Leader Electric Distribution Planning

Job Summary 
The Leader, Electric Distribution Planning will lead a team responsible for shaping the near- and long-term development of the electric distribution system through data-driven planning, advanced system modeling, and cross-functional collaboration. Reporting to the Manager, Distribution Planning and Protection, this role owns the development and maintenance of distribution planning models (including CYME and AMI data integration), performs and oversees planning and performance studies, and translates results into actionable investment and upgrade recommendations. The position partners across the organization to ensure deliverability projects secure required approvals, remain on track, and align with evolving planning criteria, reliability needs, customer growth, and distributed energy resource integration. This leader also supports executive and regulatory reporting and represents the company in regulatory forums by providing clear technical justification and defensible analysis. 
 
Essential Functions 

• Leads the development and maintenance of engineering models of the distribution system  

• Uses engineering models as the basis for system planning, operation, and performance studies 

• Organizes the performance of various studies and reports for executive and/or regulatory purposes (e.g., IURC, FERC, OUCC or other regulatory body)  

• Leads the integration of new customers, load growth, and distributed energy resources 

• Investigates distribution system failures, customer complaints or other operating problems and develops corrective action plans  

• Leads efforts to develop a long-term capital investment plan 

• Works cross-organizationally to ensure deliverability projects have the required budget approval and are progressing as required 

• Coordinates work with the team and various internal and external customers relating to the impact, capabilities, and development of the distribution system 

• Leads cross-functional collaboration with various stakeholders within the company to advance distribution system needs 

• Attends IURC, OMS, and other regulatory body meetings to ensure NIPSCO’s position is presented  

• Ensures AMI system integration in CYME models to more accurately propose system upgrades 

• Spearheads efforts to develop and evolve Distribution Planning Criteria 

• Responds to operational needs to address system shortcomings in the near term and develop a comprehensive plan, as applicable, for long-term solutions 

• Serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for NIPSCO distribution-related inquiries 

• Presents to senior leadership on distribution planning-related topics 

• Maintains proficiency by participating in industry reliability and protection forums or working groups to consult with external entities to ensure proper protection techniques are implemented in accordance with applicable industry standards and for the safe and reliable operation of the grid 

• Identifies and implements process improvement changes to better facilitate Distribution Planning duties, responsibilities, and/or workflow 
   

Required Qualifications For Position 

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or elect