Central Utility Plant Manager

DTE is one of the nation’s largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer’s homes and Michigan’s progress for more than a century. And as Michigan’s largest source of renewable energy, we’re creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We’re also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states.  But we’re more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities.  When you join us, you’ll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences, and values everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing.  Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.

Job Summary

Location: Kokomo, IN

This position is responsible for overseeing, managing, and directing the day-to-day operations and maintenance activities for the Utility and Energy Assets located within the central utility complex and the manufacturing area at Stellantis’ Kokomo Engine Plant (KEP).
Assets include (4) Chillers; (4) Low Pressure Air Compressors (90 PSI Centrifugal) with a total capacity of 18,800 CFM; (39) Roof Top Air Handling Units (gas-fired); High Bay Lighting and Electrical Distribution Systems; Wastewater Holding Tanks (100,000 gallons) that pump to onsite treatment facility and a Cooling Tower that support several of these systems. Utility systems and powerhouse infrastructure experience is required, particularly in the competitive, non-regulated energy market. Experience supervising unionized labor is important. Work involves performing difficult and complex services requiring a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion. Work is mainly self-directed, with work results reviewed through the achievement of set goals and adherence to policies and procedures. This position reports to a regionally located General Manager.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure that the Company-owned utility assets are operated in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner while satisfying the utility and energy requirements of the Customer (Stellantis)
• Supervise and direct the daily activities of all plant personnel, including an hourly, unionized workforce consisting of 4 Operating Engineers and 3 Skilled Tradespersons, all of whom are Stellantis employees
• Understand and adhere to all commercial and contractual obligations
• Act as the onsite liaison between the Company and the Customer
• Ensure that all financial goals are met
• Develop and manage annual O&M budget and cost-savings measures
• Manage site purchasing and inventory control processes
• Manage employee time entry and work schedules
• Develop and lead continuous improvement activities
• Prepare and issue weekly and monthly reports in a timely, consistent manner
• Support the development and implementation of all Onsite Energy Business Unit initiatives and best practices
• Develop and maintain a close working relationship with key customer personnel
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent and at least 7 years supervisory or managerial experience in the operation, maintenance and administration of powerhouses, utility systems, chemical processes, or similar plant assets, or
• Associate’s degree or industry-recognized certificate (i.e., the completion of a core group of course designated by the institution) in a related discipline and at least 5 years supervisory or managerial experience in the operation, maintenance and administration of powerhouses, utility systems, chemical processes, or similar plant assets, or
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and at least 3 years supervisory or managerial experience in the operation, maintenance and administration of powerhouses, utility systems, chemical processes, or similar plant assets

Other Qualifications

Preferred:

• An understanding of the technology utilized by the customer and how it relates to the commodities and services provided by DTE Vantage
• Knowledge of the regulatory processes under which the facility operates
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Working knowledge of powerhouse equipment and systems, including but not limited to, chillers, electrical distribution, heat exchangers, hot water distribution, chemical treatment equipment, transformers, motors, pumps, piping/valves, instrumentation, control systems, etc.
• Direct experience with the switching operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of Medium Voltage Electrical Equipment.
• An understanding of energy efficiency practices and energy conservation techniques
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively at all levels of staff and management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Work independently or as part of a team without significant supervision
• Ability to develop and manage operating & maintenance budgets
• Promote and maintain strong, positive relationships with coworkers, suppliers, contractors, vendors, and customers
• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with both a functional and business leader, who collaborate on employee issues and decisions (including performance management, compensation, and development)

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is:

• Occasionally stand or walk and stoop or kneel
• Frequently sit
• Frequently lift objects of up to 10 pounds in weight. Occasionally lift or move onjectos of up to 25 pounds in weight
• Talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use wrists, hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion; and reach with hands and arms extensively 
• Use computers with exposure to video display terminals; and some repetitive motion associated with data entry, the use of a computer mouse, and while using other office equipment
• Possess the following vision requirements: close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

Work both in a business office setting and a plant site.  Occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or himid conditions, and may work near moving mechanical parts and/or machinery.  Occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration.  Be in a work environment that is usually moderat but may become loud at the plant site

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.