Senior Director (Distribution System Planning)

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

Provides visionary and strategic leadership for the grid through the ongoing development and implementation of Integrated System Plans, strategic planning, system capacity & utilization planning, regulatory cost recovery and environmental policy strategies, investment delivery. Leads development of public facing grid strategies, stakeholder engagement and regulatory engagement. Leads strategic planning for cost recovery plans and environmental emissions reductions. Provides the vision for the evolving requirements and capabilities of the distribution grid.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop, recommend and implement business strategies, the associated risk, annual, and long-term business plans that effectively meet business needs. Lead strategic planning including environmental decarbonization and technical implementation incorporating operating area differences. Drive planning for overall electric distribution systems including system growth, tariff issues, regulatory change and unique operating situations. Spearhead development of systematic regulatory plans to gain approval and recover costs.

• Drives and leads Integrated System Plans in all Operating Companies. Including forecasting for load, DER, EV, and other customer electrification efforts. Ensures effective communication of compliance requirements and alignment within each operating company.

• Directs contractors and vendors to support Hosting Capacity studies for both Distributed Energy Resources as well as Electric Vehicles.

• Provides for ongoing effective and clear communication of the organizational vision mission key objectives. Responsible for succession planning and strategic planning. Communicates with and establishes effective working relationships with external entities and internal organizations outside span of control to maximize efficiency responsiveness and resource allocation.

• Responsible for generating significant near-term and long-term distribution plans through customer growth, asset optimization, and electrification. Direct the Investment Delivery group to ensure excellent customer service in a cost-effective manner through the development of the capital budget and effective recovery of new infrastructure to serve new and expanding customers.

• Leads the Asset Health Strategy group. Drives solutions to ensure ongoing reliability of the electric distribution system. Coordinates with internal sources to ensure compliance with all external regulatory requirements and reliability compliance filings.

• Ensure effective implementation of regulatory strategies to support the cost recovery and policy objectives for the Electric Distribution Business unity. Lead the development and execution of regulatory filings and serve as expert witness in regulatory proceedings.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.

• Ten years industry experience within electric delivery. System Planning experience preferred.

• Five years of management experience.

• Ability to drive major initiatives, significant communication, and influence skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge of codes/regulations including NESC, OSHA, PUC, land use, and franchise.

• Must possess experience in commission policies and procedures, in multiple jurisdictions.

• Demonstrated knowledge of management systems, safety and labor agreements are essential.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with regulatory filings.

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 recr