Manager, Solar and BESS

Job Summary The Manager, Solar and BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) O&M is responsible for leading and implementing operations and maintenance strategies for the solar & BESS renewable generation portfolio. This position will execute and oversee the renewable strategic plan to ensure safe, reliable, compliant, efficient, and resilient operations. This role requires proactive leadership to integrate and collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful outcomes. The Manager must demonstrate strong organizational, leadership, communication, and technical skills. This position will staff, plan, direct, and control the solar and BESS renewable generation ensuring the desired success criteria are achieved. Essential Functions Lead and promote a safe, supportive, and high-performing work environment by building effective relationships, treating people with dignity, soliciting feedback, and coaching employees through clear direction, timely feedback, and development opportunities. Align solar and BESS renewable generation operations and maintenance strategies with corporate objectives by maintaining industry, regulatory, and economic knowledge and applying best practices to optimize asset health and production. Manage the solar and BESS renewable generation portfolio by directing staffing, budgets, estimates, schedules, scope, risk identification, and overall organization for project and operational success. Provide leadership and oversight to employees, contractors, and maintenance-related partnerships to support construction oversight, startup, testing, operations, and long-term asset performance. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to maximize asset utilization and remove roadblocks across cross-functional teams including metering, billing, compliance, regulatory, environmental, accounting, market participant, and asset optimization groups. Develop and execute scheduled maintenance plans to prevent equipment downtime and maximize energy production. Collaborate with engineering, planning, asset management, and other stakeholders to utilize generation KPIs, performance metrics, and reporting to monitor project progress, operational performance, risks, and challenges. Provide executive-level updates and decision-support information to leadership. Recruit, train, and manage field employees and other staff to ensure a highly skilled and productive workforce. Lead collaboration and relationship development with our representative workforce partners. Required Qualifications for the Position High school diploma or equivalent. Minimum of 7+ years of experience in one or more of the following: industrial construction projects, project management, renewable or fossil plant operations, labor negotiations, or related experience. Valid driver’s license. Previous experience leveraging Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) for business needs, with proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications and working knowledge of data management and business intelligence software (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools). Ability to lead, coach, develop, and motivate employees and function effectively in multidisciplinary teams across multiple sites. Strong organizational planning, business administration, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with a strategic mindset and strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Working knowledge of accounting, finance, vendor contract administration, liability, and union contracts. Ability to manage mental and physical stress effectively while dealing with unexpected changes, deadlines, time constraints, and budget pressures. Preferred Additional Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Business, Engineering, or Engineering Technology from an accredited university or college; MBA preferred. Experience, education, or training in business plan development, tactical and strategic implementation planning, budget justification, and the use of computers and project software. Formal training or education in coaching and employee development, with previous experience leading a represented workforce (union employees). Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification Working knowledge of all aspects of regulated electric utility and renewable assets, including solar and wind. The preceding description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position. As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations. Work Authorization Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. Workplace Connection Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners. Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds. Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment. Equal Employment Opportunity NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle. By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities. ADA Accommodations If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io Safety Statement Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits. E-Verify NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish) If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away Salary Range*: $133,400.00 - $200,100.00 *The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity. Posting Start Date: 2026-05-31 Posting End Date (if applicable): 2026-06-14 Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date. At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers. We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers. If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.