Manager - Grid Innovation and Infrastructure Solutions

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 The Grid Innovation and Infrastructure Solutions Manager will be responsible for leading a team in evaluating, delivering, and operating new distribution assets, including distribution electric delivery infrastructure and innovative technologies such as battery storage. The role aligns all plans and activities with corporate goals, overseeing project execution for on‑budget, on‑time, and on‑scope delivery. It focuses on new and emerging industry policy and technology, planning and executing pilots and demonstrations for emerging technology. The manager oversees the distribution implementation plan and strategy of the Distributed Energy Resources Management System (DERMS) and other relevant operational impact initiatives. The role also oversees the engineering, construction, operations, and maintenance of company‑owned distribution battery systems, and interacts with regulatory, planning, and senior business leadership to advance the company’s policy and practices in safely interconnecting and managing energy storage systems on the grid. Essential Responsibilities Lead strategic planning and implementation for emerging technologies to support distribution operations, such as battery storage, DER management, electric vehicles and associated implementation. Understand financial impacts of decisions or policies and drive the development of operational and regulatory plans to gain approval and regulatory recovery. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Responsible for execution of distribution capacity projects. Work with planning to schedule projects for upcoming years and plan for appropriate internal and external resources. Provide engineering and project management expertise, utilizing corporate policies, standards, and best practices on project execution. Manage contracts and third‑party contractors and their performance. Develop, construct, and operate battery storage systems. Develop integration and control strategies for battery storage systems. Analyze and evaluate energy storage value propositions and business cases. Maintain operations and maintenance best practices for the battery systems. Provide oversight and performance accountability to contractors and consultants as necessary. Lead and mentor a team of engineers, project managers, and technology specialists to accomplish the group’s mission. Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment. Conduct performance reviews, recruiting, and hiring activities. Provide for ongoing, effective and clear communication of the organizational vision, mission, key objectives and individual roles to employees and leaders. Communicate with and establish effective working relationships to maximize efficiency, responsiveness and resource allocation. Manage development of unit business plan and operating budget. Monitor results. Ensure alignment with organizational and corporate objectives. Lead and participate in public and regulatory arenas to champion the company’s commitment, concerns and position. Provide support to regulatory for cost & valuation analysis and testimony as necessary. Guide practices and procedures such as interconnection guidelines. Stay abreast of new technologies and current industry practices. Represent the company in regional and national organizations. Guide research investments through EPRI, NREL and similar entities to gain value and insights necessary to inform and guide the company. Minimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field required. Advanced degree preferred. 7 years of work experience within the electric delivery industry, including 3 years of experience leading teams or projects. Experience in electric distribution preferred. Experience with battery energy storage systems, flexible interconnection, Distributed Energy Resources Management Systems (DERMS), or other similar emerging technologies preferred. Ability to drive major initiatives, significant communication and influence skills (written and verbal). Demonstrated management history of cultivating positive operating cultures. Demonstrated leadership successes. Demonstrated knowledge of management systems, safety manual and labor agreement is essential. Professional Engineer license from a state within the company’s service territory is preferred. Compensation and Benefits The anticipated starting base pay for this position is $129,000.00 to $183,200.00 per year. This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited‑Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short‑term disability (STD), Long‑term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave. Equal Opportunity 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. Accommodation Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Application Deadline Deadline to Apply: 05/27/26 #J-18808-Ljbffr Xcel Energy Inc