Mgr Innovation

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 is a hybrid (virtual/onsite) position with required onsite days on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday assigned to the Parnall Office located in Jackson, MI. May also consider other locations with the expectation to travel to Jackson once a week.  The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Manager, Innovation leads the development and execution of enterprise innovation and transformation initiatives that advance operational excellence, asset performance, workforce productivity, safety, reliability, customer experience, and financial outcomes. This role establishes governance, standards, and innovation frameworks that enable the organization to identify, prioritize, and implement high-value solutions across planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, asset management, field operations, and support functions.

The position is accountable for leading enterprise transformation initiatives with significant operational, workforce, and financial impact, including innovation strategies capable of generating more than $480 million in cumulative enterprise value. The Manager independently engages with and influences Officers, Vice Presidents, and senior leaders to shape strategic priorities, accelerate organizational change, and drive adoption of innovative solutions that deliver sustainable business results.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives and innovation portfolios that drive measurable business value, including opportunities capable of generating more than $480 million in cumulative enterprise value through operational improvements, cost optimization, risk reduction, and enhanced business performance.

• Implements and maintains innovation governance processes, including intake and prioritization of innovation opportunities, performance tracking, and standards for pilots-to-scale transitions and operational adoption.

• Independently engage and influence Officers, Vice Presidents, and senior leaders to align priorities, evaluate opportunities, secure organizational commitment, and advance transformational business outcomes.

• Identify, evaluate, and scale innovative solutions, emerging technologies, and leading practices to improve operational effectiveness, workforce capabilities, customer outcomes, and long-term business performance.

• Lead cross-functional teams and stakeholders across planning, engineering, construction, maintenance, asset management, operations, safety, supply chain, technology, and support functions to deliver enterprise-wide results.

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, industry organizations, regulators, and peers to identify opportunities, influence industry direction, and accelerate innovation adoption.

• Drives operational, workforce, and business performance outcomes by identifying opportunities, assessing risks, validating results, and guiding high-impact innovation investments.

• Lead organizational change and adoption efforts that modernize business processes, operating models, and ways of working to ensure sustainable implementation and realization of expected benefits.

• Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability by building organizational capability, strengthening problem-solving practices, and fostering adoption of new ideas across field and office-based teams.

• Other non-essential duties as assigned or may be necessary.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Problem Solving & Decision‑Making: Applies independent judgment to solve complex operational problems with consideration for reliability, safety, and regulatory implications.

• Adaptability: Responds effectively to changing grid conditions, regulatory requirements, workforce constraints, and operational priorities.

• Continuous Improvement: Implements and sustains continuous improvement practices as a core operating capability.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively with field, engineering, operations, safety, and corporate partners toward shared outcomes.

• Business Intelligence: Uses operational, financial, and performance data to support investment decisions and innovation priorities.

• Strategic Thinking: Support organizational strategy through innovation initiatives that contribute to operational performance and investment effectiveness.

• Change Management: Supports change initiatives by aligning stakeholders, addressing barriers, and facilitating adoption across assigned areas.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Builds effective partnerships with field leaders, crews, and cross-functional teams to ensure innovations are practical and sustained.

• Innovation Management: Supports governance frameworks including intake, prioritization, and performance tracking for innovation initiatives.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field with four (4) or more years of experience in operations, operational innovation, continuous improvement, or related operational leadership roles. Demonstrated experience leading large-scale change initiatives, establishing governance frameworks, and driving measurable improvements in reliability, safety, productivity, and cost performance.

• [OR] Associate Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field with six (6) or more years of experience in operations, operational innovation, continuous improvement, or related operational leadership roles. Demonstrated experience leading large-scale change initiatives, establishing governance frameworks, and driving measurable improvements in reliability, safety, productivity, and cost performance.

• [OR] High School Diploma or GED with eight (8) or more years of experience in operations, operational innovation, continuous improvement, or related operational leadership roles. Demonstrated experience leading large-scale change initiatives, establishing governance frameworks, and driving measurable improvements in reliability, safety, productivity, and cost performance.

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 (Different Generations), capable (Different Abilities), Interfaith, People Planet Partners, 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.