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 position is assigned onsite at the Kalamazoo Service Center located in Kalamazoo, MI.  The selected candidates must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available to those who qualify).

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General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Senior Manager of Electric Operations within Low Voltage Distribution and Customer Field Services holds statewide or large geographic responsibility for leading a technical workforce composed of unionized labor. This role sets operational expectations across the state and owns key companywide performance metrics. The position also represents the company at industry events and on national teams, while fostering strong relationships internally (e.g., Legal, Design, Finance, Regulatory, Fleet, Supply Chain, Training) and externally (e.g., government ICS structures during storm events, leaders of other utilities, EEI, MEA, AGA). The Senior Manager plays a critical role in strategic planning and execution to ensure regulatory compliance and deliver commitments to regulators and communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent the company on national industry teams including EEI (Edison Electric Institute), EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute), and MEA Energy Association.
• Lead transformational initiatives using Utilities Lean Methodology, project and change management tools, and data analysis.
• Coach and develop leaders to operate strategically and influence companywide outcomes.
• Lead departmental operations across multiple headquarters, regions, or the entire state to enhance reliability and resiliency.
• Establish operational plans and align cross-functional efforts with Fleet, Supply Chain, Engineering, Statewide Planning, and third-party utilities for joint construction initiatives.
• Oversee electric construction and maintenance activities, including outage restoration and rest periods. Manage statewide storm restoration efforts and coach leaders in emergency response using the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Own and drive performance for key metrics such as EICP, SAIDI, and Safety, reporting results to executive leadership.
• Contribute to rate cases through testimony, risk ownership, regulatory rule compliance, media engagement, and tariff adherence.
• Resolve escalated issues, allocate resources, and communicate with senior leadership—often outside normal business hours.
• Collaborate with Finance and Plant Accounting to address budget shortfalls, drive cost savings, and ensure regulatory and legal compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and utility operations.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills at a functional and strategic level.
• Ability to lead statewide initiatives that drive rate competitiveness and operational efficiency.
• Commitment to maintaining a state-recognized Apprentice Program.
• Skilled communicator capable of managing company perception, risk, and community relations.
• Ability to inspire leadership and drive results across multiple functions.
• Expertise in identifying process gaps, eliminating waste, and mitigating reputational risks.
• Experience negotiating with union leadership to resolve barriers and support employee and customer needs.
• Ability to recommend solutions to executive leadership and manage conflict across multiple zones.
• Capacity to manage additional projects that impact statewide or companywide metrics.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a similar field with seven (7) or more years of experience leading an exempt and union workforce in a competitive market with construction management, project management, finance and goal development with comprehensive knowledge of utilities operations.
• (OR) Associate’s degree in business, engineering, or a similar field with nine (9) or more years of experience leading an exempt and union workforce in a competitive market with construction management, project management, finance and goal development with comprehensive knowledge of utilities operations.
• (OR) High school diploma with eleven (11) or more years of experience leading an exempt and union workforce in a competitive market with construction management, project management, finance and goal development with comprehensive knowledge of utilities operations.

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.